Sen. Brown introduces bill

Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Township), has introduced a bill in the state Senate to help put an end to “pay to play” politics in Michigan.

Brown said, “Voters shouldn’t have to worry that the endorsements of unions, community organizations, or associations are for sale. The support of these groups should be given to the candidates they think will do the best job, not the candidates with the biggest checkbooks.”

Senate Bill 984 would prohibit candidates from paying others to endorse their candidacy. The measure creates a misdemeanor penalty punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Brown’s bill comes on the heels of recent reports from Detroit media outlets about city council candidates paying for endorsements from local community organizations.

According to The Detroit News, candidates in Detroit elections are routinely required to pay between $500 and $2,000 in exchange for support from key groups.

“This practice raises questions of political corruption and pay to play,” Brown said. “The support of respected community organizations should not be up for sale to the highest bidder.”

SB 984 is currently before the Senate Campaign and Election Oversight Committee for consideration.