In recent weeks, I have seen plenty of school buses parked on Walnut Street west of the Capitol, waiting to pick up their little riders who were fresh from a tour of how state government works.
At least, that’s what some want you to believe ... that policies are made in legislative chambers after due deliberation and uplifting debate and all.
The reality is much less ... photogenic: “Michigan comes in last among the states for personal financial disclosure by public officials, according to a new report from the Center for Public Integrity. Michigan is one of only three states that has no law requiring public officials to file a statement of their personal financial interests. The Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 4381, which would mandate personal financial disclosure for State officials, earlier this legislative session but the Senate has not acted on the bill,” reports the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.
See the full report here, then ask yourself: What does Michigan know that so many other states do not about trusting to the good intentions of its state lawmakers?
