Federal funding will help improve public safety and reduce crime
FLINT—On August 17, Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) highlighted new federal funding he secured to help Mid-Michigan police departments reduce crime and improve public safety. He was joined by local law enforcement leaders from across mid-Michigan during a press conference announcing this new federal funding.
As a part of his Community Project Funding initiative, Kildee secured $4.3 million for the Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, City of Saginaw Police Department, City of Flint Police Department, Genesee Township Police Department, City of Linden Police Department, Mount Morris Township Police Department and City of Fenton Police Department. These new funds will help make critical equipment upgrades, improve police officer training and meet the public safety needs of each community.
“I am proud to have secured this new funding for the men and women in Mid-Michigan who protect and serve our community every day,” said Congressman Kildee. “In Congress, I will continue working with Republicans and Democrats to increase funding for local law enforcement.”
“We are grateful to Congressman Dan Kildee for his efforts to secure funding for the Michigan State Police, and several other agencies, to assist with equipment and technology upgrades and training focusing on today’s modern policing needs,” said Col. Joe Gasper, Michigan State police director.
“This grant award will directly benefit the communities and people we all are committed to serving.”
“Congressman Kildee shows up on the front lines yet again by providing critical funding for law enforcement throughout the State of Michigan,” said Christopher R. Swanson, Genesee County sheriff.
“Because of this, officers are safer, the community is safer, and the people win again,” Swanson added.
“We are grateful for Congressman Kildee’s strong support for law enforcement,” said Michael Veach, Mt. Morris Township police chief.
“In Mt. Morris Township, this funding will help us secure much-needed protective equipment to keep our officers safe while they serve our community,” Veach added. “That means our department will be able to better prevent crime and protect our neighborhoods,”
“We are grateful for Congressman Kildee’s work to secure this new funding for greatly needed equipment for our law enforcement officers,” said Phil Hart, Genesee Township police chief.
“This funding will help us better serve the members of our community so everyone can feel safe at home,” Hart added. “On behalf of the Genesee Township Police Department and our citizens, thank you, Congressman Dan Kildee.”
Congressman Kildee has long worked to increase funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement. In May, Kildee introduced the Invest to Protect Act, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to increase funding for Mid-Michigan police departments to help recruit officers, improve officer retention, secure mental health resources for officers and purchase body cameras and other equipment. Last year, Kildee helped pass a previous version of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, but the Senate failed to act. Last Congress, Kildee also announced a new bipartisan bill that would nearly triple federal funding available for local law enforcement.
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