As discussed above, the current disclosure regime for Michigan’s public sector unions is required by statute. Given the specifications provided in the statutes, the best solution for increasing transparency in this area is to amend Michigan’s statute to provide for more transparency.
There are at least two options available to the Michigan Legislature: Pass a LMRDA-type bill that covers public sector unions, or require public sector unions that are not filing reports with the DOL to file similar reports (Form LM-2, LM-3, or LM-4, depending on size) with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Although both options would improve the level of transparency of public sector unions in Michigan, the better option would be for Michigan to enhance its own reporting regime rather than incorporating by reference the federal regulations.