Lansing Sun

Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) introduced legislation that, if approved, would protect whistleblowers from within the government when they choose to speak out about corruption, scandal or abuse of public trust.

This proposal comes on the heels of similar legislation being vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this year, citing the fact that the legislation was unconstitutional, according to MiSenateGOP. 

Meanwhile, Barrett contends that, “One of the best ways for legislators to improve state policy is by hearing from those directly involved in the administration and enforcement of law," according to MiSenateGOP.

Sen. Tom Barrett | #MiSenateGOP

He also asserts that if the governor believes the legislation to be unconstitutional, she need only approve an amendment to the Michigan Constitution. Though the amendment would eliminate the ability to punish state employees for coming forward to legislators, it would retain the ability to charge employees for making false statements. 

Barrett believes this legislation is necessary to ensure that the state government can function as intended, and the government is able to hold leadership accountable for its actions. With fear of retribution and punishment, state employees are far less likely to come forward with useful information. Historically speaking, an amendment favoring this legislation has been met for years with bipartisan support. However, no state Legislature in Michigan has been able to successfully pass it. 

Whitmer supported similar legislation when she was a member of the Legislature, but shes is now using her line-item veto power to reject the amendment. Following the first veto, Barrett attempted once again, with bipartisan support, to introduce the bill amending the Michigan Constitution. It was again met with a veto by Whitmer.

House Republicans considered an attempt to override the veto with a House majority, but the attempt was quickly thwarted when House Democrats changed their votes, catching wind of the attempt.