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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

November 18, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Increase Government Transparency and Protect Taxpayer Dollars in State Budgets, Delivering on Promises Made

Other bills will protect against political violence and support animal conservation efforts

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills that will increase transparency in Michigan’s government, ensuring Michiganders know how their tax money is being spent. Governor Whitmer has been committed to increasing transparency in government since taking office. Earlier this year, she called for a plan to increase transparency on legislative earmarks in her State of the State address. Later, she put forward a larger plan to expand oversight and transparency over earmarks. Governor Whitmer also signed two other bills that will enhance protections for Michigan lawmakers from political violence and support local zoos. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,536 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

“Since I took office, I’ve been committed to increasing transparency in our government, so Michiganders know exactly where their hard-earned dollars are going,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I made a promise to increase transparency on legislative earmarks in my most recent State of the State. Less than a year later, I’m proud to sign these two bills that requires lawmakers to put their names on any projects they propose. I’ll keep working with anyone to serve Michiganders and increase transparency in our government.”

“Since taking office, we have been committed to building a transparent, responsive state government that works for Michiganders,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These bills will help increase transparency on legislative earmarks and ensure Michiganders know where their hard-earned dollars are going. Let’s keep Standing Tall for more transparency in government.”

“Michiganders deserve the transparency of knowing where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. That’s why I’m proud that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I championed this legislation — which passed with bipartisan support — to require all earmarks and enhancement grants to be publicly disclosed before the passage of the state budget,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Today’s signing of this legislation into law underscores our continued commitment to ensuring our government remains accountable and accessible to the folks we’ve been entrusted to serve.”

Senate Bill 596, sponsored by state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), will ensure public money is spent fairly and transparently. The bill sets requirements for Michigan lawmakers to follow when directing state money to specific local projects or organizations, also known as earmarks or Legislatively Directed Spending Items (LDSIs). Specifically, the bill requires the Legislature to post all LDSI requests online at least 45 days prior to a final vote on legislation containing the LDSI, post updates on how the money is being used, and adds oversight for funding. Additionally, the bill defines what an LDSI is, guidelines on who can get the money, and a timeline for requests.

“Budgets are moral documents — a clear statement of our values and priorities. Senate Democrats have been clear on our values since day one, including the belief that every Michigander should have a clear view of how their tax dollars are being spent,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “In my first budget as Appropriations Chair, we required every lawmaker to clearly put their name behind the investments they championed for their communities. Now, with this legislation, we’re taking another important step in ensuring government officials remain accountable to the people they serve.”

House Bill 4420, sponsored by state Representative Tom Kunse (R-Clare), is tie-barred to Senate Bill 596, ensuring public money is spent fairly and transparently. Specifically, the bill ensures LDSIs are disclosed to the public and includes specific information, including the sponsoring legislator’s name, intended grant recipient, amount requested, public purpose, and more. As such, the bill requires lawmakers to sponsor projects like improvements to fire stations, roads, or schools. The bill also requires certification by a sponsoring legislator as well as additional information if the recipient is a nonprofit.

“Good governance begins with honesty, and honesty begins with transparency – no matter which party holds the gavel,” said state Representative Tom Kunse.

Other Bills

House Bill 5092, sponsored by state Representative Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), will support animal conservation efforts in the state. Specifically, the bill creates a new rule, stating that if a zoo has been in “good standing” for the past five years, they can get a state breeding license. This allows them to breed large carnivores like lions, tigers, and bears. Overall, the bill revises the rules to be more consistent with federal standards, ensuring zoos can continue their work without unnecessary red tape.

House Bill 5055, sponsored by state Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), will reduce the threat of political violence towards Michigan lawmakers by expanding the jurisdiction of House and Senate sergeants at arms to locations outside of the Capitol and legislative buildings when legislators are present and allowing sergeants at arms to investigate credible threats against their safety.