Group seeks to improve access to Mich. records

LANSING (AP) -- A new statewide organization aims to help people gain access to public records and meetings. The Michigan Coalition for Open Government, or MiCOG, launched Monday as part of National Sunshine Week, an initiative aimed at improving government transparency. MiCOG plans to offer people interested in open government, including journalists, the opportunity to get financial help for legal fights against public officials or governments that don't comply with Michigan's open records and open meetings laws. Individuals may join for a $25 annual membership fee, while students may join for $10. Sponsors of MiCOG include the mid-Michigan and Detroit chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Michigan State University College of Law First Amendment Law Clinic. -------------- Online: http://www.miopengov.org. Published: Thu, Mar 14, 2013