A bipartisan coalition of state representatives are pushing legislation increasing transparency among political candidates and state officials.
Michigan has nationally ranked near the bottom among states when it comes to government transparency.
State Representatives David LaGrand, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, and Mark Huizenga, a Republican from Walker, are introducing an eight-bill package aimed at disclosing elected officials and political candidate personal finances and screening conflicts of interest.
“We’re one of two states left in the country that doesn’t require some kind of financial disclosure from elected officials." Idaho being the only other state. Rep. LaGrand explains it’s required at the federal level, too.
“Relationships with no trust don’t work. It doesn’t work in marriage. It doesn’t work in friendship and it certainly can’t work in democracy. So, it’s really urgent I think, that we electeds start working to restore voter trust.”
LaGrand says the Personal Conflict of Interest Disclosure Package would require elected officials and candidates to disclose their principle sources of income and financial interests.
The package carries with it a clear house majority with 63 co-sponsors. LaGrand and Huizenga are working with senators generating consensus.