Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Douglas Wozniak, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Douglas Wozniak, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
State Representative Doug Wozniak has shown support for a bipartisan initiative aimed at enhancing the transparency of Michigan's state grant process. House Bill 4420, which recently passed in the House, mandates that all proposed enhancement grant funding be made publicly available on the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget’s website. This measure intends to allow residents to easily access information regarding the allocation of state funds, who is requesting them, and their intended purposes.
"Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent," stated Wozniak. "As Legislators, we should focus on ensuring that this process is easily accessible to the people we serve."
At present, details about grant funding are often obscured within budget documents or not readily accessible to the public. The bill proposes a permanent system for disclosure that would apply to both House and Senate earmarks.
"Transparency shouldn’t depend on who’s in charge. It should be the standard at all times," said Wozniak. "By putting this into law, we’re making sure future legislatures can’t walk it back behind closed doors."
The legislation will now move forward to the Senate for further deliberation.
Alerts Sign-up