South Michigan News

Rep. Fink has addressed a letter to House Appropriations Chair Angela Witwer, advocating for specific public safety funding to be included in the state's budget. The letter highlights funding requests from local emergency services in Branch, Hillsdale, and Lenawee counties.

"Several officials from local governments I represent have reached out to my office to share funding needs for their law enforcement and emergency response departments," Fink stated in his letter. "Securing the rights of the citizens and maintaining public safety are paramount responsibilities of government. Consequently, it is my belief that ensuring the financial needs of public emergency services are met should be this legislative body’s top priority as we determine appropriations spending this year."

The proposed funding includes aiding Hillsdale County with a new 800 MHz emergency radio communication system, supporting Hudson Fire Department's efforts to repair its sinking concrete floor, assisting Montgomery Fire Department in expanding its main building for better equipment storage, and updating Coldwater's police and fire department facilities with modern equipment and systems.

"The emergency services in our communities have proven to be excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars, having always shown up for residents in need promptly and efficiently," said Fink. "These departments have done so much with so little, and these highly necessary improvements will go a long way to ensure the citizens I represent continue to have access to reliable emergency services when they need them."

Fink’s complete letter can be accessed online.