Who: Michigan Alliance for Prosperity What: Radio ad in favor of a ballot proposal to require supermajority tax votes Truth Squad call: No foul Questionable statements: “… the cost of living for the average family is outpacing growth in their household income. Families everywhere are paying more for basic needs like food, clothing, utilities and […]
National Conference of State Legislatures
Posted inMichigan Government
Show (yourself) the money!
The good news: It’s an election year. Michigan voters get to pass judgment on filling 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, plus some seats on the state Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, the State Board of Education, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, University of Michigan Board of Regents, and Wayne […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful” — Samuel Johnson, 18th century English essayist. * In our increasingly “yes/no” political world, let’s start off today with a thought experiment about “maybe.” Settle in. What if you were told the Legislature and governor just enacted bills to increase […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Legislature + lobbyists is a match made with money
Willie Sutton reputedly said he robbed banks because that’s where the money was. Freshmen lawmakers new to the ways and means of Lansing find the same principle applies when replenishing their campaign accounts mere weeks after taking the oath. Where the money is for that purpose can be a quick step across the street from […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Loose rules allow lobbyists to fatten lawmakers
When it comes to ethics guidelines, or ordering off the menu, the Michigan Legislature has long set a low bar for itself. Other states bar lobbyists from buying meals and drinks for lawmakers. Others set limits on how much food and beverage a lawmaker can accept from a lobbyist in a single setting — $50 in […]