The Senate has approved a budget of $30 million to help Flint residents pay their water bills following the lead contamination crisis. The Senate voted unanimously for the legislation that would pay for a portion of the residents' water bills. Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican initiated the measure and claimed that the help would amount to a total of $70 million emergency funding for Flint by Michigan State.
Flint, one of the poorest cities in the state changed its water system from Detroit to a local river in 2014. However, the river was contaminated with lead and has affected water system pipes of 100,000 residents. The fund will cover 65% of Flint residents' water bills, including water utilized for drinking, bathing and cooking. The sewage part of the bill will still be paid by the residents. The Senate's decision comes after the Republicans refused the Democrats' efforts to pursue coverage of their entire water bills, according to The New York Times.
"The Legislature's approval of this $30 million plan to assist with Flint residents with water bills is a testament to the state's continued commitment to helping during this crisis. I thank my partners in the House and Senate for their unanimous support and swift action," Snyder said in a statement.
Since the lead contamination crisis, Flint residents have been consuming bottled water for drinking. They were advised to boil tap water for drinking. However, authorities now urged Flint residents to filter water because of the contamination. The lead contamination crisis has affected hundreds of people in Flint while putting the children at risk of developmental problems. Reuters claims that the problem that caught the public's attention could have been solved with an anti-corrosion treatment. However, reports revealed that the officials played down on the issue for months.
"Flint residents should not have to pay for water they cannot drink. I have continually said that the crisis will be solved by everyone coming together with solutions, and I would like to thank the Legislature for being a strong partner on getting immediate funding for recovery to the city," Snyder said, Click On Detroit reveals.
Michigan lead contamination crisis has also called the attention of the U.S. congressional committee. Snyder will be appearing on the session to discuss about the issue next month. The issue has also been part of several presidential campaigns. A joint committee headed by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof and House Speaker Kevin Cotter is also in the process to focus on the lead contamination dilemma.
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