Jocelyn Benson Top Six Priorities for Campaign Finance Reform:

 

1.    Increased Transparency and Disclosure of Corporate Influence

Michigan law must require corporations to publicly file reports when they spend money from their corporate treasury funds to influence elections. This includes disclosing money spent to support organizations like the Michigan Chamber of Commerce that is used in turn to influence elections.  If corporations use their profits to fund political advertisements, citizens should know about it.  

2.    Robo-Call Reform

Under Michigan law, any radio ads, television commercials, flyers, mailings, and other forms of communication designed to influence a citizen’s vote is subject to disclosure requirements, so that we know who is paying for them. We should apply these same disclosure requirements to robo-calls, those annoying, oftentimes untrue and downright offensive, calls that reach our residents in their homes.   

3. No Foreign Money Influencing Michigan Elections

Any corporations owned, in part or in entirety, by foreign investors or shareholders, must be prohibited from using corporate funds to support or oppose candidates or issues in our state.   

4.    Eliminate Potential for Quid Pro Quo Corruption

Companies with contracts with or grants from the State of Michigan should be prohibited from using corporate funds to engage in Michigan elections.  A corporation that has applied for, submitted a bid for, or requested a contract, grant or tax incentive should also not be able to spend corporate money to directly influence elections while the application, bid or request is pending.

5.     Consistent and Non-partisan Enforcement of Current Campaign Finance Regulations

The Secretary of State should create and implement a statewide “naughty list” and make public those who violate campaign finance laws, while also working in tandem with the state Attorney General to swiftly, fully, and consistently enforce campaign finance law in this state.

6.    Shareholders' Bill of Rights

Michigan law must require that corporations disclose to and receive consent from their shareholders regarding any corporate treasury fund spending on political advertising, at least 30 days prior to spending the money.