Supporters of more transparency in government are praising Governor Whitmer for issuing executive orders that require state employees to use official email for state business and to refrain from political campaign activities on state time. Progress Michigan executive director Lonnie Scott says the next big step would be to reform the state’s Freedom of Information Act or FOIA laws, that govern which state records can be made public.
“Right now, Michigan is one of the only states in the country that specifically bars FOIA from reaching legislators or the executive office.”
The very first executive directive issued by Whitmer required state employees who learn of a threat to public safety, health or welfare to report it up the chain of command, and make sure it is investigated. It’s designed to prevent a repeat of mistakes made during the Flint water crisis. Progress Michigan sued the state during the Snyder administration over former Attorney General Bill Schuette’s staff using personal email accounts for state business.
