We have major news to share, and it couldn’t come at a more important moment! Groundwork has officially joined the “MOP UP Michigan” fight, aimed at getting big money out of Michigan politics. This is a bold, statewide ballot initiative to cut corporate money in politics and put power back where it belongs—with everyday Michiganders!
Right now, families across our region are being squeezed by rising electric rates and a cost-of-living crisis that continues to surge. Yet at the same time, massive corporations—especially powerful energy utilities like Consumers, DTE, and Enbridge—continue to pour money into our political system to protect their profit margins and block common-sense solutions. In fact, the main political action committees of DTE and Consumers have made contributions to 93% of the current state lawmakers, 136 out of 147, according to a Detroit News analysis. We see the negative impact every day—smart policies like community solar stall, not because they don’t make sense, but because corporate money distorts our democracy.
That’s why the MOP UP Michigan Campaign matters so much. The ballot initiative would prohibit political contributions from large corporations that have major government contracts. Voters could close dark-money loopholes that allow corporate donors to hide their influence. At its core, the effort is about restoring fairness, transparency, and accountability in Michigan politics—so we can finally clear the path for real climate action, affordable clean energy, and policies that put people first. To put it bluntly, we will not be able to pass the policies needed to solve the climate crisis without ending the corrosive impact of money in our politics.
The urgent need for your signature is real. To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the campaign must submit 356,958 valid petition signatures by April, and the goal is even higher to have a solid buffer in case some signatures are disqualified. Momentum is building fast, with broad bipartisan support and strong positive polling at a whopping 81% of the general population. But successfully collecting 400,000+ signatures depends on people like you stepping up right now.
As part of this campaign, Groundwork will be hosting office hours every other Wednesday for petition signature collection starting Wednesday, January 21st, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Groundwork Office: 414 E. Eighth Street, Suite 204, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Please stop by, bring friends, sign the petition, and help move this effort forward.
At Groundwork, we believe climate action, a robust economy, and strong communities all go hand in hand. When electric bills rise and corporate profits soar, it’s clear the system isn’t working for everyday people. Joining the MOP UP Michigan Campaign is about standing up for our neighbors, protecting our future, and making sure Michigan’s democracy works for all of us—not just for multi-billion-dollar corporations.
We’re proud to walk arm in arm with you in this movement and at this moment.
In Solidarity,
Ash Rudzinski
Climate & Environment Program Director
PS: We will also be hosting an in-person training for how to collect signatures, with our pals at Clean Water Action and Voters Not Politicians. If you’re interested, please stay tuned for more details! 
Ashley Rudzinski is Groundwork’s Climate & Environment Program Director. ashley.rudzinski@groundworkcenter.org
