LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democrats in Lansing may be celebrating the new $82.5 billion state budget, others are highlighting a “glaring lack of support” for law enforcement.

State Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township) said Republicans have spent months arguing for increased law enforcement funding. However, Steele said Democrat leadership ignored them and instead went with a budget that offers no additional funding for police and public safety.

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“Law enforcement officers across Michigan are facing devastating levels of crime paired with a crippling lack of support,” said Steele. “Police officers do everything they can to keep up with criminals, it’s increasingly difficult because they simply don’t have the resources, they need to address this level of crime in our state.”

Steele noted the budget does provide for 500 new full-time employees to state government. In addition, the budget includes $1.4 million for an additional 13 full-time security officers for the Capitol building.

“Instead of supporting those agencies, Democrats are setting aside more than $100,000 per position to add even more personal security for themselves. Democrats have made their priorities crystal clear; they’re more focused on protecting themselves than the communities we represent.”