A critical component of democracy is an open government. Currently, Michigan is one of the few states that still exempts its governor, lieutenant governor and legislature from sunshine laws. In one recent study done jointly by the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity, Michigan was given a “F” for its current level of government transparency.

I believe I was elected to serve the public, and that the public deserves to see what their elected officials are doing.  We must be held accountable. Additionally, the public trusts us with their hard-earned money and the public is entitled to information about how it is being spent. An open and transparent government should not be a partisan issue. Thankfully, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree with me.

Recently, the Michigan House of Representatives unanimously passed a package of bills that would increase the level of transparency. This package was bipartisan, with both Republicans and Democrats as bill sponsors. House Bills 4007-4013, 4015, and 4016 would bring the state legislature under the Freedom of Information Act by implementing a new Legislative Open Records Act. The bills would also remove the current FOIA exemptions for the governor, lieutenant governor, and executive office employees. These changes will hold the governor and legislators to the same transparency laws that local government have long been held to.

One important exemption is that the private information of constituents who contact my office asking for help is still confidential. So, please know that if you reach out for assistance for an issue dealing with a state department, your private information is still private.

Similar bills were passed by the Michigan House last session but were never taken up by Senate leadership. I hope this package is more successful and that the governor sees the value in signing this legislation. I fail to see any good reasons why state elected officials have been able to avoid sunshine laws for so long. It’s time for this change, and now comes the time.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance dealing with red tape at the state level. My staff and I are happy to help in any way we can, and if you ever have ideas about how we can work to make Michigan better my door is always open.

Brad Paquette R, represents the 78th District, which covers Berrien county.