LANSING, Mich., Feb. 21, 2024 — Attorney General Dana Nesselannounced today that two funds connected to former Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey violated campaign finance laws by seeking funds for the Unlock Michigan ballot initiative in 2020. The funds allegedly targeted donations specifically for the Unlock Michigan proposal, allowing donors to contribute anonymously and bypass transparency regulations. In response, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), who chairs the House Elections Committee, issued the following statement:
“The charges announced today are merely the latest example of a misuse of funds connected to high-ranking Republican legislators. Michiganders deserve better from their elected leaders. Under a Democratic majority, we’ve passed laws to shine light on money in politics and enhanced voting rights. My Democratic colleagues and I are firmly committed to fighting abuses of power and making government accessible and accountable to the people.”
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