Ann Arbor, MI - Today, Rick Snyder released his plan to reform ethics in state government as part of his 10-Point Plan to Reinvent Michigan. Rick’s proposal goes above and beyond any plans laid out by other candidates in the race, to date. To view the proposal, click here.

Rick Snyder had the following to say about the need for state ethics reform:

"Special interests and lobbyists have filled the leadership void in Lansing and their influence has contributed to a broken political system. Politics as usual has stood in the way of long-term solutions and reform for too long. It’s time for citizens to hold their leaders accountable and create a higher standard for ethical conduct."

"Citizens deserve a transparent process and ethical leadership from their elected officials. Rather than allow lobbyists and special interests to cozy up to elected officials, it’s time to ban lobbyist gifts, limit transactions, implement full reporting standards and put in place a cooling off period that will prevent the constant revolving door between elected office and special interest payrolls."

"While my opponents are raking in special interest cash to fund their campaigns, I’ve taken a stance to refuse their money to show that I will be a Governor who only looks out for the best interests of all of the citizens of Michigan. Our campaign will continue to aggressively fight the smears perpetrated by shadow organizations and support policies to shed light on who’s behind the efforts to take this election into the gutters."

"I will continue to run a campaign guided by values and I will take those values to Lansing. In response to the chronic dysfunction in Lansing, I will work tirelessly as Governor to make Michigan a national leader in ethics and transparency."

Also available is Rick's Team Culture card, which reflect his personal values that guide his campaign to Reinvent Michigan.

About Rick's Plan For Reforming Ethics In State Government:

Michigan needs to make a commitment to open, honest, and ethical government to get things moving in Lansing. Citizens have the right to expect more from elected officials, especially when the state needs critical, thoughtful solutions to help Michigan recover. Making government more accessible and responsive to citizens and reducing the influence of special interests and lobbyists will increase efficiency and reduce barriers that impede progress in Lansing. There is a very strong linkage between disclosure requirements, improved performance, and improved ethical behavior, all of which lead to an increased level of accountability.

Lobbyists and special interests have had an adverse effect on Lansing. The role of lobbyists has changed in Lansing since term limits were adopted. The state legislature became more reliant on lobbyists and special interests to provide subject-matter expertise on a wide array of issues and foster a network of connections. This created an environment where powerful, well-funded interest groups have more influence than citizens. Banning gifts, creating a cooling-off period and requiring full disclosure of Michigan’s lobbyist activities will reduce impediments to progress and keep the best interest of the public in mind.

Reforming campaign finances will empower citizens. As it currently exists, Michigan law allows unregulated third party contributions to finance ads and robo-calls, masquerading them as issue advertising without revealing the funding source. This leaves the door open for well financed interest groups to influence the outcome of the election by providing voters with misleading accusations without fear of reprisal.

Rick Snyder is the man to reinstate full-scale ethical behavior in Lansing. Rick is the only candidate that has not developed his professional acumen in Michigan’s dysfunctional governmental culture. He has spent his entire career improving organizations by creating, achieving, and reporting performance measurements to stockholders, customers and business partners. He is an ideal person to lead the state’s ethical reform.