PIRGIM is a statewide nonpartisan public interest organization, dedicated to protecting consumer rights, promoting good government, and improving the quality of life for all Michiganders. We do this by researching issues which matter to ordinary Michiganders and advocating for appropriate legislative solutions to complicated problems.

Fighting Bad Road Privatization

The Michigan House is considering legislation that would allow private investors to build and expand highways in Michigan and impose tolls upon them.  This law would open the door for industry to take advantage of Michigan's budget shortfalls and pay fire-sale prices for vital roads and other public infrastructure.  PIRGIM is fighting to add public interest protections to the legislation, including requirements that any deal provide economic benefits to the public in the long-term and that the public retain control of traffic management.

Promoting Ethics And Transparency

Fair and transparent government is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Strong ethics and lobbying laws with vigorous enforcement affirm public confidence in the process. Budget transparency promotes efficiency, checks corruption, and bolsters public participation. But Michigan has fallen behind the times in these areas.  PIRGIM will support state legislation to create a searchable online database of government expenditures, including subsidies, contracts, and tax credits.