Dave Lagrand News Today

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she backs a plan to require public officials to disclose finances but exempt spousal income. She also says she won’t open her office to records requests until the Legislature does so.

Michigan is the only state in the country with a full-time legislature that does not require lawmakers to disclose any of their finances. Now the recent Lee Chatfield embezzlement scandal is bringing the lack of transparency to light.

Michigan is the only state in the country with a full-time legislature that does not require lawmakers to disclose any of their finances. Now the recent Lee Chatfield embezzlement scandal is bringing the lack of transparency to light.

The Michigan Senate is negotiating changes to House approved ethics reforms and considering tighter rules for political funds in the wake of sexual and financial allegations against former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.

A mom from Grand Rapids said she followed all the rules when filing for unemployment. Now, the state says she owes $4,000.