2015 has indeed been a golden year for us at MLC. Our 50^th anniversary celebration was the highlight of the year. Governor Snyder’s presence at the event made the evening even more special, and in remarks focused on MLC’s staying power, he attributed the team’s success to the human element – citing their ethics, hard work and passion. The support we received from not only the Governor but also more than 300 legislators and friends from the past 50 years has been humbling. Since Tom Clearly founded the firm in 1965, MLC has worked with some of the most respected companies in America. We have helped clients win more than $500 million in business opportunities with the state and thousands of pieces of legislation have successfully been passed as a result of the team’s knowledge, influence and distinctive expertise. 

The 50^th anniversary celebration was more than just celebrating MLC’s history; it also celebrated Michigan’s political history, activity and the people that shaped the political landscape over the last 50 years and beyond. While Michigan governance is about policy and making decisions, at the heart of it is the people and long-lasting relationships.

Throughout this year we’ve experienced growth in our firm by hiring our sixth lobbyist,Matt Sowash. Matt has 10 years’ experience in state government as a legislative director, analyst, campaign manager and entrepreneur, and his unique experience through all levels of politics brings a fresh millennial perspective to MLC.

In the state, some great programs have made progress throughout the year such as findings and recommendations from the Prescription Drug and Opioid Task Force and extensive work on recommendations from the Mental Health and Wellness Commission. We saw a much-needed transportation package passed that was years in the making, Flint’s struggles with issues surrounding fresh public water and a solution announced to the Detroit Public School’s financial system. The state also received a much-disputed energy plan proposed to the House Energy Policy. The proposal virtually eliminates choice and free market principles in an attempt to update energy policies in Michigan.

Outside of state programs, a very public scandal between state representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat came to light. The extramarital affair and attempted cover up made news fodder from everyone from the Lansing State Journal to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The one positive result of this was how well Michigan’s governing system worked through the scandal, handled the disruption, stayed focused, dismissed it and moved on.

As we look ahead to 2016, there may be new issues, but the one constant will be how we as a firm continue to serve our clients and provide them what they have come to count on from MLC. Just as nobody would have expected the Courser/Gamrat scandal, we don’t know what 2016 will bring us and what diversions or political challenges that may bring. However, it is a national election year and that will bring its own challenges. As of today it appears as if Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump may be the top candidates in the 2016 presidential election. If that happens, will we see advertisements in a Barry Goldwater-esque nature like we did in 1964? Will Trump’s comments backfire and make the general public nervous for his potential danger in the white house? Only time will tell. 

What do you consider to be the biggest milestones in Lansing in 2015?

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.