Secretary Benson statement on Attorney General's formal opinion on implementation of personal financial disclosure requirements?

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today made the following statement regarding the Attorney General?s release of a formal opinion on the Department of State?s implementation of personal financial disclosure requirements under Proposal 2022-1. Secretary Benson requested the formal opinion in an April 8 letter to Attorney General Nessel:

?After years of being one of the worst states in the nation for government transparency, Michigan?s voters took a stand in 2022, passing new constitutional requirements for state lawmakers and candidates to publicly disclose details of their personal finances. I have been a consistent advocate for a more transparent and ethical state government, so I take my responsibility to carry out that mandate very seriously.

?I?m grateful for the Attorney General?s thoughtful analysis of our personal financial disclosure tool and that we agree on the proper interpretation of the law in this case. We are on solid legal footing and have implemented the requirements of Proposal 1 in accordance with the state constitution. This opinion provides clarity and certainty that will help Michigan take steps in the right direction ? toward a state government that is accountable to the people we serve.

?Our work isn?t done. I will continue to fight for laws improving transparency and accountability in our state, limiting the influence of lobbying and financial interests, and allowing better enforcement of disclosure and ethics requirements."

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