State lawmakers will start discussions this week about whether they – and other elected officials – should have to produce personal financial disclosures.
Craig Mauger is with the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. That’s a nonpartisan watchdog organization that follows money in politics.
Mauger says bills up for debate in a state House committee on Wednesday would help the public get a better sense of who their lawmakers are. And see potential conflicts of interest.
“We simply don’t know now. We are on a trust me basis now," Mauger says.
The bipartisan package of bills would require elected officials – including the governor, elected judges, lawmakers, and members of university boards – to disclose certain personal finances. Candidates running for those positions would also have to disclose.