LANSING – In an effort to get residents more involved in the state budget process, State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) is inviting residents to attend a public hearing in Westland to offer comments and ask questions about Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's proposed Michigan State Police budget. State Senator Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) will preside over the hearing with LeBlanc.
"Our residents are affected by the decisions that are made during the budget process, but they rarely have any input into how the decisions are made – we want to change that," said LeBlanc, who is Chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on State Police. "It's important for our residents to ask any questions and express any concerns they have about how our state government works. Our state government is here to work for the people of Michigan, and I value our residents' input. I invite the public to attend this hearing and offer feedback on our state budget."
The public hearing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, at Westland City Hall, 36601 Ford Road. The hearing is the first of three public hearings that will be held across the state to get input from residents on the Governor's proposed budget.
"Our State Police are charged with ensuring the safety and security of our residents, and I will fight to make sure they get the support and funding they need to do their jobs," said LeBlanc, who has been a reserve police officer for the Canton Police Department for more than 18 years. "I have the utmost respect for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents. Our Troopers deserve our support, and I will work to see that they do."