Legislators Announce Bill Package Addressing Flint Water Crisis

Liz Gullett

Legislators Announce Bill Package Addressing Flint Water Crisis

Mar 11, 2016

This week, two Flint area legislators, Representative Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) and Representative Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint), announced a four-bill package addressing concerns stemming from the Flint water crisis. Representative Phelps’ bills would institute an emergency response plan to set clear guidelines to mobilize in the event of a water crisis. The bills also requires the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to start using profile testing, a sampling methodology requiring a series of samples to be taken to measure lead levels from a faucet, home water lines, supply lines, and water mains.

Representative Neeley’s bills would create a water ombudsman to independently hear complaints from residents, investigate as necessary, publicize their findings, and advocate for water customers. Additionally, it would updated DEQ testing, adding periodic testing of schools and day care centers. The package is expected to be referred to committee next week.

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