LANSING, Mich., Dec. 2, 2021 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5522, which provides $368.5 million for public safety. State Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon) and his democratic colleagues delivered the crucial votes to pass the legislation.
“Earlier today, when House Republicans could not muster enough votes to pass the much-needed funding, my fellow Democratic colleagues and I did not hesitate to support legislation that supports first responders with recruitment and retention efforts, training, community outreach, and equipment upgrades,” said Sabo, a former police officer and firefighter.
Rep. Sabo also offered an amendment to drastically increase the firefighter and EMS portion of the funding, but that was voted down by the Republican majority.
“If we are truly thankful for our first responders, then we should be providing them all of the resources they need to safely and effectively do their job,” Sabo added. “Our citizens don’t get the opportunity to pick what kind of emergency they may find themselves in.”
The plan now advances to the Senate for further consideration.