LANSING, Mich. — Lobbyists could play a bigger role next year as an especially large class of freshmen lawmakers and a governor-elect with little previous political experience take office.
Lobbying already is big business in Lansing. The nonpartisan Michigan Campaign Finance Network says Michigan lobbyists reported spending $17.8 million on public officials' meals, travel, lodging, gifts and tickets to events the first seven months of 2010.
Last year, lobbyists spent at least $32.1 million. Secretary of state figures show the state had 2,783 registered lobbyists last year, 500 more than in 1999.
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Lobbyists say they play an important role in educating lawmakers on the issues and giving a voice to those affected by lawmakers' actions.