Transparency in Budget Earmarks
Michigan bills aimed at increasing transparency for budget earmarks have advanced out of the state Senate committee.
The proposed legislation would require lawmakers to publicly disclose special spending items and hold a hearing before voting on them.
“These bills represent a significant step forward in modernizing our budget process, reinforcing the public trust, and ensuring that legislatively directed spending items are more transparent and responsible,”
Said Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), highlighting the importance of the legislation in building on prior open-government efforts.
The bills are part of a compromise reached during negotiations for the recent state budget.
Author's summary: Michigan advances bills for budget transparency.