We are an alliance of political reformers and policy researchers committed to improving democratic institutions in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. We advocate for a political system that will create a healthy economy, good jobs, access to health care and quality schools.
The public has a right to know how its government is being run. For a government to be held accountable to the public, it must operate in the open. Public access to government records and meetings are necessary in order to keep our government honest, responsive, and democratic.
As Sunlight Labs continues to invest in retrieving data out of the U.S. government, the non-profit wonders why others have not followed their path.By using data to try and improve and create…
The Joint Legislative Ethics Committee, which oversees lobbying activity in Ohio, has begun upgrading its system to allow easier access to lobbyist spending.The system allows people to search for data in a number of ways, including by legislator, bill number…
Lobbyist spending in Michigan took a steep dive in 2009, falling $2.3 million. The 6.8 percent drop in spending totaled $31,849,916 in 2009, according to a release by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.The state’s top lobbyists, however, haven’t seen the…
The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and Crain’s Chicago Business have teamed up to detail the amount of campaign finances each candidate for Illinois’ governor, U.S. Senate and Cook County…
Census and Redistricting - 2009-2010
Midwest a hotspot for census, redistricting efforts Participation crucial to full and…
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Public Financing for Federal Campaigns - 2009
Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support federal public financing legislation
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Midwest Open Government Project - 2009
New study finds five Midwestern states have dim sunshine laws Clouded…
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A Citizen’s Guide to Redistricting - 2008
New guide brings redistricting out into the open
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