March 16, 2021 Unlike the vast majority of the U.S., Michigan has no legal mechanism compelling state lawmakers and the governor to fork over their records when asked. Government transparency advocates have long argued the state’s broad exemptions for the state Legislature and governor’s office in the Freedom of Information Act shrouds the actions of public officials in secrecy. Over the last decade, lawmakers have grown more amenable to changing the law, although efforts to do so haven’t yet made it to the governor’s desk. Last week, the House Oversight Committee teed up a 10-bill package that would subject the governor, lieutenant governor and their staff to the state’s Freedom of Information Act and establish a separate Legislative Open Records Act. Those bills could come up for votes on the House floor as soon as this week. READ MORE ►Whitmer curbs use of controversial separation agreements in executive directive It's a question many have been asking since the first COVID-19 vaccine arrived -- will employers mandate vaccinations for their workers? Now that vaccine eligibility will soon be open to all adults, the question is top of mind. A recent survey of Southeast Michigan employers shows that a majority will recommend their employees get vaccinated. But, no, employers do not appear to be poised for a mandate. Here are the details on that survey, in which the Detroit Regional Chamber questioned 163 business executives and leaders in the area: MORE Has spring sprung? Well, we got a little cold spell, but the future looks warm, Michigan. MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has a look at the extended forecast, and there is no return to winter in sight. Do we get to avoid our late-season snow this year? Well, we won't completely count on that yet, but so far it is looking good. If you want all the details on the upcoming forecast, check out Torregrossa's forecast. And if you love talking weather, follow the link below to join our Facebook group full of other Michigan weather enthusiasts. MORE The Michigan High School Athletic Association does not support a bill that would require students to compete only against athletes of their sex assigned at birth. State Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, introduced a bill last week that aims to force Michigan school districts to designate female and male sports teams and bar transgender students from trying out for teams that don’t correspond to their sex assigned at birth. MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl told MLive he believes the bill is unnecessary and a case-by-case approach is the best way to discuss team assignments for high school athletes. MORE ►COVID-19 pause ends regular season for 2 Ann Arbor-area basketball teams Tens of millions of dollars in federal stimulus money are expected to pour into local government coffers in Washtenaw County under the American Rescue Plan. The $1.9 trillion aid package signed by President Joe Biden last week includes $350 billion for state and local governments, and $10.3 billion of that could be coming to Michigan, according to preliminary estimates shared by officials. That could translate into nearly $2 billion in direct federal aid to Michigan’s 83 county governments, including nearly $72 million for Washtenaw County, said County Treasurer Catherine McClary. MORE Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive to your address book or safe sender list. |