Washington, D.C. -This week, Rep. Michelle Fischbach introduced the Law Enforcement Education Grant Program Act. This legislation would encourage young men and women to consider a career in law enforcement. The bill provide education grants to students pursuing their first degree in a law enforcement or criminal justice related field. The grant would come with a service agreement from the recipient to serve as a full-time law enforcement officer for four years within an eight-year period of completing their studies. If the graduate does not complete their service agreement the grant will be converted into a loan. This bill is co-authored by Congressmen Stauber (MN-08) and Higgins (LA-03).
"This bill is a chance for Congress to tell young men and women, who are considering their career options, that we value our law enforcement officers. This bill sends a message that we believe in investing in well-trained and highly educated police officers to help keep are community safe," said Rep. Fischbach. "I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congressmen Stauber and Higgins to keep our communities safe and invest in our next generation of law enforcement."
“As a former police officer of 23 years, I know that a properly staffed and trained police force is necessary to keep our communities safe. Unfortunately, the law enforcement community is struggling to recruit new officers due to the Democrats’ defund and disparage the police movement. By improving education benefits and recruiting through the establishment of the Law Enforcement Education Grant Program, interested recruits will have a new incentive to join the police force and will be better prepared to serve and defend our communities," said Rep. Stauber. "I’m proud to join Congresswoman Fischbach in sponsoring this legislation.”
Rep. Higgins said, “I will always stand with Brothers and Sisters of the Thin Blue Line. Our legislation helps ensure that law enforcement entities are properly staffed with solid cops. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Fischbach in introducing this pro-law enforcement bill.”
This bill also has the support of the President of the National Fraternal Order of Police, Patrick Yoes who said, “Among the many challenges facing law enforcement, none are as existential as the issue of retention and recruitment of officers. This bill would provide educational support for individuals who choose to pursue a career in law enforcement. On behalf of the more than 364,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to offer our support for this important legislation.”
Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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