News

NORTON SHORES – Local members of the public safety community turned out in large numbers today to praise State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) for her support of a state budget plan that protects funding for Michigan's firefighters and police officers.

"I'd like to thank Representative Valentine for her tough decision to invest in our public safety officials, ensuring that we have the resources and capabilities we need to fight crime and secure our community," said Dave Purchase, Norton Shores Fire Chief. "Representative Valentine didn't take the easy way out. She could have supported additional revenue sharing cuts that could have eliminated the jobs of many of our firefighters and police officers, jeopardizing the safety of Michigan's communities like Norton Shores. By supporting this budget and protecting police and fire protection, she put Michigan families first."

The budget plan that passed in the early hours of Monday will give the state a long-term savings of hundreds of millions of dollars through cuts and reforms. Some of the cuts and reforms include cutting lawmakers' salaries, eliminating free lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers and eliminating double-dipping for retired state workers who come back to work for the state. The plan also contains provisions for a continuation budget, which will halt a state government shutdown until the Senate approves the final budget.

"The bipartisan budget solution that emerged from months of negotiations is a solid plan that includes the right mix of cuts, reforms and restructuring that Michigan needs to get back on track," Valentine said. "I am grateful for the support of our local public safety officials, including Fire Chief Dave Purchase. As we move forward, I will continue fighting to ensure that our police officers and firefighters have the resources and funding they need to keep Norton Shores and the state of Michigan safe and secure."