St. Clair Today

On Wednesday, the Michigan House of Representatives initiated legal proceedings against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The lawsuit claims Benson failed to comply with a subpoena issued by State Representative Jay DeBoyer, representing Clay Township. This legal action comes after the Michigan House decided to hold Benson in civil contempt for not providing requested election training materials.

"Our commitment to bring accountability to Lansing is not just lip service," DeBoyer stated. "After going years without legislative oversight, Benson has clearly grown comfortable operating independent of the other, co-equal branches of government. For months, we have tried to get her cooperation through requests, then accommodating offers, and then legal demands. Her continued defiance now brings us to the courtroom, where we will continue to diligently work to deliver government transparency for the people of Michigan."

The lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, which handles disputes involving the state or its agencies as defendants. It seeks a declaratory judgment confirming that the Michigan House's subpoena is valid and must be adhered to by Benson. Additionally, it requests an injunction preventing any modifications of relevant records by Benson or the Michigan Department of State.

"Government actors, regardless of their title, all have a responsibility to uphold their constitutional oath and adhere to the law," DeBoyer remarked. "Yet, Jocelyn Benson, one of the most powerful office holders in Michigan, must instead be brought to court and forced to comply with Michigan statute. We will not let her disregard for the law keep us from delivering results to the people we represent."