LANSING — State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) voted against Senate Bill 661, which would change Michigan elections by allowing special interests to spend more money on politicians and campaigns while weakening financial disclosure.

“I have never heard anyone say they think there should be more money in politics,” Dianda said. “When dealing with campaign finance, what we should really be working on is transparency.”

SB 661 reduces campaign and governmental transparency for politicians and special interests at the expense of voting citizens. The bill would:

  • Double the maximum donation an individual, special interest or lobbyist can make to a candidate or political party and adjust the contribution limits for inflation every four years.

  • Alter the definition of “contribution” in order to raise annual contribution caps on items such as food and beverages.

  • Limit Michigan’s secretary of state from implementing rules that would limit the spending by political action committees (PAC), super PACs and other special interests.

“This bill is shameful. It is not legislation aimed at helping the Michiganders legislators are supposed to represent,” Dianda said. “That’s why I voted against it, and that’s why I will continue to oppose this and any similar type of legislation. We need real reform in campaign finance law – not laws pumping more money into campaigns.”