LANSING – State Representatives Roy Schmidt (D-Grand Rapids) and Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today blasted Senate Republicans, saying their "all-cuts" budget has led to the layoff of 125 city of Grand Rapids employees, including 44 police officers and 25 firefighters. The lawmakers called on the Senate to pass targeted revenue increases that the House passed to restore funding for these vital local services for Grand Rapids and communities across the state.
"The last thing we should be cutting is funding for the police officers and firefighters who protect our lives, homes and our families," Schmidt said. "Taking police officers and firefighters off our streets will endanger our community and drive away businesses and good-paying jobs. In order to move our city and state forward, we must protect the jobs of the people who protect our families."
Schmidt and Dean, both former Grand Rapids City Commissioners, voted against cuts to revenue sharing in the House and helped spearhead efforts to help make sure local communities have the funding they need.
The lawmakers worked to create the Michigan Future Fund that focuses on investing in police and fire protection as well as education, and health care for kids and seniors. The plan has passed the House, but the State Senate has refused to take action.
"I will continue to fight for Grand Rapids and to ensure that our community keeps its hard-working and dedicated police and fire fighters on the street," Dean said. "The Republican-led Senate needs to understand that just saying 'no' doesn't create a single job, protect our community or help turn our economy around. The Senate-led cuts are now hitting us hard here at home and it's time for Senate leaders to come to the table and put our residents' best interests first."