---
title: "Benson Pledges to Open Governor Office to FOIA"
url: https://www.heregrandrapids.com/2026/11/05/benson-pledges-governor-office-open-to-foia/
date: 2026-11-05T09:45:19-05:00
modified: 2026-11-05T09:45:19-05:00
author: "HERE City State Desk"
categories: ["Politics"]
site: "HERE Grand Rapids"
attribution: "HERE Grand Rapids"
---

# Benson Pledges to Open Governor Office to FOIA

> LANSING, Mich. — Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson said the Michigan executive office will start answering open-records requests the day she takes the oath, even though the statute still leaves that office outside FOIA. Benson made the pledge Wednesday as she began the handoff from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan joins just one other state in keeping that

*Source: [HERE Grand Rapids](https://www.heregrandrapids.com/2026/11/05/benson-pledges-governor-office-open-to-foia/) — November 5, 2026 by HERE City State Desk*

LANSING, Mich. — Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson said the Michigan executive office will start answering open-records requests the day she takes the oath, even though the statute still leaves that office outside FOIA.

Benson made the pledge Wednesday as she began the handoff from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan joins just one other state in keeping that office outside the open-records law. She said the openness will be voluntary once she is sworn in Jan. 1, 2027.

As secretary of state she already leads a department covered by the law. Her team also posted a transition site with openings, appointment information and inauguration details meant to stay online until Inauguration Day.

House Bills 6299 and 6300, filed this summer, would put both the Legislature and the governors office under FOIA. Both remain parked in the Government Operations Committee with no floor vote yet, so Bensons Day 1 promise would bridge the gap by choice until lawmakers move.

Benson met Whitmer on Wednesday and said she expects a smooth, professional handoff. Democrats are positioned to hold the governors office and both legislative chambers once results are certified, with Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids set to serve as lieutenant governor.