Michigan Lawmakers Focus on Earmark Transparency and Economic Development
Following the signing of the state budget, Michigan lawmakers are shifting their attention to legislation promoting earmark transparency, particularly for economic development projects.
Public scrutiny of legislative earmarks has increased, prompting the state Senate to modify its rules. Lawmakers are now required to publicly disclose spending items they request in the budget before voting on them.
The state House of Representatives, led by Republicans, had previously adopted a similar policy and criticized the Democratic-controlled state Senate for its slower pace. However, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) views the outcome as a step in the right direction.
are making us closer to making this more transparent and so I’m excited about that.
Anthony is sponsoring a bill to cement earmark reforms into state law, aiming to increase transparency in the budget process.
Author's summary: Michigan lawmakers work on earmark transparency legislation.