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State Rep. Matthew Bierlein of Vassar has urged for additional government transparency in the Michigan House, emphasizing the need for concrete action rather than symbolic gestures. Bierlein, a co-sponsor of House Bills 5422-27, stressed the importance of strengthening transparency requirements for Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to ensure accountability in government operations.

Bierlein expressed his disappointment with the current state of transparency in Michigan, stating, “Every year it’s more like Groundhog Day because state government continues to drag its feet and remain content with its dismal standing nationally on transparency.” He highlighted the significance of the proposed legislative package in enhancing access to public records and fostering accountability in government.

Democrats in the House recently declared the week of March 10-16 as Sunshine Week in Michigan, but Bierlein emphasized that tangible measures are needed to enforce transparency effectively. He proposed the creation of the Open Government Commission to oversee FOIA requests and appeals, as well as measures to strengthen the public's ability to challenge government information withholding.

The legislative package aims to streamline FOIA procedures, establish clear responsibilities for FOIA coordinators, and increase penalties for public bodies that fail to comply with FOIA requests. Bierlein underscored the importance of bipartisan collaboration in advancing these reforms, stating, “This should be common ground in the House given the current legislative split.”

As HBs 5422-27 await further action in the House Government Operations Committee, Bierlein remains hopeful that both Republicans and Democrats will prioritize government transparency and accountability for the benefit of all Michigan residents.