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Jobs Department’s Fake News: $10 Tax return for Every $1 in Subsidies

Program lacks transparency, too

… majority did not help a jurisdiction’s economy. The MBDP also lacks transparency. In its fiscal year 2016 annual report, the program’s administrators … lawmakers should call on them to justify their claims. People deserve transparency, not unjustified boasts about the results of favored programs. more

Michigan House Ethics Committee has not met since June

Transparency legislation is languishing, vice-chair claims

… June. And its vice chair questions whether the committee will move on transparency legislation by year’s end. When the 102nd Michigan Legislature started … House ethics committee. “Today is 223 days since we introduced our transparency bills,” Kunse told Michigan Capitol Confidential Monday. “The governor … more

Three Cheers for Michigan House Democrats

Questioning MEDC transparency is the right thing to do

… complained about the lack of transparency at Michigan’s department … troubled by the MEDC's lack of transparency and accountability. State … with the MEDC's lack of transparency. In a November 2012 Michigan … “MEDC Questioned About Its Transparency” Rep. Shirkey reported … to complain about MEDC transparency, or in recent years. Sen. … more

State's Corporate Welfare Agency Tone Deaf to Requests for Transparency

MEDC treats transparency 'as an annoyance'

Making transparency a condition for receiving selective state … to provide much-needed transparency at the MEDC, companies … rights to provide public transparency concerning the agreement?” … MEDC has treated basic transparency as an annoyance rather … on the agency’s lack of transparency, an issue brought to the … more

Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws Need Reform

Transparency, rule of law should be the focus

… House Bill 5081, which was passed out of the House Oversight Committee last June. It now sits on the House floor. This bill would provide more transparency for the assets seized — something extremely important because law enforcement agencies use seized assets to supplement their budgets. There are … more

Dodgy Metrics, No Real Accountability At Tax-Funded Tourism Marketing Program

Agency may have good reason to prefer Pure Michigan’s fluff to real transparency

… for us or ask its contractor to do so (although it is required to explain why it is not producing the document). Despite this, in the interest of transparency, our request asked MEDC to provide this information. It was our hope that MEDC would want to provide it to help support its claims of the program … more

How CapCon Uses Transparency Laws to Hold Government Accountable

… maintains a website that rates the transparency of state and local governments, … government scrutiny. Government transparency laws are an important component … organization that favors greater transparency in government. We receive no government … Politician Who Attacked Government Transparency Groups Gets 'Bitten Back' more

Political Reasons, Not Economic Ones, Keep Corporate Welfare Agency Alive

'Transparency' sidesteps real issue (but still worth pursuing)

… bother trying to inject transparency into the operations of … guessing game, because “transparency” as practiced by MEDC largely … the calls for meaningful transparency, which may seem like reaching … tree. Establishing real transparency standards could be of enduring … makes sense to focus on transparency. If the agency is going … more

Reporting or Promoting?

Why transparency of business subsidy programs shouldn’t be controlled by administrators

… Legislature needs to demand more transparency. The biggest problem is that, … improve their economic development transparency but ranked states based on what … subsidy deals. But Illinois’s transparency comes not from the programs’ administrators, … efforts. But taxpayers deserve transparency over the programs, and that requires … more

Cheers for Detroit Schools Transparency

District has come a long way

… subject to FOIA. Most are pretty good at responding to requests, especially with recent legislative changes requiring them to name someone as a transparency officer. I’m happy to add Detroit Public Schools Community District to the list of government entities that strive to serve taxpayers and residents … more

It's Time to Expand Public Records Transparency

Reitz discusses Flint water crisis on Michigan Radio

… edition of Stateside on Michigan Radio to discuss the need for more transparency in government in light of what is happening in Flint. “The justification … governor’s office and state legislature are exempt from this public records transparency law. Reitz explained it is time to change this standard: We think generally … more

Wall Street Journal covers Mackinac Center FOIA case

Transparency and access to public records is at stake

… judge about Michigan’s public transparency law. Carol Beth Litkouhi, a parent … schools should be held to the same transparency standards as other public employees. … Center is appealing the ruling. Transparency from public officials is a core … ruling, as it significantly weakens transparency in Michigan.” more

Why Mackinac Published Names and Wages of Government Workers in a Searchable Database

The information belongs to the people

… more and more government info to be made universally accessible. It's a factor of technology and related social expectation. In other words, more transparency is coming whether anyone likes it or not and if responsible people don't take charge of it, then irresponsible ones will. Working with government … more

Michigan bills would bring transparency to earmark process

Tie-barred House bills aim to shed light on where taxpayer dollars are going and why

Two bills introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives would bring transparency to the state budget process. House bills 4750 and 4751 were introduced this month by Reps. Tom Kuhn, R-Troy, and Donni Steele, R-Orion. The bills are tie-barred together. Both bills must pass for either to be enacted … more

Benefits of Switch Data Center Likely to be Exaggerated, Unverified

Transparency would end speculation on effects of tax exemption deal — and the deal itself

… routinely subject to meaningful public transparency, there might be a good chance of … routinely subject to meaningful public transparency, it’s likely the entire issue wouldn’t … long-standing failure to provide transparency regarding special deals of the … involved — to provide adequate transparency, there is no reason to expect it. … more

HONEST Act – EPA Science and Transparency

This should be ‘science 101’

… effort by Congress to impose transparency on the EPA. The Secret … and lawsuits, to force transparency on the agency. The institute’s … of the advisory board. Transparency in this area is absolutely … track record of calling for transparency from all levels of government … will bemoan demands for transparency in EPA science and peer-review … more

MEDC asks $5,700 for nondisclosure agreements

Government-by-NDA has been business as usual in Michigan. But the Mackinac Center insists on transparency

… There could be as many as 5,572 single pages, or as few as 2,786 double-sided pages. How many agreements does that account for? We don’t know. Transparency is a Mackinac Center concern. When Gordon left the health department, Whitmer wasn’t paying him with her own funds; she was spending the people’s … more

MEDC Questioned About Its Transparency

Questions about how tax dollars spent could warrant new legislation

… website also has a section on transparency, but Rep. Genetski and … in its apparent lack of transparency. "It seems like when they … of Gov. John Engler and transparency questions existed then. … Granholm, questions of transparency at MEDC reached a zenith. … office, it was aware of the transparency issues at the MEDC. A key … more

After Veto, Gov. Snyder's Commitment To Transparency Questioned

Governor vetoed bill passed unanimously by the Legislature

… Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics." Considering … Snyder's commitment to transparency, his veto of House Bill … Republicans believe in transparency," Rep. LeBlanc said. "The … bill's aims of openness and transparency in government, it violates … Records How CapCon Uses Transparency Laws to Hold Government … more

Multiple School Districts Breaking the Law On Transparency

Schools are required to post contracts, compensation information online

… Inkster Public Schools in Wayne County had no transparency icon on its website and was missing most of … ~~~~~ See also: Michigan Capitol Confidential Transparency Coverage How CapCon Uses Transparency Laws To Hold Government Accountable more

State Checkbook Still Missing From Internet (revised version)

State rejects transparency despite minimal cost

… Information Age places such transparency within our grasp, a detailed … "Show Michigan the Money" transparency project (www.mackinac.org/10694.) … annually to keep this whole transparency project running.  These … the "gold standard" of transparency set by Missouri (a state … Show Michigan the Money transparency project and the senior … more

FOIA exemptions for Michigan governor, lawmakers breed distrust

Transparency demands that FOIA apply to the governor and the legislature

… message, even if asked in a FOIA request. Lack of transparency breeds distrust. Distrust produces speculation, … she declared she would work to ensure full transparency in state government. That never happened. … about the confusion that comes from a lack of transparency: This lack of information is surprising, because … more

Q&A With the MEDC: Verifying Jobs Resulting From Special Government Favors

State Reps call for greater transparency or elimination of program

… to assure a greater degree of transparency at the MEDC. "Clearly, as the … there is a significant lack of transparency at MEDC," Rep. Switalski said. … serves to show that there was no transparency and no accountability, but it brings … $100K Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency A Bipartisan Disaster: Michigan … more

What Michigan Government Lacks in Transparency

Billions in business subsidies still can’t be disclosed

… subsidy payments. The state makes available a treasure trove of information on most of its spending, but mum’s the word when it comes to providing transparency on this “economic development” money. From 1995 to 2011, state economic development officials selected several hundred businesses to get tax credits … more

The MEDC’s Pure Michigan Puffery: Part II

Reforms could make agency more credible

… economic development agency, has come under criticism for its lack of transparency, which most recently was exhibited in a claim that its Pure Michigan … seriously then they must overhaul the agency’s culture into one of authentic transparency and intellectual forthrightness. Whether they want to do that or not, … more

'Secretive Obama Administration' Official to Kick Off Event on Transparency

Legal scholar says Attorney General Holder's participation in Wayne State event is 'the height of hypocrisy'

… complicate the discussion on the transparency of a presidential administration. … lot of good things in terms of transparency, but some of the worst have been … often been a bigger barrier to transparency than enabling it. Obama's DOJ has … asked to speak at an event about transparency. "I think it is the height of … more

Despite talk of transparency, in 2023 Lansing is opaque as ever

Word and deed are in conflict in the state capital

Michigan Democrats declared last November that they would provide transparency in state government. Elected Democrats stood shoulder-to-shoulder on Mackinac Island in June and declared new transparency laws were coming to Lansing. “Our government must be transparent and … more

‘Everything is broken’: Michigan lawmaker bemoans lack of transparency in budget process

If there is anything worse than bipartisanship, it is one-party rule.

… While the current cast of Republicans are frustrated by the lack of transparency, their previous leaders have also engaged in political antics that did … process to make sure every voice is heard? What better time to model transparency in government? And who better than our lawmakers to model for the people … more

Lawmakers Poised To Continue Corporate Welfare Fund

Program track record includes inaccurate job creation claims, little transparency

… does provide additional transparency. We will continue to work … going but with greater transparency. That part of the legislation … potential to provide greater transparency, although in its initial … it would provide greater transparency. In the fall of 2013, … Bill 4480, the so-called transparency bill in the package, was … more

House Panel Likely to Approve FOIA Reforms

Legislation designed to rein in unjustified fees, increase government transparency

… a modernization of the FOIA law that focuses on standardization and transparency," said Rep. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, the bill's sponsor. "The bill … respond to a request for comment. ~~~~~ See also: How CapCon Uses Transparency Laws To Hold Government Accountable Government Entities Stymie FOIA … more

How to Improve Economic Development Transparency

State considers changes to economic development disclosure

The state is looking to improve its transparency and is targeting its economic development reports, according to MIRS, a Lansing-insider newsletter. … welfare deals are questionable in their effectiveness, but the lack of transparency about them is outrageous. Although this information used to be made … more

Locked-Down Gym Owner To Governor: ‘We Are Not Just Businesses, We Are People’

She doesn’t want to break the law but does want government transparency

… Carroll admitted that she is “on the verge of breaking.” She wrote, “I do NOT want to go against government orders,” but does want government transparency. “I want a reopen date and a plan that I can prepare for,” she wrote. “I want guidance on how I can operate my business in the new normal, within … more

Legislature considers reining in emergency powers

Slate of House bills would impose time limits, transparency and legislative oversight

… power and too little accountability. Alexander’s legislative package, House bills 6184 - 6214, would curb the abuses by providing time limits, transparency, legislative oversight, and other limits on executive and departmental powers during an emergency. “Our plan applies lessons learned regarding … more

MSU loses claim that student privacy trumps transparency law

Universities increasingly cite federal privacy law to withhold information

… related to a controversy involving one of its officials. Last month, it lost in a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling that an advocate for government transparency applauded. In 2020 the Graduate Employees Union at Michigan State University called on MSU to remove Stephen Hsu, the university’s senior vice … more

Holding Legislators Accountable

… government. Two pillars upon which a representative democracy rests are transparency and accountability; the current regulatory regime erodes both. It is … the outcome by holding elected officials accountable. HB 4326 enhances transparency and accountability in government by vesting important regulatory decisions … more

As Conventional Public Schools Fail Transparency Law, Charters are Targeted

Pontiac Public Schools posts teachers' contract that expired in 2011

… District isn’t alone in this transparency failure. Yet in some precincts … called out for supposed transparency shortfalls that are common … following the state law’s transparency requirements. Roberts didn’t … public schools had followed transparency requirements. “Pontiac … mention its failure to follow transparency laws. In comparison, the … more

What Economic Development Transparency Should Look Like

… other "legacy" corporate welfare programs must provide much greater transparency. Taxpayers should be able to see what they've gotten for the special … economic development programs, legislators need to insist on some basic transparency principles. That's just common sense. ##### James Hohman is assistant … more

U-M Refuses to Disclose Its President's Politicking

… the documents on March 2, 2017 — the day it filed the lawsuit and 106 days after it first filed its request. “On the eve of Sunshine Week, when transparency in government is celebrated and promoted, this situation with U of M shows that we have a long way to go in educating public officials about accountability … more

Idaho Lawmakers Embrace Open Meetings, Michigan Still Waiting for Transparency

New law may be "the best in the nation"

… passed a bill to increase transparency in collective bargaining. … When it comes to Michigan transparency on unions and collective … study Bringing Financial Transparency to Michigan's Public Sector … provide the same detailed transparency for finances as their private … government union financial transparency they may also want to consider … more

Michigan senator targets National Popular Vote junkets in floor speech

Senator says transparency is lacking as movement funds ‘all-expense seminars’ in warm destinations

… used the National Popular Vote to make a larger point about the lack of transparency in Michigan government. National Popular Vote, for years, has taken … Michigan is the least transparent state in the nation,” Runestad said. “Transparency and sunshine are the antiseptic to corruption.” Runestad went on to … more

Prop 2 May Put FOIA on Ice for Media, Others

… a sometimes thorny relationship with open records laws. For example, even Gov. Rick Snyder — who campaigned on a platform of greater government transparency — recently vetoed legislation passed unanimously by the Legislature that required internet posting of agreements made between different units of … more

New Bill Would Shed Light On Asset Forfeiture In Michigan

Bipartisan House bill would bring transparency to law enforcement seizing property without criminal charges

… model legislation on asset forfeiture bills that would greatly enhance transparency. Cara Sullivan, director of the Justice Performance Project with the … the circumstances under which property is seized increase government transparency and accountability." The IJ's McGrath said "forfeiture proceeds are … more

Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency

House Democrats call for scrutiny of corporate welfare programs; accountability for tax dollars

Those who want to bring transparency to the Michigan Economic … criticized for a lack of transparency.  House Democrats are … Democrats want more than transparency; they want provisions to … a bill that would bring transparency to the MEDC. Initially, … more than a pretense of transparency promoted by MEDC officials. … more

Lawmakers Looking At MEDC Transparency

… an attempt to bring more transparency to the Michigan Economic … concerns over its anti-transparency image. One measure, House … business. The key word here is transparency, and I'm proud to say that … frustration concerning transparency issues at the MEDC in the … when it comes to improving transparency at the MEDC, lawmakers … more

Film Transparency – Just say No?

… two new laws which call for more transparency in the state’s film subsidy program. … questioned the state’s lack of transparency in the film industry in March, … as $10 million dollars. Greater transparency of Michigan’s film subsidy program, … Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency Michael Moore Inadvertently Makes … more

Why we emphasize transparency

Government works best when it’s watched closely. With outdated information, that can’t happen.

… say? Congrats, you’re part of the problem. CapCon doesn’t emphasize transparency to be mean. We just happen to think that citizens should be able to … Candidates will be knocking on your door soon enough. If they don't value transparency, they support a status quo that is opaque. What will you do with this … more

Michigan government lacking in transparency

The Mackinac Center supports the right of the people to know what their governments are doing

… the states for government transparency in 2015, according to the … to take action to ensure transparency, from the moment they take … have taken up the cause of transparency. We believe in shedding … when they rebuff calls for transparency. We have been won judgements … Whitmer fought hard against transparency. Whitmer was never less … more

A Transparency Fight in the Village of Armada

… motion. A small step towards greater government transparency died on the spot. But some members of the … the Mackinac Center’s Show Michigan the Money transparency project. “If you follow the spirit of the law, … Idea Show Michigan the Money — Government Transparency Project more

Secretive Bidder Wins Pure Michigan Contract Over Transparent One

Auditor General, not MEDC, should hire reviews of corporate welfare programs

… importantly, Valient made “100 percent transparency” a centerpiece of its proposal. … others. In addition to the promised transparency of survey design and data sets, … “provide press briefings to improve transparency and public understanding of the … guidance by mandating 100 percent transparency and that all costs associated with … more

A Look At The State Budget for Business Subsidies

Old ideas get new taxpayer cash

… budgeted programs, however, can be disclosed and that’s a good thing for transparency’s sake. But lawmakers ought to clarify that residents can be told about … Century Jobs Fund programs, though it will likely still fail to meet transparency requirements of law and good governance. Both the 21st Century Jobs … more

Taxpayers Deserve to Know Details of Business Subsidy Deals

State officials are hiding what should be public information

… taxpayers this year. But residents cannot be told which businesses are cashing in and how much each gets. This is a failure of basic government transparency. As a citizen, you are entitled to know how your government is spending your money. The state and local governments put a lot of effort into this … more

Dear House Tax Committee: Pure Michigan Return on Investment Not Validated

State Rep. Jim Tedder asks the right question

… Center has written extensively about a lack of transparency in the Pure Michigan and other programs. Moreover, … vendor said Longwoods had a “lack of total transparency,” and acknowledged that reviewing its process … Longwoods’ claim. Notwithstanding Longwood’s lack of transparency, this second outfit chose to attempt its own … more

Government Transparency Bill Stalled in Senate

Michigan House passed bill six months ago

… bill, which drew bipartisan support in the House, promotes government transparency and accountability by modernizing the state’s Freedom of Information … penalties that can be imposed on agencies that improperly withhold records. Transparency shouldn’t be viewed as an extra cost or burden borne by public agencies; … more

Government Transparency and a New Government in 2011

… taxpayer." That's why we're encouraged by growing interest in government transparency by the public and public officials. Not only do we have Bernero's and … impermissible political work. We also have seen admirable strides in government transparency by select legislators, public schools and state officers in response … more

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… review. The House Tax Policy Committee held a hearing Wednesday on Senate Bills 796 and 889, both of which were already passed by the Senate. Transparency has become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give back $120 million in 2011 and as two other states have had problems with their … more

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… for review. The House Tax Policy Committee held a Feb. 10 hearing on Senate Bills 796 and 889, both of which were already passed by the Senate. Transparency has become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give back $120 million in 2011 and as two other states have had problems with their … more

Oh, The Things You Will Learn

An intern's brush with bureaucracy

… take note because politicians across the spectrum and at all levels of government talk about working for the people and increasingly many promise transparency. But a look at how CAFR reports are filed shows there is a lot of work to do. The first problem is how the information is presented on the CAFR … more

City Sued Over FOIA Fees

Westland charges $1 per page, $45 per hour to gather public information

… per page, among other reforms. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ See also: Unions, Government Entities Team Up To Keep Information From Citizens How CapCon Uses Transparency Laws To Hold Government Accountable Government Entities Stymie FOIA Requests To Hide Information more

Bills Would Repeal Legislators', Governor's Open Records Law Exemptions

Flint water crisis turns up the heat

… issues and debate.” “Michigan has been receiving low grades for its transparency,” he continued. “However, when we checked around, we found that Michigan’s … from the FOIA laws in most other states. Yes, we want to improve our transparency but we need to make sure the legislation we introduce is the result … more

Transparency Not Rapid for Kent Co. Transit Agency

… is a model of government transparency, while the local transit … website, the organization’s transparency project says that it is … taxpayers to see should spur transparency in the county. “The whole … governments in their level of transparency, provide a means of determining … here. ~~~~~ See also: A Transparency Fight in the Village of … more

Transparency Laws are Designed to Keep the Government Accountable. But do They?

Government has repeatedly resisted the openness requested by the people

… essay series on government transparency to commemorate Sunshine … need for more government transparency. You can view the complete … for government to resist transparency efforts, either by failing … problem with a lack of transparency. Indeed, even those public … government’s attitude is toward transparency. In the past few months, … more

MEDC Testimony a Reminder That More Transparency is Needed

New legislation would make the MEDC more transparent and accountable

… why the MEDC needs more transparency and accountability. The … materialize. This is why the transparency and accountability bill … to “ensure that there is transparency in the way that our funds … questions about the MEDC’s transparency and its programs’ effectiveness … statutes that limit public transparency of MEGA tax credit information.” … more

Legislature Considering More Transparency For Asset Forfeiture

Some police agencies oppose the bills, which would require more accountability when property is taken

A package of bills that would provide more transparency in asset forfeiture cases in Michigan is being … these perverse incentives. "It's just good transparency legislation," Rep. McMillin said. "It would … possible." While generally supporting more transparency, she said it would require more employees to … more

Traverse City Schools Set Transparency Precedent

The Traverse City Area Public School district is raising transparency to a new level by posting on its website the contracts it proposes to unionized employees. At present, only the proposed transportation employee union contract is available, but eventually, all of them will be. The local teachers … more

State's Corporate Welfare Arm Says Ex-Attorney General Approved Being Less Transparent

MEDC: AG gave 'informal verbal advice' about not disclosing tax information

… explanation for this particular MEDC step away from transparency. The policy change first came to light in early … represented. The issue and its implications for transparency has been the subject of other Michigan Capitol … Corporate Welfare Agency Tone Deaf to Requests for Transparency There is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist … more

How a Government Transparency Request Can Take Months

… understand that the state, like many public entities, receives a lot of FOIA requests – particularly right now. But accountable government requires transparency, especially during times of crisis. Our FOIA laws must guarantee people of all views prompt access to information to fully take part in the democratic … more

Lawmaker Seeks More Transparency for SWAT Team Raids

… is entitled to more information and greater transparency from its government. "We're not talking about … ceiling in my estimation." ~~~~~ Other recent transparency related stories: House of Reps Adopts ‘Open … to Criminal Charge Show Michigan the Money Transparency Website more

School District Thwarts Transparency With Unnecessary Costs

… the use of open records laws by journalists to expose a potentially tragic government failure. While government agencies often claim to support transparency, their actions frequently appear intended to thwart the release of public information. The Lansing school district provides the most recent example. … more

Bill To Increase State Transparency Could Reduce It

Wouldn’t be first time the legislative process worked against open government

… pension records are public information. Period.” Withholding information from the public about government spending is akin to slamming the door on transparency and accountability, he said. “Redacting names from the public employee salary file guts the ability of citizens, journalists, challengers to the … more

Commentary: Politician 'Ambushes' Transparency Reform Group, Gets 'Counter-Ambushed'

… to increase government transparency. The group had been invited … that rates the overall transparency of state and local governments, … she wrote: “Government transparency is about how public officials, … and misuses of money. “Transparency is not a duty of private … a bad idea. Government transparency is hardly as contentious … more

Now is the Time to Demand Transparency from State's Corporate Welfare Agency

… it operates – that the issue of transparency should be addressed. In … with private businesses, transparency requirements for the MEDC … Ultimately the MEDC’s lack of transparency is the result of neglect … requirements of public transparency. Once the Legislature … to satisfy the needs of transparency - the next step would be … more

Analysis: Lawmakers Fail to Answer Questions About Film Subsidy Transparency

… we agree that the more transparency in government spending … has been written about transparency, the word "scrutinized" … state House to pass new transparency laws. In their Livingston … modifications to address additional transparency concerns. ..." Instead, … enough information and transparency for taxpayers to ascertain … more

Emails Show Shaky Grounds for Corporate Welfare Agency’s Transparency Shutdown

… agency’s leap away from transparency. The emails from an exchange … grounds for shutting down transparency were based on speculation. … purpose of increasing MEDC transparency. What follows are three … Improve Economic Development Transparency State's Corporate Welfare … Tone Deaf to Requests for Transparency State's Corporate Welfare … more

Legislators Who Promote Transparency Should Start by Disclosing Corporate Welfare Deals

MEDC secrecy patronizes lawmakers and public

… Information Act. That could mean more transparency for taxpayers and voters. That … travesty of basic accountability and transparency and lawmakers should quickly force … receive is to consent to basic transparency. The House has taken some basic steps toward transparency, which is good news. More needs … more

Study: They Spend Millions, but Minimal Transparency Required for Government Union Finances

… Paul Mehrens, author of “Bringing Financial Transparency to Michigan’s Public Sector Unions,” a new … a labor expert who helped draft a reform of transparency requirements at the U.S. Department of Labor … study chronicles the history of union financial transparency, starting in 1959. That was when Congress enacted … more

Michigan Forfeiture Laws Improving, But State Transparency Still Falls Behind

Under civil asset forfeiture, cops can keep a person's stuff even without a conviction or arrest

… for Justice has issued a report giving states a letter grade for their transparency and accountability surrounding a practice called civil asset forfeiture. … Its report concludes that across the country, forfeiture programs lack transparency and accountability. Many law enforcement agencies rely on civil asset … more

Court rules against transparency in Rochester schools FOIA case

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation will appeal; district said it didn’t have teaching materials for a semester-long class

An Oakland County Circuit Court ruling in a lawsuit involving the Rochester Community Schools District could mean less government transparency. Carol Beth Litkouhi, parent of a student in the school system, used the Freedom of Information Act to ask district officials for the curriculum used in a class … more

Gov. Snyder Releases 21,730 Flint Documents, No Charge; City Wants $172,000

The costs to release emails in Flint water crisis varies

… treatment and triggered deep concerns among residents about their own health and their children’s. With all that in play, the clear demand and need for transparency has trumped the usual devices that government officials use to frustrate requests for documents under open records laws. Demanding sky-high fees … more

Michigan Marked Down in National Rankings Due to Prohibition of Private School Vouchers

State places 13th nationally for second year in a row

… charter schools, school choice, online learning, teacher quality and transparency. ForTheRecord says: Michigan is hurt in the rankings due to a state … online learning, an 82-percent for teacher quality and a 100 percent for transparencymore

Other States Divulge What Michigan's Corporate Welfare Arm Keeps Secret

… tax credits because they understand that such transparency is not disclosing corporate tax returns or … states that consistently provide this level of transparency, Massachusetts and Missouri head the list. … fact offered that current law prohibits such transparency, nothing prohibits Gov. Rick Snyder and a simple … more

Michigan Legislature Can Pursue Free-Market Agenda

… Reforming the Michigan Economic Development Corporation by requiring greater transparency. The Mackinac Center recommends eliminating the MEDC entirely, but improved transparency would allow policymakers and taxpayers to better evaluate what they’re … more

Here we go Again: Trying to Make Legislators' Records Public

Bill would subject politicians and staff to the Freedom of Information Act

… that affect other entities, like local governments, but then exempt ourselves from the same standards,” Bieda said. “I’m a firm believer in public transparency. The legislature’s exemption from FOIA should be lifted.” Jack McHugh, senior legislative analyst with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, … more

Good, Bad and Ugly of Gov. Snyder's Budget

… the state in a positive direction with greater tax simplicity, more transparency, less corporate welfare and fewer discriminatory tax policies. Among … straightforward legislative appropriations, bringing a huge leap in transparency. And there are real cuts in this budget, including revenue sharing … more

Local Government Stories

… Rochester Schools Raise Pay, Report Cuts, and Blame Governor Does the Lansing School District Reall Pay 'Below the Poverty Line' for Teachers? Transparency Not Rapid  For Kent Co. Transit Agency West Michigan School Super Claims Budget Cuts - But Do the Numbers Add Up? Decade of Cuts Is Claimed by … more

Michigan Capitol Confidential Election 2014 Coverage

… in Michigan; it came at the expense of killing the Michigan promise in order to pay off Hollywood movies.  Dale Rogers: “YES! YES! YES! to MEDC transparency reforms and NO! NO! NO! to the state of Michigan giving out subsidies and tax credits to select companies.” GOP Candidates For Michigan's 80th … more

Mackinac Center sues MSU over Eagle Twp. land deal

University throws a blanket over 1,200-acre gift

… are frustrated at the lack of transparency in disclosing the agreement that … disclosing all of the details for transparency and clarity?” The Mackinac Center … example of Michigan’s lack of transparency,” said Steve Delie, director of transparency and open government at the Mackinac … more

Unions, Government Entities Team Up to Keep Information From Citizens

… spoken about the need for transparency, and media outlets and … public entities to avoid transparency because material is “untimely” … if not the letter of the transparency act. And if the constitutional … review before release, transparency is cast aside. Various … security grant money. Transparency laws are important. In … more