Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

McCann Proposes Rolling Back State Campaign Contribution Limits

State Senate Sean McCann at a news conference Monday announcing new legislation to lower limits on campaign contributions. Photo by Gordon Evans, WMUK
Gordon Evans
/
WMUK

A state Senator from Kalamazoo County wants to roll back the limits on what individual donors can give to state campaigns. State Senator Sean McCann’s bill would cut contribution limits in half.

In 2013 the state Legislature approved an increase in how much individual donors could give to candidate campaigns and political action committees. McCann says it’s not what voters want.

“I’ve knocked on thousands of constituent doors, and I have yet to hear a voter ask for more money in politics.”

McCann says voters would rather see lawmakers focus on clean water, better schools and improving Michigan’s roads. He says voters in Michigan approved two ballot proposals last year to improve elections, one to put an independent commission in charge of drawing district lines for Congress and the state Legislature. The other makes it easier to register to vote and cast an absentee ballot. McCann says campaign finance is another important part of election reform.

Poster at Monday morning's news conference at state Senator Sean McCann's district office. Photo by Gordon Evans, WMUK
Credit Gordon Evans / WMUK
/
WMUK
Poster at Monday morning's news conference at state Senator Sean McCann's district office
“These are the legs of the stool that I see, fair districts, money and access to the ballot, and if we can build these three legs strong then we can have a good Democracy."

McCann says he plans to formally introduce his legislation this week. The Kalamazoo Democrat says he plans to work on more campaign finance reforms.

The Michigan Campaign Finance Network found that doubling contribution limits added $6.3-million to campaign spending in 2014. McCann’s office says its analysis shows the number for 2018 was closer to $10-million.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
Related Content