Livingston Today

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is intended to be a transparency tool for citizens and reporters, allowing the public access to government documents. However, it currently does not apply to the state Legislature or the governor's office.

Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers proposed legislation to extend FOIA coverage to these offices. However, despite Democratic control of the House, a vote on this legislation has not occurred. This delay raises questions among observers.

In 2018, Governor Gretchen Whitmer promised during her campaign to unilaterally expand Michigan’s FOIA law to include the governor’s office if legislative action was absent. Six years later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers express support for increased government transparency. With Democrats holding a majority in the House, they have the authority over which bills are heard in committee and voted upon.

A potential reason for inaction could be Governor Whitmer's failure to uphold her promise regarding FOIA expansion. "The ability to keep her promise to expand FOIA is entirely within her power," states an observer critical of Whitmer's current stance.

Speculation exists that Governor Whitmer might be focused on building her national profile for a possible presidential run if President Biden is no longer a candidate. This could be contributing to the delay in fulfilling her FOIA promise.

Additionally, there are concerns about fair compensation for sergeants-at-arms who protect the Capitol. Letters sent by critics to Democrat House Speaker Joe Tate requesting salary adjustments have yet to receive responses.