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.
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…
In a move to further transparency in Ohio’s government, a law is being proposed that would require candidates to disclose detailed information about their finances.Candidates statewide would be forced to disclose federal tax returns going back four years, or provide…
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 majority of Americans living in the Midwest are becoming more and more distrusting of government a Pew Research Center for the People and the Press finds.
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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OH: Democrats sue to get labels on judicial ballots
OH: Suit looks to overturn state judicial regulations on fundraising, political affiliation
OH: Ohio's prisons full of low-level felons who would be better served on probation, study says
Pension overhaul treats lawmakers, other state workers differently
Many reactions follow Arizona ruling
As some states close highway rest stops, others see roadside revenue
Brennan Center Democracy Program
Citizen Advocacy Center Government Monitoring
George Mason University United States Elections Project