Plan makes necessary changes to Public Safety Officers Benefit Act

State Rep. Brad Slagh (R-Zeeland) introduced a plan this week that would provide further support to families of Michigan law enforcement officers who are tragically killed or seriously injured while protecting and serving their communities.

In 2004, the state Legislature passed the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act. The program has provided the surviving spouses of fallen and seriously injured officers with a $25,000 payment on top of any other benefits for which they may be eligible.

Slagh said the $25,000 amount has not changed since the original enactment of the law nearly two decades ago and wants to double the support to $50,000.

“No amount of money can ever make up for the tragic and needless loss of a heroic law enforcement officer,” Slagh said. “But this proposal is a small acknowledgement that the sacrifice and setback their family endures every day is recognized by the state of Michigan and its people.”

Funding for the program would continue to come from the Michigan State Police budget.

House Bill 4119 will be referred to a committee during the House’s next legislative session.

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