North Michigan News

The Senate Oversight Committee has approved long-awaited bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Michigan Legislature, the governor, and the lieutenant governor. Sponsored by Sens. Ed McBroom and Jeremy Moss, the bills have garnered support from various organizations and are seen as a significant step towards greater government transparency.

Sen. McBroom emphasized the importance of transparency in government, stating, "Transparency in our government is a necessary and important step in growing and restoring trust and confidence in our government and the people elected to it." Meanwhile, Sen. Moss highlighted the significance of advancing the legislation during Sunshine Week, saying, "There is no better way to mark Sunshine Week than to advance this legislation and demonstrate our commitment to shining more light on our work in the Capitol."

The legislation, Senate Bills 669 and 670, seeks to address the exclusion of state lawmakers and the governor's office from records requests, aiming to improve Michigan's government integrity ranking. Sen. Sam Singh, chair of the Senate Oversight Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the committee's role in advancing government reforms, stating, “I take pride in my committee’s pivotal role in advancing government reforms that enhance public access and transparency.”

Supporters of the legislation include prominent organizations such as the Michigan Press Association, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, ACLU of Michigan, Michigan League of Women Voters, Progress Michigan, and Voters Not Politicians. If enacted, this legislation would set a new precedent in Michigan government, ushering in a new era of openness and transparency.

The bills will now move to the full Senate for consideration, where they are expected to be voted on for the first time. In conjunction with Sunshine Week, Sens. Moss and McBroom will be participating in a webinar to update interested media on the issue, further highlighting their commitment to transparency and accountability in government.