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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

May 12, 2023

Contact: Sam Inglot, sam@progressmichigan.org

New Poll: Voters Show Support for Polluter Pay, Government Transparency

Monthly newsletter digs into opinions about everything from tax loopholes to septic tanks

MICHIGAN – On Friday, Progress Michigan released the latest edition of Lake Effect, a monthly research newsletter that tracks Michigan voters’ opinions about a variety of issues and political figures. This month’s issue gave voters an opportunity to weigh in on government transparency, septic codes, and several corporate accountability policies.

“For too long, greedy corporations have been allowed to rig the rules in their favor, thanks to Republican lawmakers’ commitment to prioritizing corporate profits over our communities—and voters are sick of it,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress MichiganWe’re done letting corporate polluters off the hook, and we’re done allowing mega-corporations like Walmart take advantage of tax loopholes. Meanwhile, voters are showing strong support for Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to keep our kids fed by providing free breakfast and lunch to all Michigan students, as well as Democratic lawmakers’ push to clean up our unregulated septic systems. And, of course, the transparency reforms that Progress Michigan has championed for years remain extremely popular, as voters recognize it’s past time to expand the Freedom of Information Act to cover the legislature and governor’s office.”

Full results of the poll are available here. Some key takeaways include:

  • 61 percent of respondents support Gov. Whitmer’s plan to provide free breakfast and lunch to Michigan students, while just 26 percent oppose the effort.
  • 91 percent of those polled think it is very or somewhat important that FOIA be expanded to cover the legislature and governor’s office.
  • 83 percent of respondents think it is very or somewhat important that lawmakers ensure corporations pay their fair share in taxes. 68 percent believe that the “dark store” tax loophole that allows corporations to avoid paying their share should be closed.
  • 93 percent of respondents believe corporations should be responsible for cleaning up pollution they cause. Only 3 percent oppose these polluter pay laws.
  • 60 percent of those polled support creating a statewide code governing septic systems, while 20 percent oppose the idea and 19 percent are unsure.

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