Capitol News

Senate Democrats in Michigan have emphasized their commitment to public safety by securing investments for first responders in the 2026 State Budget. The announcement coincides with National First Responders Day and highlights bipartisan efforts to enhance resources for police, fire, and EMS services throughout the state.

The budget includes funding aimed at expanding training opportunities, upgrading equipment, and increasing revenue sharing for local governments. Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for the Michigan State Police Budget, stated: “While many professions are safe, steady, and predictable, the work of our public safety officers is anything but. Their work is defined by uncertainty, yet they choose to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the security of their neighbors. Just as they show up for us day in and day out, we’re showing up for them with our state budget — because when our first responders are supported, our communities are stronger and safer.”

Specific allocations in the budget include $1 million to help the Michigan State Police recruit and train new troopers, $1 million dedicated to cold case programs and incident mapping initiatives, $32 million allocated toward wage increases for corrections officers, and $500,000 earmarked for law enforcement communication training. Additional funds will be used for equipment upgrades, new vehicles, and improvements to stations across various emergency services.

Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), chair of the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing revenue sharing, commented: “Each and every day, our first responders put their lives on the line for our communities. It’s the courage and critical work of these individuals that keep us, our families, and our communities safe, and this year’s budget continues to ensure local governments and first responders across the state have the resources needed to serve and protect Michiganders and their communities.”

The final agreement also provides over $95 million in revenue sharing distributed among counties, cities, villages, and townships to support public safety needs. Of this amount, $18 million is set aside specifically for police training grants and fire departments while $3.25 million will fund Community Violence Intervention programs.

These measures follow a series of legislative actions led by Senate Democrats intended to benefit first responders. Recent policies include doubling survivors benefits for officers killed or permanently disabled on duty; reducing administrative barriers to becoming a paramedic; lowering health care costs for police officers, firefighters, and other public employees; as well as requiring collective bargaining agreements with provisions on safe staffing levels.

For more information about how Senate Democrats’ bipartisan state budget addresses key issues affecting Michigan residents visit SenateDems.com/budget.