Kildee Bill to Increase Funding for Police Departments Passes U.S. House of Representatives

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today voted for bipartisan legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to fund local police departments and help reduce crime in mid-Michigan.

Kildee's bill, the Invest to Protect Act, creates a new grant program to support officer recruitment, retention and other personnel costs, mental health resources for officers, as well as body cameras and other equipment. This program would specifically benefit smaller police departments--those that employ fewer than 125 officers--in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties, which are critical to public safety but are often left out of federal funding. Photos and video from Kildee's original announcement of the bill during National Police Week are available here.

"Police are an important pillar of our society, helping to keep our neighborhoods and families safe. I'm pleased to see this bipartisan legislation increasing funding for local law enforcement pass the U.S. House of Representatives. I do not support any attempt to "defund' the police, which is a ridiculous notion. I will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats to increase funding for our local police departments so they can hire and train officers," Congressman Kildee said.

"Congressman Kildee is far more than an elected leader who stands for Law Enforcement. He gets it done along with those with whom he serves! As the Sheriff of Genesee County, I am grateful for the Congressman's work for the people," said Christopher R. Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff.

"I would like to thank Congressman Dan Kildee for helping pass this bill. The recruitment and retention of highly qualified police officers has been challenging. This legislation will play a significant role in helping departments meet their staffing needs so they can better serve their communities. The opportunities for training, mental health resources, and equipment will not only help our dedicated officers but will help our communities stay safe and strong," said Ron Wiles, Former President of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

"We appreciate all the support Congressman Kildee is working to provide to help us serve the citizens of the City of Saginaw and make our city a safer place to live, work and play," said Robert M. Ruth, Chief of Police, Saginaw Police Department.

"I am proud to stand with Congressman Kildee in his fight to support Michigan law enforcement. Especially smaller, local departments have faced big challenges recruiting and retaining qualified officers due to their size and lack of resources. These bills would make important investments in departments like these--and in the men and women that serve in law enforcement --to give them the training and resources they need to keep mid-Michigan communities safe," said Troy R. Cunningham, Bay County Sheriff.

"Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for your work to help mid-Michigan police. Police departments are not considered revenue generating entities, and when you're a small department, funding streams sometime are more difficult to come by. These bills are what a department, like mine, needs. This type of federal support is what is needed at the municipal level," said Reggie Williams, Chief of Police, Buena Vista Police Department.

"As with many other law enforcement agencies, we are having a difficult time recruiting and retaining qualified officers to work in our community. This legislation would provide much-needed assistance to our township and Police Department. I want to say thank you to Rep. Kildee for voting for these important pieces of legislation," said Kevin Salter, Chief of Police, Charter Township of Flint.

Congressman Kildee is committed to reducing crime and keeping mid-Michigan communities safe. As a part of the American Rescue Plan, Congressman Kildee helped deliver $350 billion to communities across the U.S. that can be used to fund local police departments. During the government funding process for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, Kildee helped secure over $4.3 million for law enforcement agencies across Michigan.

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