Pontiac Times

State Reps. Tom Kuhn and Mark Tisdel are advocating for the expansion of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor's office and the Legislature, as reported on March 14, 2024.

Kuhn and Tisdel, sponsors of a bill package aimed at broadening FOIA coverage, emphasized the need for increased government transparency. Kuhn highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, "A resolution is nice, but how about you move some actual legislation? We have a detailed package of bills that will meaningfully improve the public’s access to information, and it deserves a vote."

Moreover, Tisdel, drawing from his experience in local government, stressed the significance of transparency at all levels, stating, "If every local level of government across the state is able to comply, there’s no good reason why the Legislature and governor should be exempt."

The proposed bills not only seek to expand FOIA but also aim to streamline the process of obtaining public records and enhance penalties for government violations of the law. Additionally, the legislation would establish a commission to oversee FOIA requests and appeals, while also requiring the government to provide explanations for any withheld information based on legitimate exemptions allowed by law.

Despite the efforts of Kuhn and Tisdel, the bills are currently stalled in committee. However, a resolution supporting government transparency, sponsored by Democrats, was approved by the full House through a voice vote. Kuhn expressed skepticism about the resolution's impact, labeling it as a symbolic gesture lacking in tangible outcomes.

Notably, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, during her candidacy, pledged to unilaterally expand FOIA to include the governor's office if the Legislature did not act. However, six years later, this promise remains unfulfilled, prompting Kuhn to call for concrete legislative action.

Michigan currently lags behind in government transparency, as it is one of only two states where both the legislature and the governor's office are not subject to FOIA or a similar open records requirement. The push by Kuhn and Tisdel reflects a broader call for accountability and transparency within Michigan's government.