Gretchen Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Michigan Candidate Transparency Law – Grifter Ecosystem Gutted

The Michigan Senate and Governor Whitmer align in bipartisan fashion to expand FOIA access and financial disclosure laws, attempting to repair the state’s poor transparency record.

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FOIA Reform Advances: Senate Moves to Open Legislature and Governor’s Office

In a near-unanimous vote, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills 1 and 2 on January 29, 2025, to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the Legislature and governor’s office, which are currently exempt under the 1976 statute.

Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), the lead sponsor, called the current law “outrageous,” noting Michigan is one of the last states to shield these branches from records requests. The bills were prioritized as the Senate’s first action in the new legislative session, passing 33–2.

Sen. Moss emphasized the urgency: “It should not take another 10 years for the Legislature to do the right thing for our constituents. Today, the Senate has done its part — now it’s up to the House.”

The bills aim to fix long-standing issues. A 2015 Center for Public Integrity report gave Michigan an “F” in government integrity, citing failures in public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative transparency.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) added: “We have seen countless situations where access to open records could have allowed residents to hold their elected officials accountable.” The legislation now awaits action in the Michigan House of Representatives.

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Whitmer Signs Financial Disclosure Bills Backed by Proposal 1 Reforms

On May 14, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bills 99 and 100 into law. These measures tighten financial disclosure rules for public officials and candidates, building on the passage of Proposal 1 by voters in 2022.

Sen. Moss also sponsored SB 99, which mandates reporting of unearned income and gifts, including travel and charity payments required to be reported by lobbyists. The new law clarifies expectations and extends the deadline for disclosure filings to June 13.

Sen. Moss stated the legislation “adds further required disclosures while making it easier for filers to submit the form and for the public to access it.”

SB 100, introduced by Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), simplifies the submission process for financial disclosures, ensuring that candidate filings meet requirements managed by the Secretary of State’s office. The goal: eliminate red tape that previously created barriers for potential office seekers.

Sen. McBroom said the changes “support free and fair elections” by correcting “user errors” that previously derailed legitimate candidacies.

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Whitmer’s Record on Government Transparency Grows

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has signed over 1,500 bipartisan bills, several of which target government transparency. Her administration has:

• Voluntarily released personal financial records and tax returns
• Prohibited political fundraising in state buildings
• Required reporting of irregularities involving public funds
• Modernized FOIA compliance through executive directives
• Signed legislation mandating audio recordings of public meetings
• Strengthened transparency for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission

These reforms, including those passed this year, represent the most substantial transparency efforts in Michigan in decades.

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Bipartisan Support Signals a Shift in Lansing’s Culture

The rare alignment of Republicans and Democrats suggests growing momentum for open government initiatives. With Senators Moss and McBroom co-sponsoring reforms, and Governor Whitmer signing off, both chambers and the executive branch are showing signs of coordination not seen in previous sessions.

While implementation timelines and administrative logistics will take months to sort, these legislative moves are expected to place Michigan in closer alignment with national transparency standards, addressing a gap that has plagued the state for years.

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