April 18th, 2024

On April 18, 2024, Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, appeared before the Michigan House Committee on Ethics and Oversight to advocate for the Bringing Reforms in Integrity, Transparency, and Ethics (BRITE) Act. The BRITE Act is a comprehensive package of bills aimed at combating the influence of “dark money” in Michigan politics. Nessel argued that secret political contributions not only undermine public trust but create a culture of corruption, allowing powerful interests to influence elections and public policy without accountability. She drew attention to specific shortcomings in Michigan’s current campaign finance laws, highlighting how they have failed to address the rise of opaque political spending by shadowy organizations that avoid public disclosure.

In her testimony, Nessel stated, “Democracy dies in the darkness,” emphasizing that the public has a right to know who is funding political campaigns and influencing policy decisions.The BRITE ACT seeks to bolster transparency and accountability within Michigan’s state government by:

  • Increasing Disclosure Requirements: The BRITE Act aims to enhance the transparency of political funding, particularly targeting opaque political entities that obscure the sources of their financial contributions.
  • Addressing the Revolving Door Phenomenon: The legislation seeks to slow the transition of legislators into lobbying roles, thereby reducing potential conflicts of interest and promoting ethical governance.
  • Expanding Gift Disclosures: The BRITE Act proposes to broaden the scope of gift disclosures for elected officials, ensuring that any gifts received are publicly reported.

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