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Kildee backs bill to fund small police departments

Courtesy of Rep. Kildee's office
Congressman Dan Kildee, D-Flint, speaking in front of the U.S. capitol building in May 2022 about the Invest to Protect Act. Last year's bill passed the House, but failed to move out of the Senate.

Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee, D-Flint, announced today that he’s backing a bill to increase funding for small police departments.

The Invest to Protect Act would establish a new grant program to help local police departments recruit and retain officers. Funds would also be available for mental health resources and equipment like body cameras.

The new program would benefit police departments with less than 200 officers.

In a statement, Kildee said police are a pillar of society and help keep neighborhoods and families safe. He said departments should have what they need to recruit, train and equip officers.

Every police department in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland counites would be eligible if the legislation passes.

The legislation was introduced last week. A similar bill passed the House last year, but never made it out of the Senate.

Rick Brewer has been news director at WCMU since February 2024.