Michigan Legislature Pushes for Stable Funding for Domestic and Sexual
Violence Service Providers – a State First. Advocates Applaud these Life- Saving Measures.
May 2, 2023

Media Contacts:

Sarah Rennie, MCEDSV, sarah.proutrennie@mcedsv.org

Heath Lowry, MCEDSV, heath.lowry@mcedsv.org

Lansing, MI— After months of advocacy by domestic and sexual violence service
providers statewide, the Michigan Senate and House Appropriations Committees have included a
dramatic and first-of-its-kind general funds request for millions of dollars to be allocated to
local programs who are often first responders and provide essential services to victims of domestic
violence and sexual assault.

“With this funding, programs across the state will be able to provide critical and life- saving
services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These programs provide essential
first-response and support in the immediate aftermath of domestic violence or a sexual assault. We
applaud our elected officials for listening to the needs of their communities and prioritizing this
vital funding,” said Sarah Prout Rennie, the Executive Director of the Michigan Coalition to End
Domestic and Sexual Violence.

“While grateful for any appropriations, we especially support the proposed House budget allocation
of $60 million dollars to create the multi-year Crime Victim’s Rights Sustaining Fund, $20 million
of which would be invested in service providers for FY 24. Federal funding cuts and a pandemic rise
in violence has created a perfect storm for many, already under-funded programs. It is imperative
that the Michigan Legislature ensure that this first-of-its kind funding be flexible and go
directly to non-profit victim service providers and tribal advocacy programs administered by tribal
governments.”

“Every county in the state is served by a domestic and sexual violence agency. These agencies are
incredibly important and are anchors of their communities, and without this support and funding
many may be faced with reduced services or closure. Tribal programs provide equally critical
services often with the extra complication of competing legal jurisdictions. The three-year
proposal that the House has put forward is a huge step forward toward supporting victims in
Michigan”

Please reach out to Heath Lowry, policy liaison and attorney at MCEDSV, with
questions.