Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Jay DeBoyer, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
Steve Cortes, CNN Political Commentator (left) & Jay DeBoyer, Michigan House Representative (right) | Facebook
State Representative Jay DeBoyer has introduced a resolution to declare Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in civil contempt of the Michigan House of Representatives. The move comes after Benson allegedly defied a subpoena issued by DeBoyer for election training materials. The resolution, passed on Thursday, directs the chamber's legal counsel to "take steps necessary and proper to ensuring compliance with the House’s subpoenas, including the initiation of legal action."
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) was given a deadline of 11 a.m. on May 22nd to comply with the subpoena. However, MDOS responded that they would not provide any additional materials, prompting DeBoyer's resolution.
"Jocelyn Benson insists on evading accountability," DeBoyer stated. He emphasized the need for transparency and expressed his determination to pursue legal action if necessary. "Our Secretary of State is clearly very determined to fight our efforts... We are not going to let her stand in the way of transparency."
According to Michigan law, the Legislature has statutory authority to issue subpoenas and can find individuals in contempt if they fail to produce requested documents. DeBoyer reiterated this point during a press conference: "The Legislature is the body that determines how elections are run – the time, the manner, the place... This is lawless behavior."
DeBoyer stressed that their objective is to ensure lawful administration of elections by overseeing departments and agencies within Michigan.
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