Posts tagged "Lobbying"

The Story Behind The Photo: How A U.S. Scientist Unknowingly Starred In An Enbridge Ad Campaign

A statewide advertising campaign that promotes Enbridge’s oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac uses the image of a government scientist who found that 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline would be at risk if the line ruptures. The agency the scientist works for says it didn't give permission for Enbridge to use the image in the ad campaign. read more

posted on 09/30/2019

Fundraisers Ask For ‘Corporate Contributions Only’

Some Michigan lawmakers have been headlining fundraisers where donors are specifically asked to make “corporate contributions only," according to invitations obtained by MCFN. It's a request that could help ensure the sources of money and the groups collecting it remain secret. read more

posted on 09/24/2019

Record Amounts Of Free Food For Some Lawmakers

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

SPREADSHEET: Lobbyist Food And Drink Spending January Through July 2019

This is a list of how much money lobbyists and organizations reported spending on food and drink purchases for individual state officeholders from Jan. 1, 2019, through July 31, 2019. The numbers are based on disclosures filed with the Michigan Secretary of State by the lobbyists and organizations. read more

posted on 09/11/2019

How A County-By-County Push Is Boosting Line 5

A company that owns a controversial oil pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac was one of the sponsors of a recent gathering of county officeholders from across Michigan. At the event, the officeholders voted to take a policy position in favor of the pipeline, a pipeline Michigan's attorney general is trying to shut down. read more

posted on 09/06/2019

Lobbyist Spending Soars In Michigan In 2019

Lobbyist spending in Michigan is on a record pace in 2019. Lobbyists reported spending $23.2 million over the first seven months of 2019, a 6-percent increase over the previous high for the same period in past years, according to disclosures. The spending came as a new class of lawmakers took office and the Legislature overhauled the state's auto insurance system. read more

posted on 09/05/2019

SPREADSHEET: Top 200 Spenders On Lobbying January-July 2019

This spreadsheet lists the 200 groups that have reported spending the most on lobbying in Michigan over the first seven months of 2019. The numbers are based on disclosures filed with the Michigan Secretary of State. The disclosures were due on Sept. 3, 2019. read more

posted on 09/05/2019

A Company, A Bill And The Opioid Crisis

A majority of Michigan's 83 counties have sued drug distributors and manufacturers over their alleged role in the opioid epidemic. However, one of the companies named in the suits registered to lobby in Michigan this year and could soon score a victory in the Legislature. read more

posted on 09/04/2019

A Top Lawmaker-Turned-Consultant Sent A Message. It Caught The Attention Of Officials, Emails Show.

Before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer decided to end the state's medical marijuana licensing board, an email from a former Senate majority leader referencing a conversation with the board's chair gained the attention of state officials. The Michigan Campaign Finance Network learned of the situation through multiple Freedom of Information Act requests. read more

posted on 06/05/2019

Inside One Of The Most Influential Groups In Lansing

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce publicly weighed in on 28 bills or bill packages during the 2018 lame-duck session. The Legislature agreed with the Chamber on 24 of them. The Michigan Campaign Finance Network and Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer partnered to examine the group's influence. read more

posted on 05/30/2019

Who Funded An Overhaul Of Pollution Cleanup Standards? The Lawyer Who Spearheaded It Won't Say.

In a single year, a self-described “lawyer-lobbyist” went from working on behalf of a company accused of poisoning groundwater to writing a law that could weaken Michigan’s standards for pollution cleanup. Citing attorney-client privilege, the lawyer won't disclose who paid him to work on the new law. read more

posted on 05/29/2019

How A Court Decision 36 Years Ago Today Still Shines Light On Power And Influence In Lansing

In the early 1980s, dozens of interest groups rose up to fight new regulations for lobbyists in Michigan. The fight led to a court ruling that came down 36 years ago this month. The ruling protected the main provisions in the state's lobby law, the framework of which is still in place today. read more

posted on 05/03/2019

State Officeholders Had 774 Fundraisers In 2018

Elected state officeholders who served in 2018 disclosed having at least 774 fundraisers during the year, according to an analysis of hundreds of campaign finance disclosures. The most popular places to raise money were all within walking distance of the Capitol, and the wide majority of the most popular days for fundraisers were days the Legislature was also in session. read more

posted on 04/25/2019

Late-Night Lawmaking. A Conference In New Orleans. And A Proposal To Ease Casino Regulations.

As lobbyists for the casino industry increased their spending in Lansing, state lawmakers considered significant changes to Michigan's gaming laws. In the last four months alone, there have late-night votes on a bill to ease regulations covering casinos, vetoes by the governor and undisclosed trips to New Orleans for a gaming conference. read more

posted on 04/04/2019

27 State Lawmakers Received At Least $1,000 In Free Food And Drink In 2018, Disclosures Show

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

Spreadsheet: How Much Did Lawmakers Receive In Lobbyist-Funded Meals In 2018

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

Lame Duck Spurred A Surge In Lobbyist Spending

As state lawmakers sent nearly 400 bills to then-Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk in the closing weeks of the year, lobbyists upped their efforts in Lansing to influence policy decisions, helping to make 2018 a record year for lobbyist spending, according to state disclosures. Overall, lobbyists reported spending $40.3 million in 2018. read more

posted on 02/27/2019

Spreadsheet: Top 200 Spenders On Lobbying In 2018

This document lists the top 200 groups and firms that reported spending the most on lobbying Michigan state government during 2018. The numbers are based on filings with the Michigan secretary of state. Overall, lobbyists reported spending $40.3 million in 2018. read more

posted on 02/27/2019

Who Funded Gov. Whitmer’s Inauguration?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s transition organization voluntarily released a list of inauguration sponsors. The list included 182 groups or individuals who fell into sponsorship categories ranging from $100,000 to $1,000. Some of the groups on the list previously supported Whitmer’s opponent in the election, and many of them will be working with state government on upcoming policy decisions. read more

posted on 02/11/2019

Michigan Lawmakers Push ‘Popular Vote’ Proposals After Seminars In Vacation Spots Like Hawaii

Before Republican lawmakers introduced bills in September to support picking a future president through the national popular vote, many of them attended seminars about the topic in vacation spots, like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. More than 20 lawmakers participated in the conferences with some receiving free air travel and hotel stays. read more

posted on 10/01/2018

Lobbyist Spending On Near-Record Pace In Michigan

According to new data submitted to the Secretary of State, lobbyists reported spending $21.6 million to influence state government over the first seven months of 2018. It’s a total that falls just shy of the record pace for lobbyist spending set last year when lobbyists disclosed spending $21.8 million over the first seven months. read more

posted on 09/21/2018

The Free Food Flows: Which Michigan Lawmakers Have Received The Most Free Meals In 2018?

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

When Lobbyists Aren’t ‘Lobbying’: Groups Disclose Only A Fraction Of What They’re Paying Lobbyists

Two times each year, groups that want to influence state government through lobbying have to file reports on their spending. But according to lobbying contracts obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, state law has allowed many groups to disclose only a portion of the amount they're paying lobbying firms. read more

posted on 09/04/2018

Emails Cast Doubt About The State Of Michigan’s Ties To Enbridge In Line 5 Debate

As a deadline looms for Gov. Snyder to decide the future of a pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac, he has touted efforts to weigh the issue independently. But his administration has given Enbridge avenues to influence the debate. The Michigan Campaign Finance Network and Bridge Magazine have examined thousands of internal documents, investigating potential conflicts of interest in the state's handling of Line 5. read more

posted on 07/11/2018

State Senators Can Go To Receptions Offering Free Food Inside Their Own Office Building

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

How Can Groups Sponsor Trips For Michigan Lawmakers And Not Disclose Them? Here’s How.

Because of large blind spots in Michigan law, state officeholders can go on trips funded by interest groups and easily avoid public detection. Multiple sources say trips funded by groups may happen more often than you would expect, and the same blind spots that exist in Michigan don't exist in some neighboring states or at the federal level. read more

posted on 04/30/2018

In Search Of Cash: State Officeholders Reported Having 601 Fundraisers Last Year

Michigan lawmakers and other state officials reported having 601 fundraisers during 2017, a significant increase compared with previous years, according to a review of campaign finance disclosures. Nearly half of the events took place in downtown Lansing within walking distance of the Capitol on days the Legislature was in session. read more

posted on 03/26/2018

30 Lawmakers Got At Least $1,000 In Lobbyist-Funded Food And Drink Last Year, According To Filings

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 Spent $39.4 Million Last Year

Lobbyists disclosed spending $39.4 million trying to influence state government in 2017. It’s the second highest total Michigan lobbyists have reported spending in a single year, according to state filings. The record spending total came one year ago in 2016 when lobbyists reported spending $39.9 million. read more

posted on 03/02/2018

‘Looking For Legislation To Sponsor’: How Lobbyists Help Write Bills Introduced By Michigan Lawmakers

Lawmakers say lobbyists not only write proposed amendments to add to existing bills but they also present draft language that the lobbyists ask lawmakers to formally introduce as their own bills. But lawmakers also say the general involvement of lobbyists and interest groups makes for better legislation. read more

posted on 01/18/2018

16 Lawmakers Have Received More Than $1,000 In Free Food And Drink So Far In 2017, Filings Show

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

Lobbyist Spending In Michigan Stays On Record Pace

Lobbyists reported spending a record amount trying to influence Michigan officeholders in 2016. Over the first seven months of 2017, they matched their record pace. From Jan. 1, 2017, through July 31, 2017, lobbyists reported spending a total of $21.8 million in Michigan, about the same total that they spent over the first seven months of 2016, $21.7 million. read more

posted on 09/11/2017

Amid Push For Tax Incentives, Quicken Loans Boosted Lobbying Efforts, According To Disclosures

As its chairman pushed for tax breaks to help spur a 52-story development in downtown Detroit, mortgage company Quicken Loans increased its efforts to develop relationships with Lansing lawmakers. According to new disclosures, Quicken Loans spent more on lobbying state government in the first seven months of 2017 — $159,475 — than it had spent in an entire year previously. read more

posted on 09/11/2017

Michigan Lobbyists Have Made $3.7 Million In Political Contributions Since The Start Of 2012

Registered lobbyists have been frequent political donors in Michigan over the years, according to a new analysis of campaign finance disclosures. Since the start of 2012, five-and-a-half years ago, Michigan’s more than 1,300 registered lobbyists made $3.7 million in personal political contributions at the state level. read more

posted on 07/18/2017

Mackinac Policy Conference: A Good Place For Lawmakers To Find A Lobbyist-Funded Meal

If you’re a state lawmaker looking for a free meal, this week may be one of the premier weeks for you, according to the statistics. You’ll just have to head north. read more

posted on 05/30/2017

Democrat, Republican Working Together On Bills To Combat Michigan’s Revolving Door

Lawmakers leaving the Michigan Legislature would have to wait two years before becoming lobbyists under bills being prepped by a Democrat and a Republican in the state House. read more

posted on 04/11/2017

Michigan Lawmakers Disclosed Having More Than 400 Fundraisers Last Year

State lawmakers who served in the Legislature last year self-reported having 414 campaign fundraisers in 2016, according to MCFN’s review of hundreds of campaign finance disclosures. About 46 percent of the events, 192 fundraisers, took place in Lansing on days either the House or the Senate was scheduled to be in session. read more

posted on 03/27/2017

At Least 25 State Lawmakers Received More Than $1,000 In Free Meals From Lobbyists Last Year

Michigan lobbyists reported spending $690,681 on food and drink purchases in 2016 with 25 different state legislators identified as recipients of more than $1,000 in free meals each, according to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network’s (MCFN) review of new disclosures filed with the state. read more

posted on 03/08/2017

2016: Another Record Year For Lobbying In Lansing

Last year saw more spending on lobbying than any year before, according to new filings with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. Lobbyists in Michigan reported spending $39.99 million in 2016. It continues a general upward trend for spending to influence lawmakers. The previous high came just one year before in 2015 when lobbyists reported $38.66 million in spending. read more

posted on 03/03/2017

Fund Tied To New House Insurance Chair’s Husband Received $80k From Insurance Industry Group

A fund tied to the husband of the House Insurance Committee’s new chairwoman received $80,000 last fall from a group that lobbies on behalf of insurance companies. The account then paid most of the money to a business a legislative staffer had filed paperwork to help form. read more

posted on 02/02/2017

In Michigan, The Jump From Lawmaker To Lobbyist Is Usually A Quick One

Unlike Michigan, more than 30 states already have “cooling-off” measures in place, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Facing term limits, 38 lawmakers departed the Michigan House at the end of 2016. If recent history is any indication, several will become lobbyists, and those who do will most likely make the jump within the next six months. read more

posted on 01/17/2017

Bridge and MCFN Joint Investigation: In Lansing, Where Potentially Self-Serving Votes Run ‘Rampant’

An investigation by Bridge Magazine and the Michigan Campaign Finance Network (MCFN) found numerous examples of bills authored or supported by legislators that, at least on the surface, offered the potential of a benefit to the lawmakers, their businesses or their families. Meanwhile, lawmakers are recusing themselves from voting less frequently than before. read more

posted on 10/27/2016

Michigan’s Auto Dealers Have Given $1 Million To State Officeholders And Their Caucuses

As Tesla continues its fight to sell electric vehicles directly to buyers in Michigan, it’s challenging one of the state’s most powerful interest groups: the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association. Auto dealers have given more than $1 million to current state officeholders and their caucuses. read more

posted on 10/05/2016

The Money And Mystery Surrounding Michigan’s New Medical Marijuana Laws

Since the start of 2015, individuals with interests in medical marijuana have contributed nearly $50,000 to seven key lawmakers working on the bills as they moved through the Legislature. But donors disagree on whether money influenced the outcome. read more

posted on 09/30/2016

Relentless Positive Growth For Lobbyists: Once Again, Lobbyist Spending Is On A Record Pace In Michigan

For lobbyists, 2016 is shaping up to be one heck of a year. Over the first seven months of 2016, lobbyists reported $21.7 million in spending, according to disclosures filed at the end of August. That total, $21.7 million, is a record for the first seven months of a year. read more

posted on 09/21/2016

Which Lawmakers Have Received The Most Free Meals So Far In 2016?

The House Health Policy chair, the House Judiciary chair and a Democrat from the Upper Peninsula have consumed the most lobbyist-purchased food and drink over the first seven months of 2016, according to new disclosures. Report... read more

posted on 09/21/2016

Tesla Spent At Least $6,249 On Travel And Lodging For Michigan Lawmakers Earlier This Year

As Tesla Motors Inc. continues its fight to sell cars in Michigan, the company has increased its focus on another form of travel: lobbyist-paid trips for state lawmakers. So far in 2016, Tesla has paid for travel and lodgi... read more

posted on 09/21/2016

Touting A 'Looming Energy Shortfall,' Utility-Connected Nonprofit Spent $7.4 Million Last Year

Without having to disclose its donors, a nonprofit organization that’s tried to influence state lawmakers’ debate over energy policy spent $7.4 million in 2015, according to its newest tax filing. The money paid for phone calls, mail campaigns and hundreds of television ads. The group is called Citizens for Michigan's Energy Future, which has connections to the state's largest electric utilities and has promoted bills that the utilities support. Read more by following the link below. read more

posted on 08/18/2016

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