Clean Government That Works
for the People

Michigan’s government should answer to voters — not lobbyists, corporations, or wealthy donors.

Too often, decisions in Lansing are shaped by special interests instead of the people they represent.

We need a government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on solving problems for Michigan families.

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Democracy works best when public officials serve the public — not the highest bidder.

The System Is Broken

Michigan voters expect honesty and accountability from their government.

But the current system allows wealthy interests to pour money into politics, lobbyists to shape legislation behind closed doors, and officials to move between government and corporate jobs.

When money dominates politics, everyday people lose their voice.

What’s Driving the Problem

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Dark Money in Politics

Wealthy donors and outside groups can spend unlimited money to influence elections and legislation.

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Lobbyist Influence

Corporate lobbyists shape policy behind the scenes while ordinary citizens struggle to be heard.

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The Revolving Door

Politicians and regulators often leave government to work for the same industries they once oversaw.

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Lack of Transparency

Too many decisions are made behind closed doors with little public oversight.

Who Benefits From the Current System?

Large corporations, special interest groups, and wealthy donors benefit from a political system where money buys influence.

When policies are written for those with the most resources, the public interest takes a back seat.

We can restore trust in government by putting power back where it belongs — with the people.

A Government That
Works for the People

Michigan deserves a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to voters.

My plan would reduce the influence of money in politics, strengthen ethics rules, and ensure public officials work for the people they represent.

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Public Campaign Financing

Create a system that allows candidates to run competitive campaigns without relying on wealthy donors.

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Stronger Ethics Rules

Establish independent ethics oversight, require stronger financial disclosures, and enforce clear conflict-of-interest rules for elected officials and lobbyists.

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Transparency in Government

Require stronger disclosure laws and make government data open to the public.

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End the Revolving Door

Require cooling-off periods before former officials can lobby the government they once served.

Why This Matters for
Michigan Families

When government decisions are influenced by big donors and political insiders, ordinary Michiganders lose their voice.

These reforms would ensure elections are more competitive, decisions are more transparent, and public officials are accountable to the people they represent.

A government that works for the public is essential for solving the real challenges facing Michigan families.

Restoring Trust in Government

Michigan residents deserve a government that works for them — not one shaped by insiders and special interests.

Today, Michigan ranks near the bottom nationally for legislative ethics laws. According to national governance watchdog organizations such as the Center for Public Integrity, Michigan has historically received failing grades for legislative ethics oversight and transparency requirements.

When the rules are weak, the public loses confidence that government decisions are being made in their interest.

These reforms would reduce the influence of big money, strengthen accountability, and ensure that elected officials answer to voters.

By modernizing Michigan’s campaign finance system and ethics laws, we can begin restoring trust in state government.

Closing the Loopholes

Michigan’s campaign finance system still contains loopholes that allow special interests to exert outsized influence.

Reforms would:

• Require full transparency for political spending and dark money groups
• Limit the ability of lobbyists and PACs to bundle large campaign donations
• Establish stronger cooling-off periods to prevent the revolving door between government and lobbying

Closing these loopholes helps ensure Michigan’s government answers to voters — not special interests.

How We Fix Michigan’s Government

These reforms would reduce the influence of money in politics, strengthen accountability, and make Michigan’s government more transparent and responsive to voters.

The FAIR Plan would modernize Michigan’s campaign finance system, strengthen ethics rules, and protect the integrity of our elections.

Key reforms include:

Public Campaign Financing

A voluntary public financing system would allow candidates to run competitive campaigns supported by small donations and matching public funds, reducing reliance on large donors and corporate influence.

Stronger Ethics and Conflict-of-Interest Rules

Michigan currently has some of the weakest legislative ethics laws in the country. New rules would require stronger financial disclosures, clear conflict-of-interest standards, and independent oversight to ensure public officials are accountable to the people they serve.

Transparency and Open Government

Reforms would expand public access to government records, strengthen lobbying disclosure requirements, and ensure that political spending is fully transparent, so voters know who is influencing elections.

Protecting Fair Elections and Voting Access

Michigan voters established the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) to end partisan gerrymandering. These reforms would strengthen and protect the commission’s independence while expanding access to voting through secure early voting, vote-by-mail protections, and stronger safeguards against voter intimidation.

Protecting Polling Places and Election Workers

Michigan must ensure that voting remains safe and accessible. Clear protections would prevent intimidation at polling places and restrict improper federal or outside enforcement activity that interferes with lawful voting.


Ending the Revolving Door

Meaningful cooling-off periods would prevent elected officials and senior staff from immediately becoming lobbyists targeting the same government institutions they once served.

Together, these reforms would create a government that is more transparent, accountable, and responsive to Michigan voters.

Ensuring These Reforms Work

Strong reforms require strong enforcement.

The Clean Elections and Government Reform Act would create clear oversight mechanisms to ensure these rules are followed and enforced.

Key provisions include:

• An independent ethics oversight body with investigative authority
• Clear penalties for ethics violations and conflicts of interest
• Public reporting and transparency requirements for campaign financing and lobbying activity
• Regular audits and public disclosure to ensure compliance

These safeguards ensure the rules apply to everyone — and that government remains accountable to the people of Michigan.

How We Pay For It

Public campaign financing programs are designed to be affordable, transparent, and stable.

The Michigan Clean Elections Fund would be supported through several dedicated funding sources, including:

• A share of campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics violation penalties
• A small portion of unclaimed property revenue
• A voluntary tax checkoff allowing residents to contribute when filing state taxes
• A modest democracy integrity fee on large corporate political expenditures
• A baseline legislative appropriation to ensure the program remains stable

Together, these sources create a reliable funding stream while ensuring the program represents only a tiny share of the state budget.

For a modest cost, Michigan can dramatically reduce the influence of big money in politics and give everyday voters a stronger voice in elections.

A Future Michigan Can Build Together

Michigan has always been a state defined by innovation, hard work, and community.

With the right leadership and policies, we can build a future where families can afford to live and thrive, workers are rewarded for their contributions, and government serves the people it represents.

The Michigan Reform Plan is a roadmap for that future.

Read the Full Plan

These reforms are part of a broader effort to restore trust and accountability in Michigan government.

Learn more about the FAIR Plan →

Michigan’s Future Is Worth Fighting For

If you believe government should work for working families — not the well-connected few — join our campaign.

Together we can build a Michigan that is more affordable, more accountable, and more fair.

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