State Rep. Mark Tisdel today voted to reduce the influence of powerful special interests in Michigan politics and strengthen public confidence that decisions in Lansing are made on behalf of taxpayers, patients and ratepayers, not major corporations seeking political influence.

“The people of Michigan have been clear: They want money out of politics and accountability from their government,” said Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills. “I listened, and I voted to make sure powerful corporations cannot use political donations to put a thumb on the scale in Lansing.”

Tisdel said the vote builds on House efforts this term to challenge powerful interests on issues ranging from utility costs and health care to corporate subsidies and government contracting.

“We’ve spent this term standing up to interests that have enormous resources and enormous influence,” Tisdel said. “If lawmakers are going to challenge utilities over higher rates, push back against rising health care costs and eliminate wasteful corporate giveaways, then we also have to make sure those same interests cannot use campaign contributions to undermine reform.”

Tisdel has supported efforts to hold utilities accountable for rising costs and unreliable service while strengthening oversight on behalf of ratepayers. He said elected officials and regulators responsible for overseeing utilities should remain focused on the public interest.

Tisdel also pointed to House efforts to scrutinize taxpayer-funded corporate incentives and expose waste in state spending.

“We have worked to eliminate corporate welfare and protect taxpayer dollars,” Tisdel said.

The proposal also addresses political contributions involving companies that receive government contracts, an area Tisdel said requires clear safeguards to protect taxpayers and maintain confidence in the contracting process.

“Companies doing business with the government should compete on the quality and value of their work, not on the size of their political contributions,” Tisdel said. “Taxpayers deserve a level playing field and confidence that contracts are awarded for the right reasons.”

The proposal reached the Legislature after Michigan residents collected signatures in support of the initiative. Tisdel said the House acted on that message and hopes the Senate will pass the legislation soon.

“The people did their part by collecting signatures and bringing this issue before the Legislature, and the House did its part by voting,” Tisdel said. “It is disappointing that the Senate has not shown up to work to pass it.”