South Michigan News

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, a Republican from Jackson, has recently expressed her support for a proposal aimed at providing additional funding to struggling local law enforcement agencies. The goal of this proposal is to help these agencies keep their communities safe amidst widespread officer shortages.

In a statement, Rep. Schmaltz emphasized the importance of supporting the police and strengthening the bond between officers and the communities they serve. She stated, "Behind every badge is a commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding justice, but our police officers are stretched thin, navigating complex situations with insufficient support. It’s time to bridge this gap, equip local law enforcement with the right resources, and strengthen the bond between officers and the communities they tirelessly serve."

The proposal, known as House Bills 4605 and 4606, aims to deposit a portion of state sales tax revenues into a new Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund. This funding will be distributed to local law enforcement agencies, with a particular focus on high-crime areas. The intention behind this allocation is to ensure that resources are targeted towards areas that need them the most.

Initially, the bills faced challenges in receiving enough support to pass the House. However, Rep. Schmaltz worked to advocate for changes in the legislation to improve its effectiveness in improving public safety. The new version of the plan includes measures to ensure that the resources are used for law enforcement purposes, such as officer recruitment and retention, equipment purchases, and operating expenses. Additionally, the bills now have safeguards in place to prevent local governments from diverting the new public safety funding to replace existing police funding or create social programs instead of expanding law enforcement support.

In addition to supporting law enforcement efforts, the amended bills also allocate 2% of the funding to the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund. Rep. Schmaltz highlighted the importance of this allocation, stating, "Victims of crime often find themselves in a maze of emotions and challenges, seeking a way to rebuild shattered lives. This fund helps provide a support system, ensuring that no victim faces their journey alone."

While House Bills 4605 and 4606 have yet to be considered by the Senate, Rep. Schmaltz remains optimistic that the proposal will receive further attention once the Legislature reconvenes in the new year. The additional funding provided by these bills would play a crucial role in supporting local law enforcement agencies and helping them address the challenges they currently face.

By backing this plan to increase funding for the police, Rep. Schmaltz is demonstrating her commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of her constituents. Through her support for House Bills 4605 and 4606, she is working to strengthen law enforcement, support crime victims, and build stronger communities.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-schmaltz-backs-plan-to-keep-people-safe-by-increasing-funding-for-police