State Rep. Mike Mueller of Linden, a retired sheriff’s deputy, released the following statement after the governor revealed the MI Safe Communities plan today:

“Local law enforcement officers need better resources and more financial support to keep our communities safe. That’s why I worked with other former officers in the House to put together an $80 million plan we announced last spring focused on attracting new talent to the profession, developing the skills of existing police officers, funding important services like road patrols and community policing, and offering mental health support.

“The plan the governor announced today is very similar to ours – and that’s great. My biggest concern is her narrow focus on big cities. Police in every single Michigan community deserve our support – not just the ones in urban areas where most of the governor’s voters live.”