Rep. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, and the state House today approved a plan to help keep communities safe in rural Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

The legislation would provide consistent and stable funding for the state’s secondary road patrol program – which helps county sheriff departments patrol roads outside of cities and villages. The plan would direct $15 million to the statewide program each year from Michigan’s liquor tax, without affecting the taxes paid by consumers in any way. The amount would increase after five years based on inflation.

“This important change once again demonstrates my support for law enforcement and the incredible job they do in our communities,” Damoose said. “The secondary road patrol program desperately needs consistent, reliable funding. This legislation will provide some peace of mind for our county sheriff deputies and the people they work so hard to protect every day.”

The secondary road patrol program is currently paid for through an assessment on traffic tickets, but that revenue has declined in recent years. The number of deputies supported by the program peaked in 2001 but has gradually declined since.

Revenue from the state liquor tax has generally increased in recent years, providing a far more reliable funding source.

House Bills 5569, 5732, 5772 and 5773 advance to the Senate for further consideration.

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