A ballot proposal aimed at restoring public trust by tackling corporate influence in politics is another step further after its petition language was approved by a state panel last week.

Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) is a grassroots coalition of progressive organizations leading a statewide ballot initiative to ban political contributions from companies with state or local government contracts above $250,000.

The Michigan State Board of Canvassers approved the language of group’s petition summary in a unanimous vote Friday, Aug. 22.

The coalition now says it is preparing to launch a statewide signature drive. It needs to collect 356,958 signatures within 180 days from registered voters to get the proposal before lawmakers to either adopt or reject within 40 days. If the proposal is rejected, it would go to the voters in November 2026.

“When powerful corporations spend big to influence elected officials, the people of Michigan lose our voice in our own government,” Sean McBrearty of Clean Water Action, one of the coalition partners, said in a statement. “There is a conflict of interest when regulated utilities and big government contractors are financially supporting the elected officials who should be working for the people they represent.

McBrearty and the leaders of MMOP says democracy is for sale the way Michigan law currently allows powerful corporations to be fundraising for candidates running for office.

The group names DTE, Consumers Energy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as the top players “buying” political influence by way of donating money to politicians in hopes to influence their votes on legislation affecting the bottom line of their companies.

The proposal would prohibit DTE Energy, Consumers Energy and other utilities regulated by the state Public Service Commission from donating to state lawmakers.

Utility companies in Michigan for years have wielded influence lobbying in Lansing and contributing to political candidates and campaign committees.