Great Lakes Wire

Common Cause Michigan is urging House Speaker Matt Hall to advance significant changes to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the Michigan House. This call comes during Sunshine Week, a period dedicated to promoting transparency and access to information.

Previously, when Hall was the Minority Leader, he addressed former Speaker Joe Tate in a letter advocating for legislation that would extend FOIA requests to include the Legislature and Executive Branch offices. Currently, Michigan is one of only two states where these branches are exempt from such transparency requirements.

In his earlier correspondence, Hall emphasized the importance of public access to government records. "The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is supposed to ensure public access to government records, and it’s worrisome that there are gaps in how information is shared and communicated with the public," he wrote. He further highlighted the need for accountability among leaders and informed decision-making by citizens.

Quentin Turner, Executive Director of Common Cause Michigan, expressed support for Hall's previous stance on this issue. "Matt Hall was correct when he called for transparency legislation for the executive and legislative branches and he should stick to his word," Turner stated. He urged Speaker Hall to act promptly during Sunshine Week by passing FOIA reforms.

Common Cause Michigan identifies itself as a nonpartisan organization focused on fostering open and accountable governance while ensuring equal rights and representation for all citizens.