Michigan Dems want to shine a 'BRITE' light on elected officials' finances and political nonprofits

(Michigan Advance) Sunshine Week, which acknowledges the importance of transparency in government, is underway in Michigan. And a group of lawmakers who are exempt from public records requests discussed their intention Wednesday to introduce legislation to improve accountability in the finances of elected officials.

These bills will be called the Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency and Ethics (BRITE) Act.

In a news conference in Lansing Wednesday, several Democratic House members voiced their support for expanding financial disclosures elected officials have to make, as well as monitoring ‘dark money’ groups and reporting accepted gifts. They also were joined by Quentin Turner, executive director of Common Cause.

“Now’s the time to think about a brighter future for Michigan,” state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) said. “A brighter future where the people hold the most power in our government, not dark money special interest groups. A brighter future where lawmakers call our constituents to ask how they should vote on legislation, instead of wealthy and well-connected individuals. This is a future where people can trust that their state government is making the right decisions for the right reasons. This brighter future is not just an aspiration. It starts here today.” ...............(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2024/03/14/michigan-dems-want-to-shine-a-brite-light-on-elected-officials-finances-and-political-nonprofits/