Gov. Rick Snyder signs law to raise cap on donations to Michigan political candidates

12/27/2013

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a law that allows people to donate more money to Michigan political candidates.

The limits haven’t changed in decades. Donors now will be able to give as much as $6,800 to a candidate running for statewide office, $2,000 for a state Senate candidate and $1,000 to a Michigan House candidate. The caps will increase over time with inflation.

Democrats opposed the bill, saying few people have been giving the maximum to political candidates. Party Chairman Lon Johnson said Friday that Snyder and other Republicans are rewarding the wealthy.

But supporters say the cost of running for office has gone up and raising the limits will help all parties.

The law also will require more disclosure about who’s paying for certain ads and automated phone calls.