October 2022: Weatherization Month

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

WHEREAS, weatherization is a cost-effective investment of taxpayer dollars. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization 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% on average, saving families at least $283 per year. Therefore, household money is made available for other necessities such as groceries, medical bills, prescriptions and other need, thereby making them more self-sufficient; and,

WHEREAS, households that have been weatherized experience health and safety benefits, improved air quality and receive smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if they are not already present throughout the house; 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, weatherization is critical because it makes indoor environments healthier, safer, and more comfortable for medically-vulnerable individuals; and,

WHEREAS, MDHHS Michigan 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 2022 as Weatherization Month in Michigan.