Ananich Offers Plan For More Police

State Representative Jim Ananich (D-Flint) offered a proposal to put 1,000 more police on the job during a House Appropriations Committee Hearing yesterday. The plan would invest $140 million over two years and direct the bulk of funding to communities with higher crime rates and are under financial review or currently have a financial manager. Ananich secured a commitment from the Committee Chair to allow a vote on the proposal at the next appropriate opportunity.

Ananich, the only Genesee County lawmaker on the Appropriations Commitee, said "a strong investment in public safety is a critical piece of improving our economy and creating communities where people want to live and work. I'm going to keep pushing for swift action and increased resources as part of a comprehensive public safety solution."

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette recently suggested investing at least $140 million over two years to hire at least 1,000 police officers statewide. Ananich proposes taking that amount and dedicating half of it to be divided among communities that are under financial review or have an emergency financial manager. The plan would also take under consideration areas with higher crime rates and the ratio of police to the population. The balance of the funding would be used to increase staffing levels statewide.

Ananich has been in touch with the Snyder administration, the Attorney General's office, and others to urge support for public safety. Governor Snyder is scheduled to give a public safety presentation in the next few weeks.