State Rep. Jay DeBoyer | Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Jay DeBoyer | Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, of Clay Township, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of media coverage using the term “lied” in reference to Gov. Whitmer’s failure to fulfill her promise of making the governor’s office subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. DeBoyer emphasized, “The right term to use, in my opinion, is lied. Gov. Whitmer made a promise, the ability to keep that promise is entirely in her control, and the circumstances have not changed that would give her a valid reason to break it.”
DeBoyer highlighted the importance of transparency in government and called on House Democrats to prioritize a package of bills that would expand FOIA to cover the governor’s office and the Legislature. He stated, “The public deserves to know what their government is doing. Any lawmaker who won’t vote to expand FOIA owes people the same explanation.”
Questioning the media’s reluctance to use the term "lie" in reference to Gov. Whitmer, DeBoyer pointed out the double standard in coverage. He mentioned Michigan’s weak government transparency laws, noting that 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.
In conclusion, DeBoyer reiterated his stance on the issue, stating, “If reporters are going to cover this issue honestly, they should use the right term when talking about it. Whitmer lied.”