Senator John Milton says Michigan people, particularly key legislators, regard the nursing home industry as a public utility because the amount of money from public funds going into the industry is enormous, and the taxpaying public has an interest greater than with normal commercial ventures. Another reason is a lot of old people who need protection, a responsibility and concern of state in terms of public health and safety. In many cases the homes are being bought through use of public funds and federally guaranteed mortgage money, with fees put on the reimbursement system. Dues paid to associations who hire lobbyists for the industry are being passed on to the public.