State Rep. Mary Whiteford, chair of the House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, today hosted a joint meeting with the House Health Policy Committee to increase awareness for human trafficking in Michigan.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State. Approximately $87 million is made per day from sex trafficking transactions.

Whiteford said that while human trafficking seems like a faraway problem, Michigan is far from immune.

“I am thankful to have this opportunity to present real human trafficking stories to the Michigan legislature,” Whiteford said. “While Michigan has made significant advances in fighting human trafficking since 2011, there is still more work to be done. The exploitation of vulnerable children, women and men is unconscionable, and a crime that must be stopped.”

Michigan received an “F” grade from Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge Study in 2011 but was raised to a “B” rating in 2019.

The committee heard testimony from human trafficking survivor Ruth Rondon, who discussed the factors related to being trapped in the trafficking industry and the trauma that survivors experience well after they are emancipated.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear what Ruth and countless others have gone through, but I’m so grateful to her for sharing her story,” Whiteford said. “Ruth is courageous and her dedication to this cause has changed lives.”

Also delivering testimony was Kelly Carter, executive director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission who discussed research as well as recommendations to current laws in efforts to eradicate human trafficking in Michigan.

“I am thankful to my colleagues for their engagement in this meeting today” Whiteford said. “I look forward to getting to work on solutions inspired by what we heard.”

Whiteford introduced House Resolution 210 declaring January 11, 2020 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. The resolution was adopted with overwhelming support.

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PHOTO INFORMATION: Human trafficking survivor Ruth Rondon tells her story to committee members.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Rep. Whiteford leads the joint committee on Thursday.