$28 million in immediate supplemental funds for Flint approved by Michigan House, Senate

Funding passed unanimously in both chambers

Thursday, January 28, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – Twenty-eight million in direct funding will aid with recovery efforts in Flint, after the Michigan House and Senate unanimously voted to pass a supplemental bill package today. 

“Thanks to the swift action of the Legislature, this $28 million will provide the immediate resources needed in Flint,” Snyder said. “I want the residents of Flint to know this supplemental funding is just one part of the solution for healing the city. The immediate needs will be met, but so will the long-term needs of residents with regard to public health, infrastructure replacement and community support.

“The quick approval of this funding shows how all of Michigan can pull together in times of crisis, and further shows what working together can accomplish.”

The supplemental will allocate funding to:

• Supply free bottled water, faucet filters, and testing kits for Flint residents;
• Put nine nurses in local schools to monitor student health and well-being;
• Provide better nutrition for students and infants through WIC and in-school nutrition programs;
• Replace fixtures in schools, daycares and nursing homes;
• Provide for an infrastructure study using independent experts;
• Treat any children who have high lead levels in the blood, using diagnostic testing, nurse visits and environmental assessments in the home;
• Help the city of Flint relieve residents of water bill payments.

Gov. Snyder asked for the $28 million during his State of the State address on Jan. 19. Further recommendations on long-term budget resources for Flint will come during his annual budget presentation on Feb. 10.

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The state of Michigan continues to coordinate response efforts in partnership with the city of Flint, Genesee County, and local community organizations.  For information about clean water resources available in Flint—such as bottled water, water filters, home testing kits, and replacement cartridges, please visit www.mi.gov/FlintWater.  For information about donating or volunteering in Flint, please visit www.HelpForFlint.com.