honeyinmich's Blog

This was in the Oakland Press today:

Senate wants public to see who pays legal bills

By DAVID EGGERT

Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Senate has passed legislation requiring legal defense funds set up for politicians to report finances to the state.

The bills approved unanimously Friday are aimed at letting the public see who's paying the legal bills for elected officials accused of wrongdoing, including  Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Some business and community leaders have been raising money to help underwrite his legal expenses.

Kilpatrick and former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty face perjury, misconduct and other charges stemming from a text-messaging sex scandal and the dismissal of Detroit police officers.

The bills would take effect Sept. 1 if approved by the House and signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Sarah