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Michigan Democrats Introduce Government Transparency Bills

LANSING (AP) - State Democrats from the House and Senate are promoting bills they say would help improve government transparency in Michigan.

Democrats said Tuesday their bills would require personal financial disclosure for elected officials and the governor's office.

The legislation also would prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office, expand the Freedom of Information Act to the governor's office and legislators, and prohibit contracts worth more than $100,000 with someone who makes campaign contributions to officials awarding the contracts.

Much of the legislation is modeled on existing federal requirements.

Auburn Hills Democrat and House Minority Floor Leader Tim Greimel said the package is aimed at making officials "accountable to the people we serve."

The effort comes during Sunshine Week, a nationwide initiative fostering discussion on open government issues.

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