LANSING – The House today passed a bill introduced by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) that will allow citizens to make donations to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund. The bill will now go to the Senate.
"Every day, the brave law enforcement officers of Michigan put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe," Byrum said. "This memorial will stand as a testament to their selflessness and the sacrifices that they and their families made. This voluntary check-off will be a convenient way for residents of our state to say 'thank you' to the people to keep them safe every day."
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.
"As someone whose husband is a deputy sheriff, I know firsthand how hard law enforcement officers work and how much passion and respect they have for their jobs," Byrum said. "They deserve to be recognized for their duty and their sacrifice. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will show their support for Michigan's law enforcement officers and pass this legislation in a timely manner."