(MPRN-Lansing) New bills at the state Capitol seek to make state government more transparent. Among other things, the Democratic bills would ban the state from awarding contracts to some campaign contributors.
“The public has a right to know that their elected officials - the people they trust to write the laws we all live by - are not looking out for their own financial gain or for the gain of friends, family, or political allies,”
said state House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills).
State Rep. Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) has introduced legislation that would subject the governor’s office and the Legislature to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
“The public needs to know that government works for and is accountable to them,”
said Dillon. Some lawmakers have said they’re concerned opening their offices to public information requests could compromise the privacy of their constituents.
Other legislation announced Tuesday would ban state lawmakers from becoming registered lobbyists until two years after they have left the Legislature. Another bill would require public officials to disclose financial records every year.
