Transparency in government is a critical component of a free society.  Too often, government operates in the shadows.  The dimly-limit maze of steps involved in a freedom of information request provides a negative incentive to citizen monitors.  A better process would be to provide government agreements online in a easily accessible format.  That way, Michigan citizens can better monitor what administrative laws and regulation our government is committing to.

HB 4116 moves us in the right direction.  Sponsored by Reps. Opsommer, Knollenberg, Rendon, Genetski, Rogers, Agema, Damrow, Johnson and Daley and referred to the Committee on Oversight, Reform, and Ethics, this legislation provides two benefits that increase accountability, transparency, and save Michigan taxpayers money.

• Requires that the Attorney General review binding agreements between the State of Michigan and the federal government or other units of government outside the state to verify if such agreements meet the following criteria:
  • Are in conformance with state and federal constitutional requirements and limitations.
  • Authorized by law.
  • Do not exceed the statutory authority granted to the department, agency, or officer.
• The Attorney General shall establish and update a website posting each binding agreement.  It will also include the Attorney General's determination if the agreement doesn't meet the criteria above.

Help us support this legislation by signing our petition below.

I agree! HB 4116 is an urgently needed reform providing transparency and accountability in Michigan government.  Please let my representatives in Lansing know that they must co-sponsor HB 4116 and do everything possible to support a roll call vote!

Transparency is key to the proper functioning of a representative government, and has the welcome side-effect of reining in expansive government power.  Failure to pass HB 4116 would leave Michigan citizens vulnerable to a secretive bureaucracy.