State Rep. Brian BeGole recently voted to bring greater transparency and accountability to state government as one of Michigan’s highest-ranking governing officials continues to leave requests for information unfulfilled.

BeGole joined his colleagues in approving a resolution to hold Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in civil contempt for her refusal to turn over documents regarding election training materials. Multiple House committees have been requesting the information. Last month, the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed for the materials, and Benson refused to the comply with the request.

“This vote is not something I take lightly,” said BeGole, of Antrim Township. “Unfortunately, Secretary Benson has kept representatives of the people waiting for months and avoided turning over materials that will help people better understand how our state elections are being run. We have seen multiple instances of non-citizens voting in our elections. People continue to have process questions. I find it very concerning that as this is going on and the House has asked for non-controversial, non-identifying documents, Secretary Benson has dug in deeper and refused to provide needed transparency. Her office has even sidestepped a subpoena.

“Part of our job as legislators is to oversee other branches of government. No one is above the law in Michigan. This resolution sends a clear message to our Secretary of State: respect the people, follow the law and adhere to your constitutional oath.”

Michigan law gives clear statutory authority to the Legislature to issue subpoenas on matters before one of their committees, also providing that anyone who “fails on demand to produce any papers, books or documents” may be found to be in contempt of the Legislature.

House Resolution 117, which passed on a party line vote, holds Benson and the Department of State in civil contempt of the Michigan House of Representatives and their statutory ability to subpoena state agencies for oversight. The resolution also directs House Legal Counsel to take steps necessary, including litigation, to ensure compliance of the subpoena.