Saginaw Voters Approve “Back the Blue” Proposal

Saginaw voters passed the “Back the Blue” proposal on Nov. 5, with 69.81% supporting the measure. The proposal, which garnered 10,735 votes in favor and 4,642 against, calls for reaffirming city support for police, firefighters, and first responders through training, life insurance, and crowdfunding for injured families. It also seeks to counter the “defund the police” movement, which followed the 2020 George Floyd protests.

The measure will not affect taxes and directs city officials to prioritize public safety. The proposal’s language states: “The Back the Blue amendment would honor, protect, and provide victim compensation for fire, police, EMTs, and their families.”

Back the Blue submitted 1,897 signatures to get the proposal on the ballot, which was approved by the Saginaw City Council in August. The proposal passed, signaling strong public support for local first responders.