Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants to use $75-million-dollars in federal COVID-19 response funds to tackle Michigan’s rising violent crime problem.
The governor said violent crime statewide was up 12 percent last year, while murders were up 36 percent.
The address that, Whitmer said her goals include confiscating illegal guns, recruiting and retaining police officers who live in the communities they protect, and creating job prospects as a crime deterrent.
“There’s not one solution to this complex problem. It’s going to take a comprehensive plan that addresses every part of this complicated equation.”
Criminal justice reforms were a rare point of agreement this year between Republicans and Democrats in Michigan. Whitmer’s new plans would also require legislative approval.