State Representative Ann Bollin called on a House committee on May 4 to move forward with a proposal that would improve transparency and make state government reports more accessible to the public.
Bollin said the measure is important because it allows residents to better understand how taxpayer funds are spent and how state agencies operate. “People should not have to dig through layers of bureaucracy to find public information,” Bollin said. “When information is accessible, searchable, and available at no cost, citizens are in a better position to understand and engage with their government.”
The proposed legislation, House Bill 5755, would require all departmental reports produced for the Legislature also be posted on a single state website for public viewing. Currently, many such reports are not online or are scattered across various websites, making them difficult for people to find.
During her testimony supporting the bill, Bollin said: “I know firsthand how important it is not only to have records or reports available, but also easy to retrieve. Frankly, if they are not easily understood or retrievable, it can render our efforts ineffective. They are only as good as our ability to retrieve them.” The idea for this legislation was first suggested by a reporter covering state government.
Bollin has been an advocate for transparency and accountability in government according to the official website. She has supported reforms like the House Ethics, Accountability and Transparency plan and advocated for enhanced reporting requirements through budget provisions that require departments post and archive reports online.
In addition to her work on transparency measures, Bollin promotes community events and education programs according to her official website, recognizes outstanding service by law enforcement and first responders according to her official website, serves communities in Livingston County according to her official website, chairs the House Elections Committee according to her official website, and supports election integrity through committee leadership and legislative initiatives according to her official website.
House Bill 5755 remains under review by the House Regulatory Reform Committee.
