The Pure Michigan campaign is getting a look-over. The state Auditor General started a review of the advertising campaign this week.
The state has long claimed the Pure Michigan campaign brings business and tourists to Michigan. Studies commissioned by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation say the state gets back eight dollars in tax revenue for every dollar spent.
Republican Representatives Steven Johnson and Martin Howrylak asked for the audit. Johnson says they want an independent agency to verify the MEDC’s studies.
“We just want to make sure, first and foremost, that taxpayer money is being spent wisely. And we’ve seen several reports showing that the Pure Michigan campaign was not effective.”
The conservative think tank, Mackinac Center for Public Policy, released a report in 20-16. It said that the state gets 2 cents back for every dollar invested.