Michigan taxpayer-funded lobbying

1 Governor's office
2 Michigan Department of Treasury
3 State schools and lobbying
4 Libraries
5 Taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
6 External links
7 References

Taxpayer-funded lobbying is government to government lobbying. Counties, cities, school districts, public facilities, and associations of public employees frequently use public funds to influence legislation and appropriations at the state and federal levels.

This practice is controversial because public funds are spent to lobby for an agenda not subject to direct approval by voters, and outcomes may be contrary taxpayers benefit.

It can be hard to track public lobbying money. It can go through many different routes before ending up as a contract for lobbyists. For example, the Early Child Investment Corporation (ECIC), a government entity created in 2005, is involved in promoting specific legislation and in influencing law makers.^[1]

[edit] Governor's office

In 2008, the Office of the Governor of Michigan spent $63,672 of taxpayer-money on lobbying.^[2]

The Department of Education, an agency in the Governor's Office, increased its' lobbying budget by 49% from 2007 to 2008. The Department of Environmental Quality, too, increased its lobbying by 12%, while the Governor's Michigan Economic Development Corporation expanded its lobbying budget by 106%. ^[2]

[edit] Michigan Department of Treasury

The Michigan Department of Treasury increased its lobbying budget by 2% fromn 2007 to 2008 to a total of $92,532.^[2]

[edit] State schools and lobbying

Michigan State University increased its lobbying budget 25% last year, while Macomb Community College's lobbying went up by 128%. Many local school districts lobby with taxpayer-dollars, including Oakland County's ISD which increased its lobbying funds by 80%. ^[2]

[edit] Libraries

The Detroit Public Library spent $44,939 in 2008, up 79% from 2007, to lobby for its interests. ^[2]

[edit] Taxpayer-funded lobbying associations

The following is a list of Michigan taxpayer-funded lobbying associations by type:

[edit] City and municipal

[edit] County

[edit] Emergency services

[edit] Health

[edit] Justice

[edit] Planning

[edit] Public officials

[edit] Utilities

[edit] School

[edit] Services

Michigan Assessors Association

[edit] Other

[edit] External links

Michigan Municipal League Affiliates

[edit] References

Michigan taxpayer-funded lobbying associations

	v • d • e Lists of taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
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	v • d • e State of Michigan Lansing (capital)
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