This is Sunshine Week, a time to promote access to public information in government. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson calls it “disgraceful” that Michigan is ranked 50th of 50 states in government transparency.
“That’s why two years ago, shortly after taking office, I called on the Legislature to pass a package of measures that would move Michigan from worst to first in government transparency,” says Benson. “The Legislature has failed to do so, but seems to be more interested in taking action now. So I’m advocating again for my ‘Worst to First’ legislative agenda.”
The agenda includes expanding the Freedom of Information Act for both the governor and Legislature, require more personal finance disclosures from elected officials, enact a two-year waiting period for lawmakers to become lobbyists, and banning companies or those with a controlling interest that receive state grants or contracts from making political contributions.
