Holland Reporter

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has published accounts linked to allegations of businesses thought of violating Governor Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders.

The document release was launched due to an arrangement with the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation 

The Mackinac Center contested the licensing department for the reports after the department postponed releasing the records. The release was demanded through the state’s Freedom of Information Act.

According to the lawsuit, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy requested any cease-and-desist letters related to the report. Categorically, any letters that LARA sent to companies who purportedly violated Whitmer's emergency executive orders. 

Moreover, the center also required any complaints recorded with the state concerning businesses allegedly violating the orders. 

“Michigan's public records law exists so people can see what their government is doing and hold them accountable,” said Jarrett Skorup, director of marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center in a press release. “But what good is the law if the government can withhold information for as long as they want? We’re pleased that the department has finally released the information, but it shouldn’t require waiting six months and filing a lawsuit to get public records from government officials.”