A new report says Michigan lawmakers received more than $600,000 in food and drinks from lobbying groups in 2018.
27-state lawmakers received at least $1,000 from lobbying groups.
Craig Mauger is with the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, which compiled the report. He said spending was down from the over $800,000 reported 2017 - but there’s a reason for that.
“In the odd number years, all of the new office holders who are elected in the even number year election take office in the odd number years. Lobbyists spend a lot of money buying food for lawmakers getting to know them in their new term.”
Mauger said the lobbying firms that purchased many of the meals represent multiple clients - which makes it difficult to track which interest group is spending money on which lawmaker.