The Lansing (Michigan) State Journal explains why the charter law lacks teeth.
The law permits conflict of interest, nepotism, self-dealing and other scams.
Why? Charters are a $1 billion industry annually. Charter chains and founders hire lobbyists and give generously to politicians. The charter lobby has given $1.3 million since 2003. It plans to spend $1 million for pro-charter candidates in this fall’s elections.
And that is why the charter law in Michigan is weak and permits scams and frauds with public money intended for public schools.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
The Detroit Free Press says it best —
“Scam Enablers”
What a perfect description of Duh Governerd and his Capitol Cronies …
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The link seems to be broken …
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http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20140625/NEWS02/306250008/Pro-charter-lobby-shows-its-clout-Legislature
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I did find this article while I was searching —
New York, Indiana critical of business model for operator of two Lansing-area charter schools
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This is correct link: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20140625/NEWS02/306250008/Pro-charter-lobby-shows-its-clout-Legislature
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Here is the original article in the Detroit Free Press — I think about half the newspapers in Michigan are owned by the Gannett syndicate — but without the restriction on number of article reads:
http://www.freep.com/article/20140625/NEWS06/306250030/charter-lobby-Michigan-GLEP
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Nothing will happen. Ohio had a whistlebower series 6 months ago and there has not been a single new regulation passed.
Our lawmakers are corrupt. They’re bought and paid for.
They don’t even prosecute anymore. Asking them to write and enforce regulations? Hah. Fat chance.
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The prevailing mantra and ideology is “throwing more money at schools won’t improve them.” On the other hand, almost every perk for corporations is justified as improving the economy.
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I disagree. This series of articles is just the beginning. Shining the light on how some charters are misusing taxpayer money should continue until people get the message. It takes time, too long perhaps. Pressure on Grand Valley State should continue also.
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http://www.progressmichigan.org/2014/06/national-heritage-academies-spends-tens-thousands-advertising-response-detroit-free-press-investigation/
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