LANSING – State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) today introduced a plan that will allow the Secretary of State to sell a Thin Blue Line license plate to raise money to support the families of injured or deceased law enforcement officers and victims of crime.
"When law enforcement officers and first-responders are injured or killed in the line of duty, we need to be there to support their families," said Espinoza, who served on the Croswell Police Department before becoming a deputy in the Sanilac County Sheriff's Department. "Buying a Thin Blue Line license plate is a great way for all of us to show our support and help those whose lives have been turned upside down by crime."
Under the legislation, motorists could voluntarily purchase the Thin Blue Line license plate for $25 in addition to the normal plate fees. Money raised by the sale of the plates would go to the Thin Blue Line Fund, the Police Officers and Fire Fighters Survivor Tuition Fund and the Crime Victim's Rights Fund.
The Thin Blue Line is a nonprofit organization that assists and supports the families of injured or deceased officers of Michigan law enforcement agencies. Money from the Police Officers and Firefighters Survivor Tuition Fund supports the Police Officers and Fire Fighters Survivor Tuition Act, which provides for the waiver of tuition at public community and junior colleges and state universities for the surviving spouse and children of Michigan police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The Crime Victim's Rights Fund supports local services for victims of crime.
"We need to take care of those brave individuals who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe," Espinoza said. "Oftentimes the sacrifices made by our law enforcement professionals greatly impact their families. This plate is an easy way for motorists to display their gratitude to the law enforcement officers who have served us so valiantly, as well as support the future of their surviving families."