In the wake of the Flint water crisis will Lansing politicos ever get serious about increasing transparency and accountability of state government? Well, if past history is any guide the answer is likely to be NO.

MIRS, a newsletter covering the activities of Michigan state government, recently ran a story telling you all you need to know about Lansing’s true interest in providing Michigan citizens with open and transparent government. Their story on January 22, 2016 started with:

"A Republican-sponsored bill to expand the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was sent last week to the House Government Operations Committee, the panel where dicey legislation is typically sent to die."

Ever since it passage, local government elected officials along with lobbyists for tax and spend interests groups have railed against SB 571. Recall that, within 60 days on an election, SB 571 prevents local governments from using taxpayer funds to promote tax increases.

If local government officials want to advocate for a tax increase they should use their own funds to do so. They shouldn’t be able to dip into your wallet to work against your interests as a taxpayer.

The tax and spend community has been pressuring the Legislature to repeal SB 571, thus allowing them to continue their past practice of advocating for tax increases using your tax dollars. The T and S folks have complained that the new law is too confusing and should be repealed altogether. Fortunately the Legislature seems to be holding firm and resisting this pressure.

One of the biggest legislative battles in 2016 revolves around Michigan's energy policy. DTE and Consumers Power are lobbying vigorously to regain their monopolies in Michigan. Currently the state of Michigan has granted these two energy giants control of 90% of the market. 

Legislative friends of the big two, State Representative Aric Nesbitt (R) and State Senator Mike Nofs (R) chair two key Lansing committees which have been tasked with updating Michigan's energy policy. (Some insiders say that the giants lobbied behind the scenes to help get Nesbitt and Nofs installed as chairmen of the committees which will decide their fate.)

Both legislators have been pushing plans that would effectively give the DTE/Consumers alliance control of the entire energy market in Michigan. This is good for their profits but bad for ratepayers and taxpayers. Below is an excerpt from MIRS, a newsletter for Lansing's political class, which illustrates this latest struggle between conservative legislators and those who do the bidding of Lansing insiders.

It’s disappointing that Lansing ignored the will of 80% of Michigan voters who wanted politicians to reprioritize spending rather than raise taxes to fund road repair. Unfortunately we’ve seen this pattern of behavior all too frequently. The establishment wing of the Republican Party, catering to their donors at the Chamber of Commerce, hikes taxes on Michigan’s middle class. Like a broken record playing the same old song, the Chamber lobbies to raise your taxes then squeals like stuck pigs if anyone suggests they too must pay more.

Thanks to your support, The Gadsden Center was able to send out informational mailers in the race for State Representative in the 80th and 82nd Districts.

Typically organizations with ties to deep-pocketed establishment donors are the only ones with the resources to distribute informational mailings. However, thanks to your support, The Gadsden Center was able to send out multiple mailings in both the 80th and 82nd Districts.

The establishment wing of the Republican Party finds resistance to their “tax and spend” road funding plans. This is good news for middle class Michigan citizens.

This resistance was a surprise to the Republican establishment as they expected quick and easy passage of this latest betrayal of Michigan’s middle class. The resistance also demonstrates the power of grassroots citizen advocacy and the influence exerted when you take the time to call legislators and voice your opinion on important issues.