JANUARY 31, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that a new electronic filing system for lobbyists brings greater efficiency, convenience and openness to the reporting process.

The Secretary of State's "e-Lobby" program lets lobbyists file, submit and amend the required financial reports to the Bureau of Elections with the click of a mouse. Only the Lobby Registration form, which requires a signature, cannot be filed electronically at this time.

"Timely, accurate filing translates into greater access to information that helps make us better informed citizens and voters," Land said. "Online submission allows forms to be posted to the Internet quickly for public review. It brings greater convenience, accountability and openness to the filing process. And, lobbyists using e-Lobby will find that it is free, paperless, secure and convenient."

All lobbyists and lobbyist agents must file financial reports twice a year. A winter report is due today, Jan. 31 that covers Aug. 1 through Dec. 31 of the previous year. A summer report is required by Aug. 31 for the period of Jan. 1 to July 31. A "lobbyist agent" is defined as an individual or company that is paid to lobby public officials on behalf of an employer or client. A corporation or other organization that pays a lobbyist agent is defined as a "lobbyist."

Before the development of e-Lobby, lobbyists and lobbyist agents had to fill out paper forms and either mail or hand deliver them to the department. With e-Lobby, they are free to file from home or office. An electronic confirmation is sent once the filing is received. Information is also provided on the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

The new system is designed to reduce errors and omissions. Screen edits walk users through the filing process, ensuring that forms are completed accurately. Each user is provided with a unique password and the latest in information technology security practices are used to protect the data being transmitted.

Users access e-Lobby by clicking on "Elections in Michigan" at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Then by choosing "Lobby Disclosure" and "File Electronically," they can enter their password to begin. The e-Lobby introductory page may be bookmarked for easy use in the future.

More than 2,500 registrants must file financial reports under Michigan's Lobby Registration Act. All lobbyists and lobbyist agents must file even if they have no activities or expenditures to report.

Transactions meeting certain financial thresholds, including travel and lodging, and food and beverages for public officials must be reported.

The reporting thresholds for reports due today, Jan. 31 include:

• Financial transactions of $1,000 or more.
• Travel and lodging of $650 or more.
• Food and beverages of $50 if spent in any one month or $300 for any purchase between Jan. 1 and the end of the reporting period.

Related Link
> Lobby Disclosure Links