With new leadership in Washington comes new opportunities. PIRGIM is urging Michigan’s congressional delegation to step up and seize the moment as we push for better and more public transportation, affordable and dependable health care, changes in government regulation of Wall Street, and tough limits on special interest influence in politics.

Funding Public Transportation: The 111th Congress will renew the Transportation Bill, which funds highways, bridges and public transportation every six years. We’re calling for investments that will boost our economy by expanding public transportation and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.

Protecting Our Financial Security: PIRGIM’s Securing Our Financial Future campaign brought together some of the nation’s top economists, consumer watchdogs and taxpayer advocates to fight for greater oversight of and accountability for the bailout funds. Our advocates will prepare and deliver a reform package for the new Congress.

Lowering Health Care Costs: Our health care system costs too much and delivers too little. PIRGIM will be partnering with a coalition of national and state organizations to promote policies that will bring new consumer protections and ensure affordable and dependable health care for all Americans. The effort builds on the victories of several state PIRGs in curbing some of the worst insurance industry abuses and the spiraling cost of care.

Cleaning Up Washington: During his campaign, President Barack Obama pledged to fix the presidential campaign funding system to keep wealthy interests from bankrolling campaigns. We look forward to working with the new administration to reduce special interest influence in campaigns.