October 2020: Weatherization Month

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Weatherization Assistance Program provides economic support for low-income individuals through lower energy costs and reduced arrearages; and,

 

WHEREAS, weatherization is a cost-effective investment of taxpayer dollars, as for every $1 invested in the program, it returns over $4 in energy, health, and safety benefits to the household and society; and,

 

WHEREAS, the MDHHS Weatherization Assistance Program, using federal, state, local, and private dollars, benefits households and communities across the nation by providing cost-effective, energy efficient retrofits to homes occupied by eligible, low-income Americans; and,

 

WHEREAS, heating costs are reduced by 30 percent on average, saving families at least $283 per year and making money available for other basic necessities such as groceries, doctor bills, prescriptions and other needs, helping families become more self-sufficient; and,

 

WHEREAS, households that have been weatherized experience health and safety benefits, such as improved air quality, and also receive smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if  not already present throughout the home; and,

 

WHEREAS, weatherization reduces residential and power plant emissions of carbon dioxide while also making low-income communities more resilient to the effects of climate change; and,

 

WHEREAS, the MDHHS Weatherization Assistance Program provides an economic boost for communities by providing employment opportunities as well as improved energy efficient housing stock and neighborhood conditions;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as Weatherization Month in Michigan.