Auto insurance talks continue as Gilbert preps ballot initiative

As the state’s top legislators remain optimistic about negotiations over no-fault auto insurance reform, one of its biggest unelected political players is preparing to take the issue to the people.
The Detroit News first reported over the weekend that Quicken Loans billionaire and Detroit real estate magnate Dan Gilbert is readying a long-discussed ballot initiative that would put a petition on the ballot that’s reportedly similar to the plans already passed by Michigan’s GOP-controlled Legislature. By Monday afternoon, Gilbert’s top lobbyist, Jared Fleisher, vice president of government affairs at Quicken Loans, was confirming that without a deal at the Capitol, they could soon launch that ballot drive. We have said all along that we will take the necessary steps to prepare for a ballot initiative only if there is no resolution at the negotiating table, Fleisher said in a statement. But we are also hopeful and optimistic that ongoing, good-faith negotiations between the Governor and legislature will lead to an agreement that delivers real and significant savings for Michigan drivers.