Michigan’s Financial Disclosure System Faces Scrutiny and Demands for Accountability
In a recent development that has caught the attention of Michigan’s legislative leaders, the state’s new financial disclosure system is under fire for its inefficiencies. The system, intended to streamline the filing process for elected officials’ financial statements, has been plagued with issues, prompting calls for explanations from top officials.
During a tense session on Tuesday, representatives from the Secretary of State’s office and the contractors responsible for the system’s development were questioned by members of two Michigan House committees. The committees scrutinized the system’s failures, which are part of implementing a voter-approved constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing transparency.
Tina Anderson, Chief of Staff for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, addressed the committees, acknowledging the system’s shortcomings. “We know that many system users, including members of these committees, have had less-than-satisfactory interactions with this system,” Anderson stated. “On behalf of Secretary Benson, I am here to apologize for these difficult experiences. We take this very seriously.”
The hearing became particularly heated as House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer expressed dissatisfaction with the responses provided. “What’s been demonstrated in testimony here today is that there was risk, they were aware of risk,” he remarked. “I tried to get an answer out of who made these decisions and the answer was team, team, team, team, team. But, at the end of the day, the buck stops at the secretary of state.”
The new system, which has faced crashes and glitches, has hindered timely filings and public access to these filings. Anderson emphasized the challenges of transitioning to the new system, explaining that maintaining two parallel systems was not feasible.
DeBoyer plans to request Secretary of State Benson’s personal appearance before the committee next month to address these concerns directly. Angela Benander, Secretary of State Communications Officer, indicated their openness to reviewing such a request, stating, “We’ll review the letter when we receive it and make a decision then.”
The issues with the new financial disclosure system underscore the complexities involved in implementing large-scale technological changes in government processes. As the next filing deadline approaches in July, stakeholders remain hopeful for promised improvements.
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