LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has created another governmental department.
The newly created Office of Community Violence Intervention Services is part of the the FY2024 budget. The Governor said the staff of four, plus new director Jennifer DeLaCruz, will partner with community organizations to reduce violent encounters. DeLaCruz has worked with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources since 2015.
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“As a former prosecutor, protecting public safety is a top priority for me,” said Governor Whitmer in a statement.
According to the Governor, community violence includes homicide and non-fatal shootings that cause trauma “especially in racially segregated and historically disinvested neighborhoods.”
This is not the first time Gov. Whitmer has created more bureaucracy. Last summer, Whitmer created the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). She said the new department would partner with the long-established Michigan Department of Education, whose members are elected by Michigan voters.
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