State Rep. Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Township) has voted in support of legislation to strengthen ethics safeguards surrounding the state’s Utility Consumer Participation Board (UCPB) and prevent former legislators from immediately accepting employment with organizations receiving grants through the board.

The plan, which advanced with overwhelming support in the House, would prohibit a former state senator or representative from accepting employment with an entity receiving a Utility Consumer Participation Board grant for two years after leaving the Legislature.

The legislation follows former Rep. Jaime Churches’ decision to work for an organization that receives Utility Consumer Participation Board grant funding after leaving the Legislature. Situations like this can create the perception that well-connected insiders benefit from systems they helped establish, eroding public trust and raising questions about whose interests are being served.

“We should have clear rules to prevent sketchy revolving door practices between government officials and organizations that benefit from government programs,” Aragona said. “Michigan families send us to the Capitol to be their voice. They want us to keep costs low, ensure energy is reliable, and look out for them – not cut backroom deals with activist groups that lobby for expensive green energy.”

The state UCPB awards grants to nonprofit organizations and local governments that represent residential utility customers in proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission. The grants can be used to cover expenses for the organization, such as staff, attorneys, and expert witnesses in cases.   

The board was originally created to ensure utility customers had a voice before regulators but has since been transformed into a tool to stream funding into politically aligned projects. Republicans introduced an energy package that would put an end to the scheme.  

“Decisions made in the Legislature should be made in the public interest, not with an eye toward a future job,” said Aragona. “A reasonable waiting period helps avoid potential conflicts of interest.”

House Republicans have made it a priority to close the revolving door wherever it exists. They previously ended the legislator-to-lobbyist pipeline as well.

HB 6282 now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.