LANSING, Mich., Oct. 20, 2021 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $32 million investment to ensure law enforcement officers have the training and resources they need to effectively fight crime. As part of the MI Safe Communities plan, this funding would be directed to police officer recruitment and retention, professional development and training, mental health, and solving violent crimes. In response, state Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon), a former law enforcement officer, issued the following statement:
“Keeping our communities safe has always been one of my core values” said Rep. Sabo. He added, “I stand with the numerous police agencies that support this proposal for the dedicated service of police officers across the state. I introduced very similar initiatives on the floor of the House of Representatives this past spring that were voted down by House Republicans.”
Since the beginning of 2018, Rep. Sabo has voted in favor of delivering $1.4 billion to local governments to help them fund local police, fire departments and emergency medical services. During that time, he has supported the delivery of $40 million in COVID hazard pay for local officers and first-responders and over $10 million premium pay for MSP troopers.