Nobody likes a revolving door in politics
Nobody likes a revolving door in politics: today's lawmaker becomes tomorrow's lobbyist, or lands a job at a nonprofit they just helped fund. Former state Rep. Jaime Churches of Downriver is a textbook case, and now she wants her old seat back.
Here's how it went down
During her one term in Lansing (2023–24), Churches helped triple funding for the Utility Consumer Participation Board, which awards grants to groups that advocate for utility customers on rates. One of the biggest recipients was the Michigan Environmental Council, which received $2.1 million in board grants.
In 2024, Churches lost to newcomer Rylee Linting by 2,305 votes. She then went to work for the Michigan Environmental Council. Her May financial disclosure lists her as its finance director.
Jaime Churches working for the Michigan Environmental Council.
"That's self-serving"
Linting is calling foul. "Unfortunately, it's become more and more common for legislators to take office and then, immediately after leaving office, either become lobbyists or work for special interest groups that they helped fund during their time in office," she said. "And that's self-serving."
Sealing the door shut
House Republicans passed a bill, with Linting's support, that bars former legislators from working for any group that gets a board grant for two years after leaving office. It passed 88–15. But with Democrats controlling the Senate and the governor's office, it has slim hopes of becoming law.
"Accountability, transparency," Linting said. "We would see that get a lot further than it gets right now."
Paid for by MI 6th District Conservatives.