Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin announced that the Michigan Legislature has acted to restore transparency and public trust following issues with the state's new financial disclosure system. The system, managed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, was criticized for its ineffective rollout.

Bollin, a Republican from Brighton Township, emphasized that the financial disclosure requirements were intended to increase accountability among public officials. However, she argued that the implementation led by Benson's office resulted in confusion rather than clarity.

"This process was supposed to bring more transparency to state government," Bollin stated. "But Secretary Benson had two years and $9 million to get this right, and what she delivered was a confusing mess of unclear rules, poor communication, and glitchy technology. That’s not transparency. That’s dysfunction."

In response, the Legislature approved a bipartisan plan aimed at resolving these issues. Senate Bills 99 and 100 establish clear guidelines for financial disclosures and simplify the filing process by allowing reports to be submitted via email instead of through a problematic online portal. Additionally, these reforms address complications in reporting lobbyist interactions.

"People deserve a transparent government they can trust," Bollin said. "That means clear rules, accessible reporting, and a system that works. Our fix cuts through the confusion and delivers real transparency — the kind that gives people confidence their leaders are being held accountable."

The governor signed the legislation into law today after it received strong bipartisan support in both legislative chambers.