LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 28, 2025) — In the bipartisan 2026 State Budget, Michigan Senate Democrats championed key investments to support first responders and their mission to protect communities and residents across the state. From funding for additional training efforts and equipment upgrades to increased revenue sharing for communities to address local needs, this budget ensures public safety officers in Michigan have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
“While many professions are safe, steady, and predictable, the work of our public safety officers is anything but. Their work is defined by uncertainty, yet they choose to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the security of their neighbors,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for crafting the Michigan State Police Budget. “Just as they show up for us day in and day out, we’re showing up for them with our state budget — because when our first responders are supported, our communities are stronger and safer.”
Included in the bipartisan budget agreement is strategic funding designed to expand capacity, improve vital infrastructure, and strengthen evidence-based community safety initiatives, including:
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$1 million to allow the Michigan State Police to recruit, train, and graduate new troopers.
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$1 million for cold case programs and critical incident mapping.
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$32 million for wage scale and pay increases for corrections officers.
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$500,000 for continued law enforcement communication training to help police officers better communicate with limited English-speaking communities and those
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who are hard of hearing.
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Millions of dollars for equipment upgrades, new vehicles, and station improvements for police, fire, and EMS services around the state.
“Each and every day, our first responders put their lives on the line for our communities,” said Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), chair of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees revenue sharing. “It’s the courage and critical work of these individuals that keep us, our families, and our communities safe, and this year’s budget continues to ensure local governments and first responders across the state have the resources needed to serve and protect Michiganders and their communities.”
Also included in the final budget agreement was over $95 million in revenue sharing for counties, cities, villages, and townships to put behind public safety efforts. These flexible dollars will allow local units of government to address the issues facing their communities. Additionally, within this increased revenue sharing pot is $18 million in public safety grants to support police training efforts and local fire departments, as well as $3.25 million for Community Violence Intervention programs.
These investments build on a series of policies championed by Michigan Senate Democrats to support first responders, including legislation to:
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Double survivors benefits for public safety officers who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
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Cut bureaucratic red tape to reduce the time and financial barriers that exist to becoming a paramedic.
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Lower health care costs for police officers, firefighters, and other public employees.
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Require the inclusion of safe staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining for public safety officers.