PHOTO INFORMATION: State Reps. Mary Whiteford (left) of Casco Township and Bronna Kahle of Adrian attended the White House Summit on Human Trafficking today. The event celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. They are pictured holding an executive order signed today by President Donald Trump. The order expands human trafficking prevention education programs, promotes housing opportunities for survivors, and prioritizes the removal of sexual abuse material from the internet.

Today is the final day of Human Trafficking Awareness Month. 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.

“It was an honor to attend today’s event in our nation’s capital,” said Whiteford, who chairs Michigan’s House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. “We’ve come so far but there’s still so much more to be done. I’m inspired by today’s activities to continue our work on crafting new legislation to combat human trafficking and support survivors in Michigan.”

###