LANSING – State Rep. Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) announced today that the Legislature has agreed to restore $4 million in funding for the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), a program with a proven track record of reducing auto theft across the state, translating to reduced insurance rates for Michigan drivers.
"The ATPA has provided essential resources to our local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for more than two decades," Hammel said. "We need the ATPA's support in order to build on our state's success in reducing auto theft. Continuing these programs will help our consumers, our communities and our economy."
Each year the ATPA awards grants to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and nonprofit community organizations. These grants help pay for staff members and activities that prevent auto theft, catch auto thieves, and put the thieves behind bars. The ATPA is funded by an annual $1 assessment on each insured noncommercial passenger vehicle. Funding for the ATPA was cut by executive order last year.
According to the Web site of the Michigan State Police, auto thefts in Michigan have declined by 25 percent since the ATPA's inception in 1986. Nationally, thefts dropped only 5 percent during that same period. As a direct result, the average rate of major Michigan auto insurers' premiums, relative to other states, has been reduced.
"Funding for the ATPA is an investment that is paying off in many ways, and I am glad to see it being continued," Hammel said. "The ATPA's work helps keep insurance premiums in check, which is especially important right now as many families in Michigan struggle to make ends meet."