Keeping our communities safe by supporting law enforcement

Thomas believes one of government’s most essential responsibilities is to keep its residents safe. It is impossible to better protect 18th District residents without supporting our law enforcement personnel. Coming from a law enforcement family, Thomas is acutely aware of the challenges law enforcement officers face on duty and off. Now, more than ever, we need law enforcement to know that we stand with them.

As House Appropriations Chair, Thomas pushed a comprehensive budget plan to strengthen public safety and aid local law enforcement departments across the state. Key components of this plan included:

• $57.5 million to incentivize out of state officers to move to Michigan by helping preserve benefits they might otherwise lose by leaving other states

• $50 million for school resource officers to better protect our students and educators

• $40 million for police academy scholarships

• $37 million for firefighter/EMS retention and recruitment

• $30 million to improve emergency response communications equipment

• $25 million for body armor, body-worn cameras, and first responder bags

• $20 million for law enforcement signing and retention bonuses

• $10 million to expand community policing programs

• $7.5 million for first responder and law enforcement mental health