Governor Gretchen Whitmer's actions on Tuesday have had a significant impact on Michigan. By signing six bipartisan bills, she is working to make roads safer for all Michiganders and honoring a fallen trooper. These initiatives aim to address various aspects of transportation safety and support the well-being of the state.

Governor Whitmer's Bipartisan Legacy in Michigan's Road Safety

Reducing Crashes and Protecting Construction Workers

In Lansing, Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a significant step towards road safety. House Bills 4132 and 4133, sponsored by state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and state Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden), will implement work zone safety cameras in marked areas of the road. This move is crucial as Michigan joins 23 other states already using this proven technology to reduce speeds and protect construction workers. In 2023 alone, MSP recorded over 8,000 construction work zone-related crashes and 24 fatalities. By monitoring speed in these zones, these bills will not only safeguard construction workers but also reduce crashes, ensuring the safety of both workers and drivers.Construction work is essential for Michigan's economic development, and ensuring the safety of workers is of utmost importance. With these bills, Michigan is taking a proactive approach to address the issue. The implementation of work zone safety cameras will serve as a deterrent to speeding and reckless driving, creating a safer environment for everyone on the roads.

Supporting Michigan Schools and Kids' Education

House Bills 4928, 4929, and 4930, sponsored by State Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights) and State Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), are designed to support Michigan schools and kids' education. These bills allow school buses to be equipped with a camera system to track violations for failure to stop. The funds raised from these violations will be distributed back to school districts and used for transportation safety.As a former teacher, State Representative Nate Shannon understands the importance of student safety. Far too often, drivers ignore stop signals on school buses, putting children at risk. These bills give law enforcement the tools they need to ensure the safe travel of children to and from school. By holding drivers accountable, we are sending a strong message that student safety always comes first. This initiative promotes community safety and supports local school districts in their efforts to provide a safe learning environment.

Honoring Trooper Joel E. Popp

House Bill 5717, sponsored by State Representative Amos O'Neal (D-Saginaw), designates a portion of I-75 in Saginaw County as the Trooper Joel E. Popp Memorial Highway. This bill honors the memory of Joel E. Popp, a Michigan State Police Trooper who lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a traffic accident in January 2024.It is a day of remembrance and honor as a part of I-75 now bears Popp's name. His work and dedication as a trooper and a family man will always be remembered. This gesture is a fitting tribute to his sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the importance of public service.Including Tuesday's legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a remarkable 1,416 bipartisan bills into law since taking office. Her commitment to improving Michigan is evident in these initiatives, which have the potential to make a lasting impact on the state.Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to stay updated on the latest local news and weather. Gray Digital Media offers a one-stop marketing solution for those looking to hire people or grow their business through advertising.Copyright 2024 WILX. All rights reserved.