FLINT—On August 3, Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, highlighted new federal funding he secured to improve public safety and reduce crime in Genesee County.
Kildee secured federal funding for 10 mid-Michigan community projects, including $786,000 to support the Genesee County Sheriff Office’s Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) program and the Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s restorative justice initiative. These programs are proven tools to help lower recidivism rates and improve public safety.
“I am proud to have secured this funding to help reduce crime and support our local law enforcement in mid-Michigan,” Kildee said. “One of my most important jobs is to bring federal resources home, and I will continue working to ensure our local law enforcement leaders have the resources they need to make our community safer and stronger.”
On August 3, Kildee held a press conference in Flint, joined by the Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, County Prosecutor David Leyton, County Commissioner Domonique Clemons and community members in front of the Genesee County Courthouse.
“I want to thank Congressman Dan Kildee and his staff for their strong efforts in securing federal funding for the proposed Genesee County Justice Partnership for Reform,” said David Leyton, Genesee County prosecutor.
“This funding will allow us to provide reform to the local justice system through a restorative justice model which will help bring true justice to victims, reduce recidivism among offenders, address generational incarceration issues and help offenders get on the right track in life and become productive citizens,” Leyton added.
“When you’re serious about fixing a broken system, give the people HOPE and a sense of value and watch what happens!” said Chris Swanson, Sheriff of Genesee County.
“I want to thank Congressman Dan Kildee for securing this federal funding for IGNITE and his colleagues in the United States Congress for delivering that hope!” Swanson added. “They used the influence of their positions to pour into the forgotten and the sidelined. For that, this sheriff is forever grateful!”
“Congressman Kildee has continued to be a tireless advocate and fighter for Genesee County,” said Domonique Clemons, Chairman for the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. “We are excited for these multi-million-dollar investments into our community that will have a transformational impact and will pave the way toward building a brighter future for Genesee County.”
Kildee introduced the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act, to increase federal funding available to smaller police departments in communities like Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and Midland. He has also introduced bipartisan legislation to nearly triple federal funding for law enforcement to support the hiring, training and retention, of skilled police officers.
