Flint Could Get $1.1 Million from State to Help with Public Safety

The City of Flint could get $1.1 million to help with public safety in the state Legislature's budget proposal that is expected to be put in front of Governor Snyder by the end of the week.

According to MLive,  a news release from state Senator Jim Ananich's office said that state House and Senate conference committees approved language earlier this week to set aside the funds which would then be earmarked specifically for police and firefighters here. The money could help offset the proposed cuts to police and fire in the City of Flint's proposed budget from Emergency Manager Darnell Earley.

In a statement, Ananich (D-Flint) said "we need to do everything we can to avoid layoffs of police and firefighters in Flint. We're hopeful that these resources will help provide more options for keeping public safety officers on our streets to protect our families and neighborhoods."

The one time appropriation comes as a new two year budget, with cuts to 36 police and 19 firefighters, is being discussed. That budget is set to begin July 1st.

The state funds would be in addition to the $2.5 million the city receives for the operation of the city lockup and more Michigan State Police troopers assigned to Flint.