Speaker Hall Blocks Hope’s Sunshine Week Resolution, She Releases It Anyway

  Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Kara Hope

LANSING, Mich., March 19, 2026 — During Sunshine Week, Speaker Matt Hall refused to bring forward to the floor a Sunshine Week resolution authored by state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt). In the interest of transparency and open government, Hope has released the resolution to the public anyway:


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. —

Rep. Hope offered the following resolution:
 A resolution to declare March 15-21, 2026, as Sunshine Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Sunshine Week is a national initiative led by the American Society of News Editors to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the first nationwide Sunshine Week, which took place March 13-19, 2005; and

Whereas, Sunshine Week was established to spark a discussion about the importance of open government and public access to government documents and meetings. Sunshine Week was also a way to draw attention to the media’s role in advocating for government transparency; and

Whereas, Without the diligent work of a free press, most Americans would not have access to accurate information that directly impacts their daily lives. Many institutions promoting a free press have been targeted by unwarranted high-profile attacks undermining their credibility through a new era of misinformation; and

Whereas, An open and accessible government is vital to establishing and maintaining the people’s trust and confidence in their government and in the government’s ability to effectively serve its citizens. A free press is an essential part of that mission; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 15-21, 2026, as Sunshine Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That the House of Representatives realizes that access to government meetings and public records is essential to our democracy.

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