The Michigan State House passed a bill that would bring back 55 laid off Michigan State Troopers, if enacted by Governor Jennifer Granholm. It was part of the state police spending measures considered by the House Thursday. About 103 Troopers were laid-off earlier this year.
The bill also funds the new $40 million MSP headquarters in Lansing, nearing completion.
The current location is in East Lansing across from Michigan State University’s campus. The new facility would be funded at $4 million a year but some lawmakers like Grand Blanc Republican State Representative Paul Scott said the entire cost of the facility would be better spent elsewhere.
"I think everyone would agree that what keeps people safe is not buildings, it's the men and women risking their lives out there,” Scott said. “That money could go to hire 300 State Police Troopers,” he added.
As debate turns to funding the headquarters, Governor Jennifer Granholm’s office said many ideas are being considered.
"We're looking at a comprehensive solution to the budget, not just one budget here and one budget there,” Press Secretary Liz Boyd said. “We need all of the budget bills passed in a form that the governor can sign."
The State Senate has a similar bill of its own. Lawmakers will meet in conference to work out a uniform deal sometime next week.
This comes on top of the news that Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Speaker Andy Dillon reached a $1.2 billion dollar figure in state cuts, though the exact areas to be cut have yet to be sorted out. NBC25 will keep you updated on the Michigan budget battle.
