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 Michigan Campaign Finance Network released three reports over the past week relating to the state’s campaign finances, including political action committee fundraising,…
A survey released by the People for…
Five candidates and one nonprofit organization have spent only $3,371,214 on gubernatorial campaigns through July 4 this year, a drop of over $5.9…
According to Gavel Grab, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has plunged into an intense debate and endorsed an end to local and state elections of judges. At a question-and-answer session Thursday before the National Association of Women Judges, Justice…
The Newseum and First Amendment Center launched the “
A survey released by the People for…
Around the country the subject of Fair & Impartial Courts keeps coming up, states are looking at the effectiveness of selecting judges based on a merit system instead of elections. Many states…
The Newseum and First Amendment Center launched the “
Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio are among seven states leading the country in online access to government spending data.A new U.S. PRIG report, “
According to Gavel Grab, after cutting a deal with the National Rifle Association, Democratic House leaders witnessed a backlash over a bill to require greater disclosure by special interests of their funding for campaign advertising. As a result, Democrats…
Recently the Brookings Institution, in cooperation with the Hoover Institution, published a policy brief on institutional change in the wake of the economic recession. In addition to providing suggestions for reforming current government institutions, the report recognizes the…
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. released Independent Redistricting Commissions: Reforming Redistricting Without Reversing Progress Toward Racial Equality.The report provides an overview of independent redistricting commissions and examines their potential impact on minority voting rights and notes…
The Federal Election Commission has allowed Congressional candidates unrestricted campaign funds to influence the redistricting process. A New York Times editorial blasts the FEC’s decision, arguing candidates shaping the map making…
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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MI: Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm urges Congress to pass incentives for electric vehicles
MI: Granholm -- Oil cleanup needs more resources
MI: Michigan shut out in federal schools competition Race to the Top
Brennan Center Democracy Program
Citizen Advocacy Center Government Monitoring
George Mason University United States Elections Project
