Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris, a Republican from Waterford, spearheaded the Michigan House of Representatives' approval of a plan to enhance public safety and curtail violence within the state. Harris, who possesses 26 years of experience in local law enforcement, promoted the proposal involving House Bills 4260-4261. These bills aim to establish a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund, dedicated to allocating annual resources to local governments for bolstering law enforcement and violence prevention initiatives, addressing increased levels of violent crime across Michigan communities.

Mike Harris articulated the government's duty to ensure public safety, stating, “Public safety is the most fundamental promise any government can make to its people. Without safe communities, nothing else works.” He described the initiative as “a serious, targeted response to the violent crime crisis that is raging in Michigan communities.”

Data indicates that four of America's most violent cities are located in Michigan. From 2019 to 2023, violent crime in the state rose by 7% and homicides increased by 17%, according to FBI statistics. The trust fund proposed by the legislation would allocate $115 million annually from sales tax revenues. Of this, $72 million would be distributed to cities, villages, and townships in proportion to their share of the state's violent crime. Another $40 million would be assigned to county sheriff's offices, depending on the size of each county's police force. Furthermore, $3 million would be split equally between the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund and grants for community violence intervention projects.

House Bills 4260 and 4261 received strong bipartisan support, passing the House by a vote of 104-4. They are now under Senate consideration.