Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 445. Trade and Commerce § 445.827

(a) Appear before governmental commissions, departments and agencies to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers' interests, except when the legislature has specifically established a regulatory body or commission for the express purpose of regulating rates, charges and conditions of service, or otherwise protecting consumers' interests through the exercise of regulatory power vested in such body or commission.

(b) Cooperate and contract with agencies, public and private, to obtain statistical surveys, printing, economic information and other necessary information within the range of its budget, or do whatever else is incidental to the proper exercise of its powers.

(c) Hire a director and whatever additional staff is necessary to carry out its powers and duties, to be paid out of the appropriation to the council.