Boosting Public Safety in District 44: Impact of the Proposed Trust Fund

State Rep. Steve Frisbie, R-Battle Creek, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement by championing bipartisan legislation designed to combat violent crime in Michigan through the creation of a new Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund.

“Violent crime has taken too many lives and shattered too many families in Michigan,” Frisbie said. “Our communities deserve safer streets and neighborhoods. This historic legislation will deliver the critical resources needed to protect our citizens and empower local law enforcement.”

Michigan is experiencing a severe public safety crisis. Violent crime increased by 7% statewide from 2019 to 2023 compared to the previous five years, with homicides surging by 17%. Notably, four of the 20 most violent cities in the nation are located in Michigan. Local law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed, battling staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and insufficient resources to effectively prevent violence.

Specifically, cities within Michigan’s 44th district, notably Battle Creek, Albion, and Springfield, have experienced troubling increases in violent crime. Battle Creek’s violent crime rate of 11.08 per 1,000 residents is substantially above Michigan’s average (4.57 per 1,000) and nearly three times the national median. Albion reported a violent crime rate of 1,331.75 per 100,000 residents in 2023—nearly triple the national average—while Springfield residents have a 1 in 87 chance of becoming victims of violent crime, with a violent crime rate of 11.55 per 1,000 residents. These troubling statistics highlight the urgency of additional support and resources for public safety efforts in these communities.

Frisbie co-sponsored House Bills 4260 and 4261, which would allocate $115 million annually from state sales tax revenue to support local law enforcement and community violence prevention programs. This money will be used for officer recruitment, supplying critical equipment, and updating outdated facilities.

“Communities like Battle Creek and Albion are dealing with a disproportionately high share of violent crime,” Frisbie said. “This funding is targeted precisely where it’s needed most, ensuring our officers have the staffing, equipment, and support necessary to do their jobs effectively.”

Key provisions of the proposed Trust Fund in the 44^th State House District Include:

• $1 million to the Battle Creek Police Department
• $142,000 to the Albion Police Department
• $75,000 to the Springfield Police Department
• $50,000 to the Pennfield Police Department
• $30,000 to the Bedford Township
• $5,450 to Clarence Township
• $4,360 to Convis Township
• $2,180 to Lee Township

“This bipartisan solution represents a major step forward in our commitment to public safety,” Frisbie said. “By directly investing in our communities, we can prevent crime, support victims, and restore a sense of security for everyone who calls Michigan home.” 

After passing the House Government Operations Committee, the legislation moves to the House floor for further consideration.

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