LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 12, 2024) — Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to the total number of full-time professional firefighters, posing a threat to the health and safety of both first responders and residents. Senate Bill 1167, introduced by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), would require the inclusion of minimum staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining between public employers and their employees. In response to today’s Senate passage of the legislation, Sen. Klinefelt, Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, issued the following statement:
“Just like everyone else, our firefighters deserve to have the tools, resources, and staff they need to make it home safely at the end of the day. This legislation will allow them to bring their concerns around staffing to the negotiation table so they can provide safe and adequate services to the people and communities they serve without unnecessary risk.”
On Dec. 3, 2024, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt joined 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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