First responders testified in Lansing Wednesday about legislation intended to help the families of those who lose their lives in public service.
The Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee is trying to double survivor benefits for police officers and firefighters killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Senator Kevin Hertel of St. Clair Shores says survivor benefits in Michigan haven’t changed since they were first passed in 2004. For two decades, they’ve stood at $25,000. Lawmakers are looking to make them $50,000.
Hertel says the bipartisan support is there to get this done.
“We all realize the impact these tragic events have on the families of a public safety officers,” Hertel said. “Many of us in our communities have seen the impact of this.”
Hertel says dramatic cost of living increases since 2004 boost the urgency to increase survivor benefits.
