Make Michigan Safe Again: Speaker Hall's "Public Safety And Violence Prevention Trust Fund" Plan Supports Police Departments Statewide

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan Speaker Of The House Matt Hall's bold and much needed plan to help reduce violent crime in communities all across Michigan has received overwhelming bipartisan support in Lansing.

The plan allocates 1.5% of money generated from the state's sales tax every year to the new "Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund." 

With current budget estimates, that would mean ~$115 million a year for local police, starting in September of 2026. 

The money would be distributed to communities based on their local crime rates. If they fail to show progress in decreasing crime, their allotment from the fund could be reduced, then given to other communities who are doing a better job. 

The plan requires local governments to use the resources to increase financial support for public safety, as well as violence intervention efforts.

“We want the money going to where it should go, which is going directly to putting police on the street and getting them the equipment they need, not filling budget holes," Speaker Hall said.

4 of the 20 most violent cities in the country are in Michigan, and 9 of the top 100 according to recent FBI statistics. Statewide, violent crime is 7% higher from 2019-2023 than in 2014-2018, and murders are up nearly 20%.

Here is how that $115 Million breaks down every year:

-$72 million goes to cities, villages, and townships, with the amount they receive based on their share of the statewide violent crime rate. 

-$40 million goes to county sheriff’s offices, distributed according to the size of each county’s police force. 

-$1.5 million would go to the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund, supporting victims and their families.

-$1.5 million would be available for grants for community violence intervention initiatives.

State Representatives Mike Harris and Brian Begole have been instrumental in moving the legislation forward, and House Bills 4260 and 4261, which create the fund, were passed overwhelmingly by the House with a bipartisan vote of 104-4. 

State Rep. Mike Harris

Rep. Harris, who served nearly 30 years in local law enforcement, says that strong public safety is the foundation for the success of communities.  

“Public safety is the most fundamental promise any government can make to its people," Harris said. "Without safe communities, nothing else works. The Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund is a serious, targeted response to the violent crime crisis that is raging in Michigan communities. Our bipartisan plan will dedicate funding every year to making our state safer. It will increase support for local law enforcement officers combating crime, and it will boost local teams of citizens working to intervene before situations ever turn violent."

The plan also provides accountability and transparency, ensuring Michiganders are seeing results.  

Starting in the 2027 fiscal year, a community’s share of funding would be reduced by 5% if its violent crime rate has not decreased from its base level by 5%. Beginning in the 2029 fiscal year, that rises to 10%. 

The legislation is backed by the Police Officers Association of Michigan, who said "These critical pieces of legislation would direct a portion of the state’s sales tax revenue into a newly established Public Safety Trust Fund. If passed, this funding would be allocated to local police departments and county sheriff’s offices across Michigan, providing much-needed resources for equipment, recruitment, retention, and training initiatives."

POAM leaders testified in support of the bill, and "spoke directly to the urgent needs facing departments across the state, citing staffing shortages and increasing demands on law enforcement professionals. Their testimony reinforced the importance of sustainable funding to support safe communities and effective policing."

The bills now proceed to the Senate for consideration.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan urged Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and her fellow Senators to get behind this important legislation.

“Republicans, Democrats and independents are coming together on this,” Duggan said in a press conference with Speaker Hall. “So, it’s time for Senate Democrats to get on board and listen to their local police and support funding for our police.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall

State Rep Alabas Farhat, a Democrat from Dearborn who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said the Senate delaying the fund's creation will cost people their lives.

“The longer we wait, the more people will die. It’s that simple. We give police departments the money they need, they’re going to disrupt the crime,”  Farhat said. “This is an issue that impacts every Michigander, whether you live in a blue district or a red district, whether your Sheriff's a Democrat or Republican---no matter where you live, you’re touched by this issue. So just get it done. Take the politics out of it. Get it done.”

Once again, Speaker Hall has the balls to stay focused on doing what's best for Michigan---not playing partisan games, or doing what's best for Lansing lobbyists and special interests.

Speaker Hall has put violent criminals on notice, and let our police know that help is on the way.  #MakeMichiganSafeAgain

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Speaker Of The House Matt Hall Is Making The Lansing Establishment Feel The "HEAT"

 

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Blogspot.com)

Lansing, like DC, has been described as a swamp---but it's REALLY actually more like a big ol' nasty pigpen---and Speaker Of The House Matt Hall is making the pigs squeal.

President Reagan famously said (while talking about Congress), "if you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."

Reagan passed away in 2004, but his spirit is alive and well in the Michigan legislature with Speaker Hall as he fights the Lansing establishment.

Hall's marquee proposal is even literally named HEAT: The Hall Ethics, Accountability, & Transparency Plan.

Legislator Autonomy When Hiring And Firing Staff 

Immediately upon taking office as Speaker, Matt Hall ended the controversial practice that was long used for decades in Lansing allowing the Speaker to control the staffers of a legislator. 

Now, our State Representatives hire and fire their own employees without any threats or pressure from the Speaker's office---a remarkable change giving House members the freedom to say what's on their mind and vote how they'd like---without losing their staff.

Lame Duck Reform

For far too long, under both Republican and Democrat "leadership," Lansing politicians have rammed all sorts of horrendous bills through during what's known as lame duck, the time period after the November election is already over, but before new elected officials take office January 1st.

A few years ago, Senate Majority Leader  Arlan Meekhof held Senators hostage in the Senate chamber under threat of arrest shortly before Christmas, forcing them to vote on a heap of horrendous legislation.

 And just last year, when Joe Tate was Speaker Of The House, he unsuccessfully tried to do the same thing!

Those days are over. 

Speaker Hall is now requiring a 2/3ds vote of the State House in order to move any legislation forward in lame duck, a truly revolutionary move that has sent shockwaves through the big lobbying and consulting firms.  Lobbyists just lost one of the dirtiest tricks in their playbook!

Banning Legislators From Signing NDA's

Recently, elected officials have been busted signing non-disclosure agreements with private entities, foreign governments, corporations, and other groups.

In one case, Senator Elissa Slotkin signed a secret NDA with the controversial Chinese company Gotion!

In another, State Senator Curtis Hertel signed a secret NDA with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

Lansing politicians need to honor their oath and follow the Constitution, not make secret deals they hide from their Constituents!

Speaker Hall's bipartisan plan stops legislators from hiding behind NDAs.

2 Year Lobbying Ban

In 2022, with 6 months still left to go in his term, State Rep. Jim Lilly bailed on his seat to be the chief lobbyist and leader of Government Affairs at Spartan Nash.

Such brazen greed and blatant disrespect of Michigan taxpayers is totally legal---but Speaker Hall has a plan to stop it.

Under Speaker Hall's legislation, sleazy politicians like Jim Lilly would have to wait 2 years before they can be lobbyists in Michigan.

Hall also wants to close the loophole that actually allows current legislators to lobby in other states WHILE they are in office!  

Ending Secret Appropriations Earmarks 

Legislators can no longer secretly request money for special projects without identifying themselves.

For example, in 2023, Fay Beydoun, a Metro Detroit woman connected to Governor Whitmer, received a $20 million grant now under investigation by Attorney General Dana Nessel. 

Beydoun famously spent $4,500 on a coffee maker with taxpayer money! Which legislator earmarked the money for her is still unknown...

Not only that, but all the requests from State House members are now publicly available in a searchable database. 

Unlike most things Jocelyn Benson does, this website actually works, and is easy to use!

For years, the Lansing establishment looted billions from taxpayers with these BS tricks---not anymore under Speaker Hall.

Expanded, Comprehensive House Oversight Committee 

Speaker Hall has given the House Oversight Committee historic authority to issue subpoenas as it investigates Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and others.

Usually, subpoenas at House Oversight have to be dealt with individually, on a case by case basis---not anymore. 

The Oversight Committee now has the ability to subpoena whoever they need to in order to get answers.

One of the biggest issues the Oversight Committee is investigating is "how the Government abused its authority and failed in public transparency during COVID."

The controversial Chinese Gotion scandal is also on the agenda, among many other important subjects.

Speaker Hall’s MAJOR expansion of the House Oversight Committee in order to make sure the investigations cover all the bases includes 6 subcommittees:

-Weaponization of State Government

-Child Welfare System

-Corporate Subsidies and State Investments

-Public Health and Food Security

-Homeland Security and Foreign Influence

-State and Local Public Assistance Programs

Speaker Hall’s creation of Oversight subcommittees is unprecedented!

We will talk more in-depth about what is going on in all the areas of the House Oversight Committee soon, you can be sure of that!

No Speaker before him has had the balls to fight the Lansing establishment so fiercely. 

Speaker Hall has already repeatedly proven he cares about delivering real results for Michiganders, not bending over for the lobbyists or special interest groups.

Democrats ran their mouths talking about transparency for YEARS, but now that Speaker Hall has come up with a real plan, Dems might as well be in witness protection! 

Most disappeared---they don't actually care about transparency, they just want to find things to bitch about.

Conservatives---and Michiganders of all political stripes who actually want a government that works for the people---have been blessed with a State House Republican Majority under Speaker Hall that fights for what's right, not what's best for Lansing lobbyists and special interests. 

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s "Ice Storm Emergency Recovery" Bill Passes State House With 107-1 Vote🚨

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn’s emergency legislation to provide $100 million in much needed state relief for Northern Michigan and UP after the devastating and historic ice storm in March was passed 107 to 1 in the State House on Wednesday.

The destruction was described in some areas as equivalent to an EF5 tornado, or a Category 5 hurricane... 

The bill now heads to the State Senate, where it is expected to be passed, then signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  State Rep. Steve Carra was the only "no" vote.

The plan could also help with obtaining federal disaster relief funding.

“This was a once-in-a-generation weather event,” Fairbairn said during a floor speech, Wednesday. “Ice coated trees, powerlines, radio and cell towers, roads, rooftops, cars and homes. The thickness and weight of which snapped limbs, power poles, broadcast antennas, electrical masts, and structural supports across Northern Michigan.”

House Bill 4328 provides disaster relief grants to reimburse property owners, businesses and local governments for cost associated with repairs and clean-up necessitated by storm damage.

“Residents and local governments have been doing everything they can to clear hurricane-level debris and make repairs,” Fairbairn said. “But, after weeks of work, personal and municipal finances are stretched thin. This plan would provide a hand-up to Northern Michigan during a time when it has been laid low by Mother Nature.”

Fairbairn, elected in 2024, lives in Harbor Springs, representing Charlevoix County and Emmet County, as well as portions of Cheboygan, Chippewa, and Mackinac counties.

Fairbairn speaks on behalf of HB4328, joined by other Northern Michigan and UP legislators

___________________________________________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Ronna Romney And Shane Hernandez Joining Forces To Help Michigan Republicans Win In 2026🚨

Ronna Romney, center, chats with Shane Hernandez and Tudor Dixon in 2022

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Sources tell West Michigan Politics that Ronna Romney and Shane Hernandez will lead a major organization to help support Republicans in important state races throughout Michigan in 2026. 

The races for Governor, Secretary Of State, and Attorney General---as well as many swing State House and State Senate districts---are the group's top targets. 

Romney and Hernandez are said to have millions in donor commitments already lined up...

Hernandez, a popular former State Representative, currently helps lead Associated Builders and Contractors in Michigan as its President. 

Romney is the controversial former Chair of the Republican National Committee. 

She had recently been linked to a PAC supporting John James in his run for Governor, which she is no longer associated with.

The new Romney/Hernandez group will likely continue on after November of 2026, into 2028, and possibly beyond. 

It's also not fully clear how exactly this new project will impact the Michigan Freedom Fund.

Sources say operations at MFF will look significantly different in lieu of this new effort, as there is a correlation between the two...

Stay tuned!

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger (R-Grand Haven) Compares President Trump To Hitler

 

Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Josh Brugger, the Vice Chair of the Ottawa County Commission (and a Republican from Grand Haven), recently compared President Trump to Hitler.

His controversial statement was made after President Trump and Vice President JD Vance's famous showdown with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Brugger did not apologize when called out. 

Instead, he doubled down---defending his stunning remarks in a lengthy rant, basically claiming that people who disagreed were ignorant, and didn't know history.

"Brandon, You fail to understand the context of the post, and of history for that matter," Brugger said. "If I had actually said that President Trump was like Hitler or Mussolini or Stalin, you’d be absolutely right to call me out. That’s not what I said. I’m a Republican who has voted for President Trump. Being conservative or liberal has zilch to do with this. And, if you bothered to read the post that my post was made in response to, bothered to read the entire post, or bothered to read a history book, you would understand the significance of a 100 years of the United States standing against dictators, against fascism, against aggression of the nature we are now witnessing… 100 years of my fellow Americans standing courageously even to death, for democracy, for freedom, for self determination, for the sovereignty of nations; while standing alongside European nations who believe the same… presidents like Dwight Eisenhower (commander in chief of the allied forces in Europe, the first commander of NATO forces and one of the most popular presidents in the history of our nation) and especially Ronald Reagan whose strength, tenacity, devotion to democracy and free market capitalism, famously demanded that Gorbachev take down the Berlin Wall… and it was taken down, if you could grasp even a sliver of an understanding of history, then you would see clearly which side of the great divide our current president sits on. Further, for Brandon, the word “compare” has no place in this conversation. President Trump is no Wilhelm, Hitler, or Stalin. He is the President of the greatest democracy in history. Yet right now, on this matter, he has chosen to sit on their side of the table; against liberty, against democracy, against the free world. It is a tectonic shift; one that lady liberty and every past president of the United States who fought for freedom, for us and for our brothers and sisters throughout the world, regardless of party affiliation, would call out. We ought all to be doing the same. As for the card game that our president is playing with the lives of millions, the greatest trump card in any political hand, is the one that reads “Democracy”.

Grand Haven resident Ben Genser said that Brugger's long-winded defense just doesn't hold up.

"With all due respect, Josh, I appreciate the history lesson, but your argument falls apart under scrutiny," Genser said. "You claim you weren’t ‘comparing’ Trump to Hitler or Stalin, yet you placed him on the same side of a so-called ‘great divide’ with them. That’s not just a comparison—it’s an outright indictment, and a dangerous one at that.

The reality is that President Trump governed within the framework of the U.S. Constitution and strengthened American democracy, rather than undermining it. He prioritized American sovereignty, promoted free-market capitalism, supported our military, and stood as one of the strongest allies to Israel—a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. His administration’s actions, including brokering historic peace deals through the Abraham Accords, are a testament to that.

Throwing around reckless historical analogies does nothing to elevate the discussion. If we want to talk about America’s role in defending democracy, let’s do it based on facts—not partisan theatrics and misguided moral posturing."

Brugger can be reached at jbrugger@miottawa.org---but be nice :)

______________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Grand Haven May Become A "Sanctuary City" For Illegal Immigrants🚨

The City Of Grand Haven's Human Relations Commission discusses
making Grand Haven a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants Thursday night

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The City of Grand Haven took the first steps towards becoming a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants on Thursday night.

The issue was on the agenda at the Human Relations Commission meeting, and the HRC will soon make a recommendation to City Council on whether or not the city should become a safe haven for illegals. 

That would mean that all of the AMAZING Grand Haven Department Of Public Safety officers wouldn't be able to cooperate with ICE in the best interest of public safety, among other radical changes.

Sanctuary status for GH would also put State and federal funding for the City of Grand Haven at risk with President Trump and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall's recent orders.

Less than half a dozen people (including myself) were in attendance for Thursday's meeting, and no traditional media was present.

The best ways to help fight back against Grand Haven becoming a "sanctuary city" for illegals?

1. Follow the "Keep Grand Haven Safe" Facebook page for breaking updates.

2. Send an Email RIGHT NOW to all the Grand Haven City Council Members:

Mike Fritz                       MFritz@GrandHaven.org

Karen Lowe                   KLowe@GrandHaven.org

Mayor Bob Monetza     BMonetza@GrandHaven.org 

Kevin McLaughlin         KMclaughlin@GrandHaven.org

3. Email BHallGH@Gmail.com if you want to help by volunteering your time, or making a small donation...

4. Attend the next City Council meeting on Monday, March 3rd at 7:30 PM at Grand Haven City Hall, and make sure your voice is heard!

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

1st District DRAMA: 9 Things Delegates Need To Know Before State Convention

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The 1st Republican Congressional District has been engulfed in extreme turmoil, and a whole lot of unnecessary drama these last 24 months.

The "fightin' 1st" is a region that has had many 12 round brawls over the years, so having some issues is nothing new. 

However, some of the people now trying to take power as part of Daire Rendon's slate are quite the cast of characters---circus would be a NICE way to describe the situation.

Here are 9 things all 1st District Delegates need to know before voting at the Michigan Republican Party State Convention in Detroit:

1. Daire Rendon And The Fake Houghton Lake Convention 

There is a lot to like about Daire Rendon--she is tough, and principled. I like that about her.

However, like many other members of the slate she's leading, she has allowed her support of Kristina Karamo to totally blind her. One might call it "Karamo Derangement Syndrome."

And let me be clear: I have no personal problem with Kristina Karamo---had she only told her supporters to attend the January 6, 2024 meeting instead of telling them not to go, she would still be Chair today.

Anyway, the "fake" Houghton Lake convention is a perfect example of Rendon's "Karamo Derangement Syndrome." 

Delegates got screwed, wasting their time and money---with NOTHING to show for it all! 

It's one thing not to like Pete Hoekstra---shooting your own foot off, and tricking delegates into attending a half baked "convention" they knew wouldn't ever be recognized because of it is just absolutely STUPID.

2. Karl Bohnak Issue

Karl Bohnak's victory was because of many people, namely Karl himself, House Speaker Matt Hall--- along with Bill G. Schuette and the HRCC---Congressman Jack Bergman, and of course, the amazing grassroots activists all across the UP, and throughout the entire 1st District. 

1st District leadership should be proud they were a piece of the puzzle in a historic victory---but this narrative that they recruited him (false) and then won the race for him (false) is total BS.

State Rep. Karl Bohnak

3. Dan Bonamie Helped Lead The Campaign For Sheriff's Candidate Charged With Sex Crimes Against Children

Dan Bonamie was a strong supporter of disgraced Crawford County Sheriff's candidate Aaron Blaine.

Blaine withdrew from the race after he was arrested and charged with 7 counts of sex crimes against multiple minors, one of whom was under 13.

Here, Bonamie gathers signatures for his friend to get on the ballot:

4. Asuka Barden BETRAYED President Trump

Asuka Barden betrayed President Trump: she actively worked against him, and did not support him in 2024. 

Why? because she has such a deranged allegiance to Kristina Karamo. 

It's really weird, and very concerning...

She's turned her back on President Trump before---how long until she does it again? 

We don't have time to deal with what mood Asuka might be in today for whatever reason, we have elections to win!

5. Standerfer Incompetence

Every campaign finance report Jennifer Standerfer filed for the Michigan Republican Party was filled with multiple basic errors, frankly she had no idea what she was doing. I don't mean just a couple---there are dozens of pages of basic errors in response letters from the FEC.

Here is just a small sample:

 

6. Todd Smalenberg

Todd Smalenberg's status as a Veteran who served honoraby isn't up for debate---but he was busted trying to pretend he lives in a little camper in Hilman and not his big, beautiful home in Mio he shares with his wife where he actually resides.

Smalenberg was lucky the issue hadn't been discovered sooner, or he would have been thrown off the ballot.

However, State Rep. Cam Cavitt decided not to press charges against Smalenberg, and instead let the voters decide---Cavitt went on to beat him very badly in the primary.

Read More:

https://westmipolitics.blogspot.com/2024/06/breaking-is-state-house-candidate-todd.html

https://westmipolitics.blogspot.com/2024/07/breaking-todd-smalenberg-admits-he.html

7. Neil Friske

Neil Friske's issues are well known. 

He is currently the target in a major investigation for allegedly chasing a stripper while he was carrying a gun last summer after he brought her over to his house. What happened? Who knows.

Friske has an extremely controversial history with women though that directly contradicts the public image he has long sought to portray.

Read More:

🚨Breaking: Bombshell WMP Investigation Reveals State Rep. Neil Friske's Controversial History With Women🚨

8. Randy Bishop

Randy Bishop sure is entertaining---he is also an insanely hypocritical loud mouth, and a serial fraudster who is struggling to get out of bankruptcy.

Bishop was convicted on two felony fraud counts in connection with taking $50,000 from a Macomb County couple for a building project:

In another case, Bishop defrauded $200,000 from other victims:

9. The slate led by Creston Scheel will focus on the issues that really matter---like winning Governor, US Senate, the State Legislature, and EVERYTHING else in 2026---all while supporting President Trump, and making the 1st District a statewide leader that is strong and respected again.

The Rendon slate may still be talking about Kristina Karamo in 2026...

Choose wisely, Delegates!

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com