The Michigan House is focusing on a new legislative package that aims to tackle violent crime by utilizing a portion of sales tax revenue. The bipartisan proposal, expected to be a priority post-spring break, intends to create a “public safety and violence prevention fund” by allocating 1.5% of sales tax revenue to assist local governments and sheriff’s departments.
Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), a co-sponsor of the package, envisions this initiative could provide resources like additional violence interrupters, mental health professionals, and enhanced training. Farhat emphasized, “We’re looking for results. We’re not looking to lock more people up. We’re looking to just to break that process entirely. Let’s break the cycle of violence that these neighborhoods are seeing.”
The funding mechanism in the legislation is proposed to be contingent on the levels of violent crime in different areas. The bill suggests that communities may face funding cuts if crime rates do not decrease.
“We don’t want to just hand over blank checks to these cities and these counties without real results being appreciated, right? We want violent crime to be brought down and, you know, it’s a real model where it rewards good behavior,” Farhat noted.
Previously, a similar proposal led by Farhat nearly reached the governor’s desk but stalled at the end of the legislative session. The program was allocated $75 million in the state’s current budget, but the funds remain unutilized due to unresolved legislative changes.
Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford), a current co-sponsor, highlighted some differences in the new proposal compared to last year’s version. The revised bills prioritize law enforcement funding, while still allowing localities the discretion to allocate more toward health-focused grants if desired.
Harris explained, “We felt that it was better suited to really direct these funds towards the boots-on-the-ground people, the ones that deal with the violent crime every day.” He also mentioned that movement on the legislation is anticipated next month, aligning with priorities set by House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp).
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