LANSING, Mich. (December 3, 2024) — Today, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) rallied with Michigan firefighters on the steps of the state Capitol to discuss legislation she recently introduced in the Senate to allow firefighters to bring their concerns on staffing levels to the negotiation table.
“Firefighters’ concerns about minimum manpower are legitimate, and they ought to be able to at least have the conversation during contract negotiations,” said Sen. Klinefelt, Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. “Firefighters are stretched thin, and this is just one tool to address the issue.”
Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to the total number of full-time professional firefighters — having less than half of the firefighters per resident than neighboring states such as Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
“Michigan residents will benefit from common sense legislation that the Senator is bringing,” said Matt Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union and 16-year veteran of the Harrison Township Fire Department. “Local control will be maintained, and communities can have thoughtful conversation on this important issue.”
Blocking this important issue from being raised has contributed to a shortage of firefighters that puts their safety and the safety of residents at risk. This has been evident in communities across the state recently with shortages forcing stations in Flint Township and Southfield to close, resulting in delayed response times that threaten the health and safety of residents in need.
“As quick as legislators are to take photos with first responders on the campaign trail, we should be just as quick to respond to their needs during the legislative session,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Majority Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. “Despite the threat of personal physical and mental harm, these individuals answer the call to serve day in and day out.”
Senate Bill 1167 would help rectify the issue by requiring the inclusion of minimum staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining between public employers and their employees. This measure would simply require a conversation to occur; it would not mandate a city to meet specific staffing levels if they lack the financial means to do so.
Senate Bill 1167 builds on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Senate to support first responders and equip them with the resources needed to protect Michiganders. Among the key initiatives are:
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Senate Bill 249, which addresses Michigan’s paramedic shortage by cutting bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic;
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Senate Bill 834, which recognizes the immense sacrifices of public safety officers and their families by doubling survivor benefits for those who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty; and
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Investments in the 2024 State Budget that enhance the safety and operational readiness of Michigan firefighters by providing departments with funds to purchase additional sets of turnout gear.
Sen. Veronica Klinefelt and Sen. Kevin Hertel rallied with Michigan firefighters on the steps of the state Capitol in support of Senate Bill 1167. Photo Credit: Megan Dombrowski, Michigan Senate Democrats
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