press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan 

March 18, 2015

Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574sam@progressmichigan.org

Sunshine Week: Progress Michigan Files FOIA Seeking Conversations Between Governor Snyder and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Requests highlight the need for greater transparency in Michigan

LANSING — Today, Progress Michigan filed a Freedom of Information Act request under Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. The request seeks communications between Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker since the beginning of the year. The request was filed in Wisconsin because Michigan law exempts the Governor from disclosing information to citizens about how their government works.

“It’s sad that we have to ask another state for information about how Gov. Snyder conducts himself in office,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “This FOIA request is an attempt to see if these governors are working together at the behest of corporate-backed groups like ALEC or if they are working on behalf of the people that live and work in their respective states.”

Earlier this month, Wisconsin became the 25th state to adopt a Right to Work law that limits the ability of workers to organize for better pay, benefits and working conditions such as safety measures in the workplace. Progress Michigan is specifically seeking communications regarding the passage of the legislation in both states.

“So-called Right to Work laws are backed by corporations seeking to profit on the backs of hardworking Americans and both Scott Walker and Rick Snyder have chosen to sign bills that enshrine lower pay, fewer benefits and hazardous working conditions into law,” Scott continued. “Walker and Snyder have already spoken loudly about their support for this legislation. We’re interested to know if they have spoken to each other about it.”

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