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Integrity Report Ranks Michigan Worst In Nation For Government Transparency, Accountability


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LANSING, MI — Michigan has the worst government transparency and accountability laws and practices in the country, according a new corruptibility report card from the Center for Public Integrity.


Michigan received a failing grade — and the lowest overall score — from CPI, which measured each state on 250 specific "indicators" related to ethics enforcement, lobbying disclosure, political financing, legislative accountability and more.


Michigan has a "lack of effective disclosure rules for officials in nearly all facets of state government," according to a State Integrity Investigation report by veteran newsman Chad Selweski. "Conflicts of interest and potential public corruption remain buried in an honor system with no honor."


No states received an A grade in the investigation. The top three — Alaska, California and Connecticut — received Cs. CPI released a similar report card in 2012, but the grades are not directly comparable due to new metrics.


Michigan was one of 11 states that received an F in the new report, released Monday. It scored particularly poorly on measurements of accountability for the executive, legislative and judicial branches.


In the Legislature, for instance, Michigan does not require lawmakers to file asset disclosure forms, does not require lawmakers to recuse themselves from actions in which they have a conflict of interest and does not have laws specifically prohibiting cronyism or nepotism when hiring legislative staff.


Selweski, in his overview of the Michigan findings, noted a series of incidents that highlight accountability concerns in the state.


In 2013, language to protect anonymous "issue ad" donors was added to an already controversial bill that doubled campaign contribution limits, a policy that Gov. Rick Snyder eventually signed into law.


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The amendment was added during the middle of a committee hearing — reportedly after a lobbyist intervened — at almost the exact moment Secretary of State Ruth Johnson was announcing new rules that would have required more disclosure.


More recently, the sex scandal that led to the ouster of former Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat served as a reminder that the Legislature long ago exempted itself from the state's Freedom of Information Act.


The House Business Office rejected public records requests from reporters covering the scandal and alleged misuse of taxpayer resources. Instead, a report was released after review by outside attorneys.


Michigan also has weak disclosure rules for lobbyists, who are allowed to report their activities "in such a vague format" that the public is almost helpless to understand the potential influence, according to the analysis.


Lobbyists only have to report wining and dining if they spend more than $59 in a month or $375 in a year on an individual lawmaker, and they do not have to disclose which issues or legislation they were actually discussing.


Michigan did earn a high score for its state budget process, ranking 8th in the country.


That process is conducted in a transparent manner that allows for citizen input, according to CPI. Michigan conducts a public revenue estimating conference, the governor releases a budget proposal before lawmakers act and the state makes budget information online in an easily accessible format.


But on most other measurements, Michigan scored poorly. Check out the Center for Public Integrity website for more information on the Michigan rankings.


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Republican Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat..

This is the embodiment of the GOP majority here in Michigan.

They lie to their costituents, they lie to their collegues, they plot to deceive and cover up on the taxpayer dime and time, They lie and cheat on and disrespect their spouses, family and friends. And then they further insulted our intelligence by rerunning for their seat. SMH

The audacity and hypocracy of the GOP is astounding .

Edited by beourbud
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Republican Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat..

This is the embodiment of the GOP majority here in Michigan.

They lie to their costituents, they lie to their collegues, they plot to deceive and cover up on the taxpayer dime and time, They lie and cheat on and disrespect their spouses, family and friends. And then they further insulted our intelligence by rerunning for their seat. SMH

The audacity and hypocracy of the GOP is astounding .

 

It always seems like the big "family values" proponents are the ones caught in sex scandals. I wonder what kind of families these folks come from?

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