LANSING – State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) today announced a plan to ensure greater public accountability of elected officials by strengthening campaign finance rules to protect taxpayer dollars from being improperly used.
"Reforming campaign finance will restore integrity to the political process," Miller said. "We need to have strong penalties for anyone who violates the public trust."
One of the measures introduced today would expand the Michigan House of Representatives' rule banning fundraising in state facilities and extend it to prohibit anyone working for a candidate from soliciting or receiving contributions in a state facility. A violation would be punishable by a fine or up to 90 days in jail.
"This plan will make sure no tax dollars are being misused for a political campaign," Miller said. "Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to foot the bill for the cost of running a political campaign – and that is essentially what happens when a candidate exploits a state facility by using it as a place to solicit campaign contributions."
The comprehensive plan includes measures that will:
· Prohibit a campaign committee from paying a salary to a candidate. A committee violating this rule could be fined up to $10,000.
· Expand the ban that prohibits a legislator from receiving an honorarium to include all state elected officials.
· Specify that if a violation is alleged by the Attorney General, the matter will be handled by the prosecuting attorney for Ingham County, rather than by the Attorney General's Office.
"Transparency in government is an important part of a healthy democracy," Miller said. "This plan brings greater public accountability of elected officials by expanding some of the laws already in place and creating strong new ones."