State Rep. Mary Whiteford, chair of the Appropriations Health and Human Services Subcommittee, welcomed human trafficking survivors, survivor advocates, and members of law enforcement to present during a special committee hearing.

Human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of persons for labor, services or sexual acts using force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt, bondage or slavery.

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

“My number one priority as chair of this budget subcommittee is providing support and resources for Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens – including survivors of this terrible industry plaguing communities across Michigan,” Whiteford said. “I’m thankful for the presentations from our speakers. While heartbreaking to hear, these firsthand accounts are a helpful resource as we work to provide support to survivors so they can go on to lead normal, successful lives after escaping the perils of the human trafficking industry.”

The legislator said she dedicated the first subcommittee hearing of 2022 to the subject of human trafficking because it is among her top priorities.

Whiteford also sponsored a House resolution declaring January 2022 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. She encouraged her fellow lawmakers to wear blue in support of victims and survivors.

Throughout her legislative service, Whiteford has dedicated herself to eradicating human trafficking. Last year, she spearheaded legislation that would ensure legal protection for survivors and increase penalties for traffickers.

“We have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of vulnerable people who have escaped human trafficking,” Whiteford said. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to fund support measures for survivors of this criminal industry.”

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