Detroit Regional Chamber > Vote ‘No’ on Prop 2, Protect Free Speech

Vote ‘No’ on Prop 2, Protect Free Speech

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Proposal 2026-2 is a proposed initiated law to prohibit campaign contributions from certain regulated utilities and government contractors and apply campaign finance laws and regulations to additional types of political communications .

The proposal would:  

  •  Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities and contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them.
  •  Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for or against them.
  • Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications. 

 
Why this proposal should not be adopted:

 

Free Speech

  • Limits who can engage in the political process.
  • Specifies utilities, and contractors with government contacts over $250,000, to which nearly 1,000 entities would be impacted. 
  • People with “Substantial” connections also covered but undefined.  

Negatively Impact Issue Advocacy 

  • While imperfect, issue advocacy is how many people or groups share concerns with legislation with the public and with legislators.  

Very Likely Court Challenges 

  • Given the likely infringement on free speech and political communications, this proposal will undoubtedly face costly court challenges. 
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