Michigan Unveils $115 Million Secret Weapon Against Crime

Michigan’s House Bill 4260, along with House Bill 4261, is a powerful, bipartisan response to the growing problem of violent crime in Michigan. Earlier this month, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, at the Detroit Police Headquarters to promote the bills, making it clear that this legislation is a top priority for the city of Detroit. The bills aim to create the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund, a key initiative that will allocate millions of dollars annually to reduce violence and improve public safety in communities across the state.

Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, who spent 26 years in local law enforcement, led the effort in the Michigan House of Representatives to push the bills forward. “Public safety is the most fundamental promise any government can make to its people. Without safe communities, nothing else works,” Harris said. He emphasized that the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund will not only support local law enforcement but also fund community programs that intervene before violence occurs.

The plan involves directing $115 million annually from sales tax revenue into the trust fund. Of that, $72 million will be distributed to cities, villages, and townships based on their share of violent crime. This money will help local governments strengthen law enforcement efforts and expand violence intervention programs. Additionally, $40 million will be allocated to county sheriff’s offices, with funds distributed based on the size of each county’s police force. Another $3 million will be dedicated to supporting crime victims and funding community programs working to prevent violence.

The need for this funding is urgent. Violent crime in Michigan has increased by 7% from 2019 to 2023, and homicides are up by 17%. Four of Michigan’s cities are among the 20 most violent in the nation, according to recent FBI data. House Bills 4260 and 4261 are designed to address this crisis head-on, with a focus on helping local communities fight back against rising crime.

The legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, with 104 votes in favor and just 4 against. Now, the bills move to the Senate for further consideration. With strong backing from local leaders like Rep. Harris, Mayor Duggan, and House Speaker Matt Hall, these bills are poised to make a real difference in making Michigan communities safer for everyone.