Lansing, Michigan (CBS Detroit) – It's been an eventful week for government transparency in Lansing, as both Michigan's attorney general and secretary of state testified in favor of a series of bills that would increase government transparency and accountability.
“I know that so many Michigan legislators are dedicated public servants, driven by a sense of duty to their communities and a desire to improve the lives of their constituents,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “I'm doing it,” he said. “However, these bright lights are often dense with dark clouds of corruption that thrive in the shadows, permitted by current weak ethics and transparency laws.”
Benson testified Thursday in favor of the BRITE Act, which stands for Integrity, Transparency and Ethics Reform. She was joined by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who announced corruption and email charges.Embezzlement case against former Michigan Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfieldearly this week.
“I heard some people say these bills don't go far enough,” Nessel said during his testimony. “What these bills provide is a start: a solid and serious effort toward the goal of ending the corrosive forces in Michigan government, creating greater transparency, and paving the way to regaining public trust.” is.”
The seven-part bill package includes lobbying guidelines, reporting requirements for political and nonprofit organizations, and disclosure of certain entertainment gifts and travel expenses.
“The BRITE Act is the strongest and most expansive package of ethics laws Lansing has seen in decades,” said state Rep. Erin Byrne, chair of the House Ethics and Oversight Committee. . “There are several bills that focus on dark money accounts, also known as C4s, which are also an area for state and federal governments, and based on the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United, which actually operate in the shadows.” That is allowed.”
Democratic lawmakers say these bills have momentum because Democrats control both chambers of Congress.
“The difference here is that Democrats are in control. We have a chance to change this and fix it once and for all,” said state Rep. Jason Morgan, one of the bill's sponsors.
CBS News Detroit reached out to Republican House Minority Leader Matt Hall for comment, but did not receive a response.
