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Democrats in the House and Senate are calling for more government transparency.
They will be introducing legislation demanding more transparency and accountability of Michigan elected officials and top administration officials.
Under the state’s Freedom of Information Act anyone can be a watchdog for the government except when it comes to public records of the governor, lieutenant governor and their offices or lawmakers.
Michigan is one of just two states in the country where those offices are exempt from special requests.
State Representative Brandon Dillon of Grand Rapids says it’s unreasonable and unethical that lawmakers and the governor are exempt from the very same Freedom of Information Act law that they expect every other government worker to comply with.
The Michigan Government Reform and Accountability Plan will also prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office, require elected officials to disclose their income and investments and prohibit the awarding of a state contract worth more than $100,000 to anyone who makes a contribution to officials who award those contracts.
