Michigan’s divided Legislature has agreed to require lawmakers to publicly disclose earmark funding requests at least 45 days before a vote on the funding.

The compromise legislation between the Democratic-majority Senate and Republican-majority House was passed Thursday, Nov. 13, and awaits Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature. The deal for earmark funding reform and transparency stemmed from budget negotiations this fall.

House Appropriations Chair Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, spearheaded the earmark transparency reforms and said the legislation ensures taxpayers and lawmakers have enough time to review earmark spending proposals before taxpayer dollars are allocated.

“People expect us to protect every tax dollar, and that starts with a budget process they can see,” Bollin said.

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