WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, recently announced new legislation to increase funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement departments to help reduce crime and enhance public safety by funding the recruitment, retention and training of officers. Video and photos of the press conference are available here.
Kildee’s legislation, the Invest to Protect Act, would create a new grant program for officer recruitment, retention and other personnel costs, mental health resources for officers, as well as body cameras and other equipment to invest in local police departments. This program would specifically benefit smaller police departments- those that employ fewer than 200 officers—in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties—which are critical to public safety but are often left out of federal funding programs.
“Everyone should feel safe in their community,” said Congressman Kildee. “I’m proud to introduce legislation to increase funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement, so they can hire more police officers and keep our neighborhoods and communities safe.”
Kildee’s bipartisan bill is endorsed by National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Troopers Coalition.
Kildee strongly opposes any attempt to “defund” the police. In February, Congressman Kildee announced additional legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to nearly triple funding available to law enforcement over the next 10 years and expand COPS grants to hire more police officers and increase officer wages.
“Congressman Kildee is far more than an elected leader who stands for law enforcement,” said Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson.
“He gets it done along with those with whom he serves!” Swanson added. “As the sheriff of Genesee County, I am grateful for the congressman’s work for the people,.”
As a part of the American Rescue Plan, Kildee helped deliver $350 billion to communities across the U.S. that can be used to fund local police departments. Every single Republican voted against this relief.
Kildee is committed to reducing crime and keeping mid-Michigan communities safe. In October 2021, Kildee announced federal grants totaling $266,312 for Genesee, Bay and Saginaw Counties to purchase new patrol vehicles, equipment and support police operations. In November 2021, Kildee announced a $785,555 COPS grant for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to hire police officers and support public safety efforts.
