DTE, Consumers sue to block ‘money out of politics’ proposal approved by voters

Michigan's two largest utility companies, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Proposal 2, a ballot measure that over 80% of voters approved just two days earlier. The proposal prohibits utilities and companies with large state contracts from making political contributions, extending the ban to company executives, board members, their family members, and associated individuals. The utilities claim these restrictions violate First Amendment free speech rights and Fourteenth Amendment protections, arguing the law is unconstitutionally vague and unfairly targets their industry while restricting political participation of employees and families.