Press Releases

Today, in recognition of National Police Week 2025, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) reintroduced the School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding Protection Act—legislation designed to shield school safety programs from sudden state budget cuts and ensure continued support for law enforcement officers serving in schools.

The bill was originally prompted by Governor Gretchen Whitmer's FY 2025 budget, which slashed nearly $302 million—or 92 percent—of funding for statewide school safety and mental health programs. While $125 million was later restored following strong pushback from lawmakers, law enforcement, and school officials, the incident revealed just how vulnerable SRO programs are to sudden, politically driven budget swings.

The SRO Funding Protection Act would require states to maintain SRO program funding at either the previous year’s funding level or their five-year average—whichever is greater—in order to receive full federal education funding. This safeguard would help ensure stable support for school safety programs even during volatile state budget cycles.

“The necessity of school safety demands more than just meaningless political rhetoric—it demands real action,” said Rep. Jack Bergman. “We cannot leave our children vulnerable. This bill ensures that states uphold their commitment to funding SRO programs. Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they are safe and protected, and this legislation will help guarantee the unnecessary state cuts to the SRO program that were proposed last year don’t happen again.”

Bergman emphasized that, particularly during National Police Week, it’s important to honor the role of law enforcement in keeping communities safe—especially within schools. “School resource officers are more than just a line of defense—they’re trusted mentors, community leaders, and first responders. Protecting their presence in our schools is not optional—it’s essential,” he added.

"The Harbor Springs Police Department strongly supports the School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act. By ensuring that funding for our School Resource Officer is maintained, this legislation provides a vital safeguard for the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and school staff. Our School Resource Officer plays an essential role in fostering safe learning environments, building relationships between youth and law enforcement, and responding to threats at our schools. In addition to this, our School Resource Officer poses as a deterrent to future acts of violence," said Chief Kyle Knight of the Harbor Springs Police Department, and Immediate Past President of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

Knight continued, "This bill reinforces the importance of those efforts by helping states prioritize and sustain School Resource Officer programs without imposing new financial burdens. I commend Representative Bergman for his leadership in advancing policies that protect our schools and support public safety." 

Speaking on the bill, Kenneth Grabowski, Legislative Director of the Police Officers Association of Michigan, said, “Everyone wants to talk about school safety, but far too often politicians fail to put their money where their mouth is. Last year, the state changed budget priorities and cut millions of dollars in dedicated school safety funding, putting our students and teachers at risk. We commend Rep. Bergman for stepping up and introducing the School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act to ensure our kids are safe at school and our SRO’s are properly funded.”

"The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police strongly supports the School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act. By ensuring that funding for school resource officer programs is maintained, this legislation provides a vital safeguard for the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and school staff. School resource officers play an essential role in fostering safe learning environments, building trust between youth and law enforcement, and responding to threats on campus. This bill reinforces the importance of those efforts by helping states prioritize and sustain SRO programs without imposing new financial burdens. We commend Representative Bergman for his leadership in advancing policies that protect our schools and support public safety,” said Chief Ron Wiles, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

State Rep. Cam Cavitt stated, “Representative Bergman’s School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act is exactly the kind of leadership our students, teachers, and communities need. Ensuring stable, dedicated funding for SROs means safer schools, stronger relationships between law enforcement and youth, and peace of mind for parents. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Bergman in this important effort to prioritize real school safety over political gamesmanship.”

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn who has complementary legislation moving through the State House of Representatives expressed his full support for Congressman Bergman’s efforts, “Congressman Bergman’s focus on the safety and well-being of students is exactly on point, and I truly believe that his push to ensure funding of school resource officers, and my state level legislation to have each ISD designate an Emergency and Safety Manager and a Mental Health Coordinator, will combine to make our schools better, safer places for our students to grow and learn.”

State Senator John Damoose noted, “Anyone with kids in school knows how important the School Resource Officer program is to keep our children safe from obvious threats. Just as critical, the officers build meaningful relationships with our children in a way that allows them to notice subtle changes that could signal bigger issues in the future. This is the ultimate preventative measure that helps build character and trust amongst our students and stops tragedies before they occur. I am so proud to see Congressman Jack Bergman again taking the lead on this critical matter."

“Resource officers are on the frontline keeping our schools and students safe,” said State Rep. Ken Borton. “Many kids don’t interact with law enforcement until meeting their local resource officer. These interactions help students grow up with a positive relationship with police officers. Ensuring the long-term viability of SRO funding ensures these foundational relationships continue to positively impact our kids.”

“The decision to go after this funding in the first place was a clear example of how Democrats’ priorities are doing real harm to our northern Michigan communities,” said Senator Michelle Hoitenga. “I fully support Rep. Bergman’s bill because parents deserve to know their kids are safe at school, and that starts with keeping trained officers in the building.”

"Funding for School Resource Officers and mental health are a critical part of keeping our children safe. Cuts in these areas make it difficult for police departments and school districts to keep this lifesaving service available in our state.  In rural communities, where police response if often delayed due to a limited amount of law enforcement, these cuts make it next to impossible to provide adequate security for our students and faculty," Gaylord City Police Chief Frank Claeys stated.

"As Sheriff, one of the most important jobs I have is protecting our children at our schools. I'm grateful that Representative Bergman introduced this legislation to protect our School Resource Officers following massive cuts at the State level," said Otsego County Sheriff Matthew Nowicki.

“Our students represent the future of our communities and our country. Ensuring their safety is not just a priority—it is one of our most fundamental responsibilities. At a time when threats to schools are more frequent and complex than ever, restoring full funding for our School Resource Officers is both urgent and necessary. I applaud Representative Bergman for introducing this much-needed legislation to help protect our children, educators, and school staff,” said Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein.