Some Michigan lawmakers are trying – once again – to pass legislation that would require elected officials to file financial disclosures. It’s an issue that lawmakers have been trying to get past the finish line for decades.
A state House committee heard testimony Wednesday on the bipartisan bills. They would require elected officials and candidates – like the governor, attorney general, and state lawmakers – to make certain regular disclosures. Those disclosures include the source of any income that’s more than 5-thousand dollars, the names of employers, and if immediate family members are lobbyists.
“I know that this is not an easy topic,” said bill sponsor David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids) during the committee hearing. “Change is hard, even if it’s, in this case, I think really important change that we consider.”
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has called for the Legislature to pass financial disclosure laws.
But the bills face an uphill battle in the state Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) has been a firm opponent of the idea, though he has said that he will let the Legislative process play out.
“I think this is a kabuki theater, it’s much ado about nothing,” Shirkey told reporters of the bills. “I don’t think it adds anything of value to the conversations. We already require in both chambers to disclose when we have conflicts.”