Matt Grossmann, Charley Ballard, and host Arnold Weinfeld discuss Michigan and national politics, policy, and the economy on the monthly State of the State podcast from MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR).

The trio’s guest this month is Nick Pigeon, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. It’s a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to shine the brightest light possible on the role of money in Michigan politics.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:07) – Why did the Michigan Legislature break early?

(3:19) – What are the implications if the Legislature extends their break into the spring?

(4:28) – Do you think we’ll see renewed calls for a part time legislature?

(5:21) – What’s the state of the economy? “It’s been resilient, worker productivity is growing, and gasoline prices are way down.”

(9:45) – What about Michigan’s economy in the next six months to a year?

(11:52) – How does Michigan’s economy compare to other states you’ve visited recently?

(14:32) – If you were President Biden’s political consultant, what would you tell him?

(15:37) – All about the Michigan Campaign Finance Network and their perspective on the recently passed financial disclosure legislation.

(22:59) – Will the new legislation have a positive impact?

(25:42) – What about FOIA, the Freedom of Information Act, for legislators?

(27:22) – “The dream that transparency was going to lead to a more satisfied public has come and gone.”

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