“You’re right, Presidents are often busy, but the truth is, in America, there is no more important title than citizen”, Obama said. “But, as one who voted for you twice and was thrilled beyond belief over your election, I’m sorry to tell you your visit is too little too late”.
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Obama wrote in response, “I am so proud of you for using your voice to speak out on behalf of the children of Flint”.
Ari Adler, a spokesman for Snyder, said Wednesday that “the state’s legislative leaders have been good partners for the governor in securing resources for the people of Flint”, but “asking for more is always hard with the threat of a lawsuit hanging like a cloud over the discussion”.
For the second time in two months, the Senate has reached a bipartisan deal to address a water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where lead-contaminated pipes have resulted in an ongoing public health emergency.
“For nearly 50 years, Flint water uses enjoyed plentiful clean fresh water purchased from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department”, the document read. Perhaps most importantly, the plan aims to prioritize protections against lead poisoning in water, as well as improve the prevention of toxins and contaminants from entering drinking water. The $220 million damage complaint alleges that the EPA possessed relevant information, which the agency chose to ignore, causing Flint residents to suffer further exposure to toxic levels of lead.
Joel Beauvais, deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Water at EPA, wrote a blog post on the EPA’s website to make the announcement. “This legislation makes Flint eligible for $10 million in financing that will help with food access in underserved areas of the community”.
Obama will not just be conveying his support for the community in Flint, Earnest said, but “making a broader argument to the country about why investments in our infrastructure are so critically important”.
The President responded. He’ll be flying to Flint, Michigan next week to fulfill her request.
“There is a role for the federal government to play in a situation like this”, Earnest said.
Would the Flint water be coming along? It faulted Snyder and his administration for failing to act even after senior staff members raised the issue.
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One resident, Jan Burgess, reported in October 2014 a major violation to the EPA stemming from the water switchover, which was not investigated until earlier in April, the complaint said. McFarland had been questioned by investigators and could have potentially been called to testify in the case against three men charged with falsifying water safety testing data.
