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Republican candidate for Michigan governor unveils $1B public safety plan

The Trump-endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate wants to enact constitutional carry and put tougher penalties in place for crimes committed during riots.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — One day after incumbent Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was in Grand Rapids rallying support, her Republican opponent Tudor Dixon was in town to share details about her $1 billion public safety plan.

Dixon, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said violent crime in Michigan is skyrocketing at nearly twice the national rate, and that Gov. Whitmer is to blame.

Dixon wants to invest $1 billion over the next four years to recruit and retain 5,000 new police officers and new fire and EMS personnel. Her plan would also add 500 new state troopers and 2,000 state and local corrections officers.

Dixon said she will also work to eliminate backlogs at labs and in courts, and bring justice to victims of crimes.

In addition, Dixon's plan would enact constitutional carry and put tougher penalties in place for crimes committed during riots.

You can read more about Dixon's stance on public safety here.

Following the unveiling of Dixon's plan, Maeve Coyle with the Whitmer campaign released a statement in response:

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for Governor Whitmer. She has worked across the aisle to support law enforcement with the tools they need to keep Michiganders safe, including increased resources to hire more police and strengthen training. While Governor Whitmer is committed to working with anyone to reduce crime, Tudor Dixon backs a reckless budget plan that would threaten law enforcement jobs and put funding for Michigan State Police at risk.”

Whitmer has been touring the state over the past few months, hosting the "Grillin' with Gretchen" events and trying to rally voters. She recently highlighted the 2023 bipartisan budget that will fund a new psychiatric hospital and lab and more resources for Michigan State Police. 

A recent poll by the Detroit News found Gov. Whitmer has gained a lead over Dixon, with 48% of respondents saying they'll support Whitmer compared to Dixon's 35%. 

Voters will decide the state's next governor on Nov. 8 in addition to voting on abortion and voting rights ballot measures. 

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