Michigan and Massachusetts Push Transparency Reforms

The Michigan Senate has introduced bills to expand the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the Legislature and governor's office, with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Sen. Jeremy Moss prioritizing this effort after previous failures. Massachusetts leaders, including Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano, are proposing measures to accelerate legislative processes amidst calls for transparency reforms. Kentucky's Republican-majority legislature has implemented procedural changes to limit debate, which Democrats argue restrict public engagement. In Greenville County, SC, Benton Blount has been elected as the new council chairman, emphasizing transparency in his role. State lawmakers in Massachusetts have pledged to enhance transparency following criticisms of their legislative process.