In a recent meeting with reporters, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed frustration over the lack of transparency measures in the state’s government, especially following the failure of the BRITE Act.
The BRITE Act, which aimed to increase transparency and ethics among lawmakers, faced opposition in the Democratic-led Legislature.
Nessel suggested that the only way to push such reforms forward may be through a voter-initiated ballot proposal, lamenting that lawmakers seem hesitant to address legal loopholes that allow “dark money” in politics and limit transparency.
Nessel also criticized the actions of lawmakers who boycotted the final days of the previous legislative session, denying the House a quorum and preventing the passage of key legislation, such as human trafficking and price gouging reforms.
While she expressed frustration, Nessel stopped short of pursuing charges against those lawmakers but emphasized the need for lawmakers to fulfill their duties.
Despite these challenges, Nessel remained hopeful about bipartisan support for legislation expanding public records laws to include the governor and Legislature.
However, she remained concerned that without further public pressure, meaningful reform may remain elusive.