State Rep. Jamie Thompson today voted to get money out of politics by blocking public-backed utilities and other large corporations from donating to political campaigns and candidates.

Thompson and other Michigan House members overwhelmingly approved the Michiganders for Money out of Politics (MMOP) citizen-initiated law proposal, which came into focus after hundreds of thousands of Michiganders signed a petition urging the Legislature to adopt the policies reflected in the MMOP proposal.

“As a mother, I understand the struggle and strain a lot of families are going through across our area right now with higher bills. I’ve been taking those voices to Lansing with me to fight for reforms that make life more affordable,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “Special interests shouldn’t have a louder voice than everyone else, and they shouldn’t be able to buy a louder voice than everyone else. This vote puts people first, respects their voice and says no more.”       

Thompson has personally fought to lower energy rates and healthcare bills throughout the entire legislative term. In May, the House passed her bill requiring natural gas and electric utility companies to pass down savings they will receive through personal property tax reforms in the most recent tax year to customers. House Bill 5879 was part of a broader plan to reform property taxes in Michigan to put more money back into people’s pockets and lower barriers for home ownership.

The MMOP proposal must also be approved by the Senate in the coming days, or the decision will be pushed to the November election.