LANSING, Mich. (June 26, 2025) — Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to our total number of full-time professional firefighters, posing a threat to the health and safety of both first responders and residents. Senate Bill 319, introduced by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), would require the inclusion of staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining between public employers and their employees. In response to today’s Senate passage of this legislation, Sen. Klinefelt, Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, issued the following statement:
“Michigan firefighters know better than anyone what it takes to keep our communities safe. It’s only right that they have a voice in discussions that directly impact their safety and ability to respond to emergencies. This legislation will not dictate any specific outcomes, rather it simply ensures their firsthand insight is not left out of the conversation.”
Senate Bill 319 is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 1167 from the 102nd legislative session, which passed the Senate late last year.
In Dec. 2024, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt joined Michigan firefighters on the steps of the state Capitol in support of her legislation promoting safe staffing levels for first responders. Photo Credit: Megan Dombrowski, Michigan Senate Democrats
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