Lasinski sponsors part of FOIA package heading to House floor

State Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Twp.) speaks on the House floor, March 13.

The House Government Operations Committee passed a package of bills last week aimed at increasing accountability in state government. This package opens the governor’s office up to the Freedom of Information Act and creates the new Legislative Open Records Act to enhance clarity in the legislative process. Michigan currently ranks last in the nation for transparency in government, something this legislation addresses directly.

Manchester’s State Representative Donna Lasinski is the sponsor of HB 4009 in this package.

“The people of Michigan have the right to know exactly how their government is operating,” Lasinski said in response to the passage of this package. “This legislation is an excellent first step towards creating more openness in Lansing. By strengthening public accountability, we also strengthen the trust that exists between communities and their elected officials. I’m encouraged by the support this bill package has received from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and for the shared willingness to do right by the residents of our state.”

Read more about this package here.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.