Dive Summary:
- Western Michigan University lobbyist Katie DeBoer John says the $41,170 the university spent on lobbying state lawmakers in 2011 isn't out of line with what other universities spent, and that it was necessary in order to keep lawmakers up to date on the school's programs and initiatives.
- Michigan's 15 public universities spent a total of $2.1 million last year lobbying state and federal lawmakers, with the University of Michigan topping the list at $716,663.
- State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker said the amount spent on lobbying doesn't seem unreasonable, and that she especially welcomed input from the universities this year as the state's lawmakers work out a metrics-based budget that links state money to goals like improved graduation rates.
From the article:
Western Michigan University lobbyist Katie DeBoer John said there’s nothing lavish about the university spending $41,170 on lobbying state lawmakers in 2011. ...