Governor Gretchen Whitmer says her latest executive directive will improve transparency in state government. Capital Correspondent Cheyna Roth has more.
Whitmer’s 11th executive directive is aimed at getting information to reporters and citizens faster. It encourages state departments to not request extensions beyond the state deadlines for Freedom of Information Act requests. And it encourages the departments to get information out before those deadlines.
Democratic Senator Jeremy Moss has worked to improve Michigan’s transparency laws for years. They’re among the worst in the nation. He says this directive will prevent state agencies from using delay tactics and charging high fees.
“FOIA has been weaponized by some bad actors in state government.” Moss said.
Moss is also working on legislation to open up the governor’s office and the Legislature to FOIA requests.