FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Contact: Jessica Tramontana, 517.974.6302, jessica@progressmichigan.org

Snyder Administration Refuses to Disclose Costs of RTW Promotional Materials

State departments deny FOIA request disclosing costs to taxpayers for RTW flyer

LANSING — Citizen Watchdog group Progress Michigan is calling on Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Department of Technology and Management (DTMB) to come clean with Michigan residents about the total cost associated with letters and flyers sent to businesses regarding Michigan’s so-called “Right to Work” law. Progress Michigan filed a FOIA asking for the total costs of this endeavor, and the request was denied by both governor’s office and DTMB.

“It’s shameful that Governor Snyder has once again broken his campaign promise of greater transparency in state government,” said Zack Pohl, executive director of Progress Michigan.“Last year Republican politicians passed this legislation behind closed doors without a single committee hearing. Now they’re refusing to disclose the costs associated with expensive mailings to businesses promoting the new RTW laws. Sunshine is the best remedy, and it’s time to be honest with Michigan taxpayers.”

The FOIA to the Governor’s office was referred to the Michigan Department of Technology and Management, and was rejected by the DTMB claiming, “records do not exist within the department.”

The RTW flier was mailed to businesses, and explains that “an employee or any other person shall not by force, intimidation or unlawful threats compel or attempt to compel any person” to join or support a labor union, even though forcing union membership is already illegal in Michigan.

“It’s obvious Republican politicians think they’re above the law, and don’t need to answer to Michigan taxpayers,” Pohl said. “Governor Snyder needs to stop playing political games, and come clean about the price tag for this unnecessary expense. It’s time for Snyder to start living up to his campaign promises and make transparency a top priority.”

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BACKGROUND:

FOIA letter: http://www.scribd.com/doc/137916836

Response: http://www.scribd.com/doc/137917109

Original letter and flier: http://www.scribd.com/doc/134722953