LANSING – The House Commerce Committee today passed a bill introduced by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) that will allow citizens to conveniently make donations to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund. The bill will now go to the full House for a vote.
"This new check-off option is completely voluntary, and it is an important way that our state can recognize those in law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty," Byrum said. "Establishing a voluntary income tax check-off that supports our brave law enforcement officers is a great way to show our appreciation for their sacrifice."
The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Act created a memorial monument fund and established a commission to oversee the fund and construct a monument to Michigan law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Byrum's bill will allow taxpayers to contribute $5, $10, or more to the fund, or make a contribution that would be added to their tax liability.
Legislation passed by the House in 2007 created tax check-offs for the Prostate Cancer Research Fund, Amanda's Fund for Breast Cancer Research, the Animal Welfare Fund, and the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. These were added to several existing check-offs for the Children's Trust Fund, the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program and the Military Family Relief Fund.
"We must never forget the dangerous situations our brave law enforcement officers put themselves in every day, and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe and strong," Byrum said. "Fallen officers and their families throughout Michigan deserve this recognition, and I am confident that there are many charitable Michigan residents who will be more than willing to contribute to this fund."