LANSING, Mich., Oct. 2, 2024 — Improving transparency, increasing accountability and reducing conflicts of interest are all issues in campaign finance addressed during session last week by two bills introduced on the House Floor. State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) introduced House Bills 5975 and 5976, prohibiting State of Michigan contractors or prospective contractors from making political campaign contributions. The legislation specifically prohibits contractors with local government contracts (or future contracts) from giving contributions or donations to candidate committees or candidates, state and local party committees, 527’s committees, or a candidate or a contractor affiliated with a 501(c)(4) organization. Following the introduction, McKinney issued the following statement:
“The people of Michigan should have the confidence and trust in their elected officials to handle the business of the people without impropriety, especially in the areas of awarding contracts for services or resources.
“Part of fiscal responsibility means being free from conflicts of interest or allowing undue financial influence to be used in the bidding process or request for proposals. We aim to do good business on behalf of the people we represent. Prohibiting campaign donations from contractors or prospective contractors who do business or seek business with the state is the right thing to do for ethics and for fairness in the business process. There’s no quid pro quo when it comes to getting a contract with the state, and these bills help make that clear.”
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