The Michigan Campaign Finance Network is reporting that two of the major policy initiatives this legislative session are being driven by seven-figure advertising campaigns, more than $700,000 in contributions to legislators, and an undisclosed amount of money spent on lobbying. The group reports that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan has spent $1.4 million on television advertising, $352,000 on political contributions, and at least $412,000 on lobbying to advocate its proposal to remake the individual health insurance market in Michigan. Similarly, the Michigan Jobs and Energy Coalition–whose two most prominent members are Consumers Energy and DTE Energy–has spent $1.9 million on television advertising as part of its effort to promote “comprehensive” energy reform. Consumers and DTE have both contributed several hundred thousand dollars to legislators and PACS, in addition to spending similar amounts on lobbyists.
While these amounts are striking in their own right, unfortunately the amount of money that these entities have given to multi-client lobbyist firms will never be known, as Michigan law only requires multi-client firms to report their gross receipts and list their clients. There is no requirement that they list how much individual clients spent. Consequently, Michigan residents may never know how much has been spent by these entities to influence public policy this legislative session.
Related posts:
- Michigan Health Insurance Companies Use Near-Monopolies to Set Prices
- Michigan Lobbyist Spending is Up but Disclosure Limited
- Michigan Energy Companies Lobbying Legislators and the Public
- Pre-Campaign Gubernatorial Television Ad Spending Reaches $16.7 million
- Michigan Utilities Seeking to Increase Electric Rates
