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

When state lawmakers voted last week to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage, the wide majority of them voted the way their fundraising reports suggested they would. The votes came after a petition-gathering campaign and a lengthy fight that involved some of the state's most active interest groups. read more

posted on 06/15/2018

The eight most active ballot proposal campaigns that are working to change Michigan law in 2018 have already combined to raise $12.3 million, according to new disclosures. The majority of their financial support has come from a small number of organizations and their affiliates. read more

posted on 04/27/2018

With Michigan’s redistricting process, wage laws and marijuana legalization hanging in the balance, the 2018 battle over ballot proposals is just getting started. But it’s already attracted more than $7 million in contributions, according to new campaign finance disclosures. read more

posted on 01/31/2018

It could be the next battle in the struggle between powerful pro-business groups and powerful pro-labor groups. This one has an added wrinkle: The labor groups with the most to lose have a record of financially supporting some Republicans. read more

posted on 12/08/2017

With a small group of large donors driving the numbers upward, three ballot campaigns to change Michigan law have each passed the $1-million mark. Three other campaigns have amassed more than $400,000 in support. read more

posted on 10/26/2017