State Rep. Jay DeBoyer today said instances of House Democrats possibly being involved in conflicts of interest are mounting, and a lack of action on key transparency legislation is eroding away trust in Michigan’s institutions.

A story from the capitol news publication MIRS disclosed today that the wife of state Rep. Phil Skaggs was listed on campaign finance records as the lobbyist assigned to an Illinois-based solar company recently signed as a client for a Lansing-based firm.

Just a week after that listing, Skaggs held a press conference announcing the introduction of legislation that would strip local control and diminish local input by giving the unelected Michigan Public Services Commission control over siting for large-scale wind and solar projects.

The report comes on the heels of a separate one last week from the Detroit News regarding state Rep. Joey Andrews, who serves as majority vice chair for the House Energy, Communications and Technology Committee. Andrews is an owner of a solar company called Parasol Solar and has also been in favor of the proposed siting policy.

“This is now two Democrats who reportedly have potential conflicts of interest on these bills which work to force renewable energy projects onto communities regardless of whether or not residents there want them,” said DeBoyer, of Clay Township. “Not only is this poor policy, but it appears these plans are not being pushed in good-faith.”

DeBoyer has been a strong advocate for increased transparency in government. Earlier this month, he co-sponsored a House Resolution calling for a special committee to investigate House Appropriations Committee Chair Angela Witwer’s ties to numerous clients that have benefitted from the state budget passed earlier this year. The resolution was referred to the House Government Operations Committee instead of being taken up on the House floor.