“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
Transparency is the cornerstone of a robust democracy, and our constituents deserve to know that their elected officials have their best interests at heart.
Residents across the state overwhelmingly passed Proposal 1 in 2022 to demand better transparency and financial disclosure from their elected officials. Last night’s vote on Senate Bills 613 through 616 fell short of implementing the will of the people. These bills include serious loopholes that allow elected officials and their spouses to cheat the system and hide wrongdoing.
I understand why some of my colleagues voted yes on this legislation, as this legislation is certainly better than the status quo. However, I voted no because I firmly believe that we will only get better results from our elected officials if we have the courage to stand up for what is right.
This package of bills focuses on elected officers and candidates for state offices. In Michigan, when an individual is married, their assets are jointly held with their spouse unless a prenuptial agreement or other legal asset separation agreement was in place at the time of the marriage. Therefore, all assets, investments, properties, businesses, and other financial items in a spouse’s name also benefit the official and candidate and should be disclosed.
Unfortunately, despite amendments offered by a bipartisan list of legislators to fix this egregious loophole, the bill did not contain those stronger measures when a vote was ordered on SB614. Every single amendment was gaveled down without being given a legitimate vote.
I am proud to stand up for true disclosure and transparency in a place where that is not always popular. The people of this state deserve better, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to advocate for stronger language that brings adequate transparency to our government.”
Rep. Aiyash moved that Senate Bill No. 615 be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senate Bill No. 615, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act,” (MCL 169.201 to 169.282) by adding section 44a.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows: