LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lobbyists at the Michigan Capitol set a record last year, spending nearly half a million dollars wining and dining public officials — including lawmakers in Lansing.
According to a new analysis by Bridge Michigan verified by 6 News, lobbyists reported spending more than $485,000 on free food and drink for state lawmakers and members of the executive branch in 2025. That total includes more than $180,000 for individual meals with legislators, about $40,000 more than the previous year.
Another roughly $300,000 was spent on food and drink at group events, where lobbyists are not required to list which officials attended.
One lawmaker, Republican Rep. Joseph Aragona of Clinton Township, stood out in the data. Bridge Michigan found lobbyists reported spending $12,508 on meals and beverages for Aragona, plus another $4,574 on his travel and lodging to a 2025 Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association conference at a luxury Ritz-Carlton resort in the Caribbean. Rooms at the hotel start at $1,000 a night…