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State Representative Matthew Bierlein has been advocating for the provision of necessary equipment to first responders in Bay, Genesee, Saginaw and Tuscola counties, as well as across the state. This week, he proposed an amendment to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity budget proposal that would maintain a $15 million commitment for fire equipment grants. These grants are intended to provide a second set of fire gear for firefighters statewide.

The funding is included in the budget for the current fiscal year but was not incorporated into a plan advanced by the Michigan House. Bierlein argues against this omission stating, “There’s over $80 billion in the overall budget. We shouldn’t be pinching pennies when it comes to public safety.”

Bierlein further elaborated on his conversations with first responders about their resource needs. He stated, “A second set of gear may sound trivial, but gear gets worn out and these grants help our local communities so they aren’t redirecting precious dollars from other essential services to go toward purchasing additional sets.”

He expressed disappointment that his amendment was not adopted by the House and stressed that maintaining this funding would have significantly benefited communities throughout the state.

In addition to this issue, Bierlein criticized the overall budget plans advanced by the House for failing to provide taxpayers with a good return on investment. He pointed out that these plans allocate tens of millions of dollars towards unchecked expansion of various social programs and green energy initiatives while neglecting more immediate concerns.

“The governor continues to go to taxpayers to cover her expensive agenda instead of giving them a good return on their tax dollars,” said Bierlein. He added that constituents want improvements in local roads and community safety and wish to retain more of their earnings.