Michigan ranks low in government transparency. Ballot drive would extend FOIA

LANSING — Michigan is saddled with a failing grade on government transparency as one of just two states that exempts the governor and legislators from public records requests, but voters could have the choice to change that in 2022 if lawmakers don’t do it first.

Progress Michigan on Monday announced plans for an initiative that will propose “full repeal” of exemptions in the state’s Freedom of Information Act, which requires officials at all other levels of government to release emails and other documents to the public upon request.

Transparency advocates in the Michigan Legislature are expected to propose their own public records request legislation this month, but officials with the liberal advocacy group indicated they are tired of waiting for action in Lansing.

The Republican-House approved bills to ease transparency in 2017 and 2019, only to have them die in the Senate.

Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-ranks-low-government-transparency-ballot-drive-would-extend-foia