FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
April 16, 2015
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Big Donations from Insurance Lobby Go to Supporters of No-Fault Overhaul
Five Senators received over $200,000 in total contributions from insurance industry
LANSING — Today, Progress Michigan is calling attention to the massive amount of political donations made by the insurance industry to the five Senators that voted in favor of an overhaul to Michigan’s no-fault system. The donations, from multiple insurance companies and controlled PACs, total $222,525 for the five lawmakers. The bill, SB248, passed 5-3 out of the Senate Insurance Committee.
“The people of Michigan elected lawmakers into office to work on their behalf, but this vote is further proof that too many lawmakers are working on behalf of big donors instead of the people,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “This is a perfect example of the need to hold lawmakers accountable who choose to represent the interests of corporate special interests over that of their constituents.”
Chairman of the committee, Senator Joe Hune (R-Hamburg Township), who is also the sponsor of the bill, has received the most donations — totaling $108,075 from the insurance industry. Senator Virgil Smith (D–Detroit), the lone Democrat to vote yes on the bill, received the second most in donations, totaling $36,800.
“These donations and the speed at which these bills have been pushed through speak volumes about the priorities of the Senate Insurance Committee,” Scott continued. “These Senators should focus on lowering costs for motorists instead of increasing the profits of political donors at the expense of victims of catastrophic auto accidents.”
The donations to other Senators voting yes include $23,550 to Senator Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township), $30,000 to Senator Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage) and $24,100 to Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge).
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