So far in 2019, a small group of influential state lawmakers has been consuming larger than normal amounts of free food and drink purchased by lobbyists. Those lobbyists spent more than $4,000 on meals and beverages for three individual lawmakers over the first seven months of 2019, according to new disclosures. read more

posted on 09/11/2019

Registered lobbyists disclosed buying at least $1,000 in food and drink for 27 different state lawmakers in 2018, according to an analysis of new disclosures. Among the four lawmakers who received the most free food and drink were the incoming speaker of the House and the incoming chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. read more

posted on 02/28/2019

This spreadsheet lists the lobbyist-funded food and drink totals for each public officeholder included in Michigan lobbyist disclosures. The numbers are the totals that were disclosed for 2018 and are based on disclosures filed with the secretary of state by registered lobbyists. read more

posted on 02/28/2019

State lobbyists reported spending $428,533 on food and drink purchases over the first seven months of 2018. While it's impossible to track which officeholders individually benefited from all of those free meals, disclosures show that at least 16 state lawmakers received more than $1,000 in free food and beverages. read more

posted on 09/18/2018

A little over a year after the Michigan Senate moved its offices into a new building, there are days when senators are just an elevator ride away from private parties offering free food and drink, according to invitations they’ve received. read more

posted on 05/25/2018

Lobbyists reported spending $821,640 purchasing food and drink in 2017. According to new disclosures, 30 different lawmakers benefited from at least $1,000 in free food and drink last year. Three of them crossed the $3,000 mark. Lobbyists’ food bill for 2017 is the second highest they have posted for a single year, losing out only to 2015. read more

posted on 03/02/2018

Michigan lobbyists reported spending $540,598 on food and drink purchases for public officeholders over the first seven months of 2017, according to new state disclosures. That total is the second highest ever posted for the first seven months of a year and isn't far from the record. Some state officeholders, including high-ranking lawmakers, have received a larger portion of the free food and drink from lobbyists than others. read more

posted on 09/18/2017