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Open records package passes the House

Rep. Donna Lasinski

Recently, the House passed House Bills 4007-4013, 4015 and 4016, a bipartisan package which aims to increase accountability and address Michigan last-in-the-nation ranking for transparency in government. Included in the package was Manchester’s state Rep., Donna Lasinski HB 4009, which details the process by which exempt and non-exempt records are separated.

“This is a great day for the people of Michigan and reaffirms the 100th Legislature commitment to transparency,” Lasinski said. “Legislators from both sides of the aisle came together in support of open government and accountability to our constituents. When the Senate votes on this bill package, I hope that they will commit to these same principles and quickly send this package to the governor. I know that increased insight into government operations would benefit our entire state.”

The package will open the governor office up to the Freedom of Information Act and subject the Legislature to a new Legislative Open Records Act. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.