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LANSING – House Democrats today passed a plan that preserves funding for local 911 centers, ensuring that first responders throughout Michigan can act quickly to help residents in life-threatening situations and protect rural communities.

"We can't take chances with people's lives by neglecting the system that sends first responders out to answer emergency calls," said State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson). "This plan will protect all Michigan residents and help keep them safe."

The plan passed by the House today protects the state funding that helps establish, maintain and operate 911 systems throughout Michigan. Under the plan, users of any 911-enabled device – landlines, cell phones and Internet phones – will pay the same user charge of just nineteen cents a month. The money will help ensure that counties can operate their life-saving 911 systems.

The plan requires that counties use all of the funding solely for the purpose of implementing, maintaining and operating their 911 centers.

"Public safety is a top priority for House Democrats," Simpson said. "This plan ensures that our 911 centers will operate smoothly and efficiently."