As adopted by senate, October 13, 2020

 

senate Resolution No.149

Senator Bumstead offered the following resolution:

A resolution to discourage local units of government from defunding or abolishing police departments.

Whereas, Recent incidents related to the plot to overthrow Michigan’s state government by storming the Michigan State Capitol and kidnapping the Governor have proven law enforcement is a necessary and vital function of our government at all levels; and

Whereas, The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan State Police, and local law enforcement worked together to conduct the investigation and arrest thirteen people in connection with the scheme to overthrow the state's government; and

Whereas, Law enforcement officers are courageous individuals working in dangerous situations to enforce the laws enacted by the Legislature to ensure public safety, protect the health and possessions of our citizens, and prevent crime and disorder; and

Whereas, Defunding or abolishing police departments at any level of government will put citizens at risk, create chaos and disorder, and burden remaining departments that may be called upon to assist municipalities that no longer have the resources to respond to emergency calls; and

Whereas, Past incidents of rioting and looting in our cities are further evidence of the need to properly fund law enforcement. The absence of law enforcement officers in our cities and rural areas could affect the state’s economy, discouraging businesses from locating here and out-of-state residents from visiting; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we discourage local units of government from defunding or abolishing police departments; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Association of Mayors, and the Michigan Association of Township Supervisors.