FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
March 25, 2014
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Responds to Allegations of Nepotism for Governor’s Cousin
MICHIGAN — Today it was reported that Gov. Snyder’s office made a deal to protect the state’s contract with his cousin’s furniture business during the 2011 budget process. Documents show that Snyder’s cousin contacted Richard Baird, Snyder’s top advisor, to help protect his business’ multi-million dollar contract with the state. Rather than being cut, the contract was increased significantly that year.
“Snyder spent 2011 balancing a $1.8 billion tax break for corporations on the backs of seniors, middle class families and school children and now we find out his office was cutting backroom deals to line the pockets of his cousin,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “We need a governor who works for everyone, not just his wealthy pals and well-connected special interest friends. This information is extremely troubling and we hope the Attorney General will investigate. Perhaps Bill Schuette should’ve invested his time and resources focusing on rooting out corruption, rather than fighting to protect discriminatory policies that continue to keep loving families apart.”
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