FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan

April 18, 2024

Contact: Denzel McCampbell, denzel@progressmichigan.org, 313-400-0298

Poll Highlight: Michiganders Want More Light in Lansing

Lake Effect newsletter highlights Michigan opinion on BRITE Act and FOIA reform  

MICHIGAN –  Earlier this month, Progress Michigan released the April issue of Lake Effect, a monthly poll tracking public opinion about a variety of issues and political figures. In light of recently introduced transparency reforms in Lansing, polling shows a strong majority of Michiganders not only back BRITE Act policy changes and FOIA reform, but think it’s very important the legislature acts this year to bring more light to Lansing.

“Michiganders have long shown unwavering support for bringing more transparency to Lansing,” said Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan. “For years, poll after poll after poll—not to mention the 2022 ballot initiative—has shown the desire for a transparent and accountable government crosses all demographic and partisan lines. Government is supposed to be of, by, and for the people, a goal impossible to reach without true transparency and accountability from our elected officials.”

When asked about aspects of the BRITE Act, respondents showed very strong support: 

  • 74 percent support requiring nonprofits connected with state officials and candidate committees to register with the Secretary of State.
  • 81 percent support expanding lobbying disclosure requirements to include gifts to lawmakers such as tickets for concerts and sporting events.
  • 83 percent support requiring a one-year waiting period in between when a legislator’s term ends and when they’re allowed to serve as a lobbyist. 

When asked about FOIA reform, respondents showed overwhelming support not only for expanding FOIA, but also for acting on FOIA reform now:

  • 80 percent support making the Governor’s office and the state Legislature subject to the same Freedom of Information Act laws as local governments and state departments.
  • 87 percent think it is important that the Legislature acts this year to update Michigan’s laws to require the Governor’s office and the state Legislature to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests.

“In light of the recent charges filed against former Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield, it’s more important than ever we change how things are done in Lansing because what we have right now is simply not working and bad actors are taking advantage,” Inglot continued. “For too long we have been named as one of the worst states in the country for government transparency and now is the time to change that. We’ve proven Michigan can be a leader on civil rights protections for the LGTBQ+ community, protecting and expanding access to the ballot box, and protecting reproductive freedom. Let’s show everyone we can be a leader on transparency too.” 

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