Why It Matters
Communities In Schools of Michigan Inc. registered Michael Best Strategies LLC as its lobbying firm on July 28. The nonprofit, which works with schools across Michigan, faces a backdrop of significant federal education funding cuts. The Trump administration slashed more than $300 million in college-prep and student support grants in 2025, while Detroit schools have confronted some of the deepest federal funding cuts in the country.
The Lobbyists
Two lobbyists are working on the engagement: Allison Blankenship, a Director, and Nick Paradiso III, a Principal. Blankenship brings substantial Capitol Hill experience, having served in Congress for more than eight years across the 115th through 119th Congresses. She worked as a floor assistant in the office of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) in January 2023 and has prior staff experience with Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-6). She has previously lobbied for clients including the Mortgage Bankers Association on financial services and housing, KKR & Co. Inc. on private equity, United Airlines Inc. on aviation and transportation, and the University of Southern California on higher education. Paradiso has over 30 years of experience in government relations, education policy, education management, and business development.
Broader Context
Beyond the college-prep cuts, the federal government slashed hundreds of millions in AmeriCorps grants in 2025, a program often partnered with school-based nonprofit initiatives.
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