Senators Stabenow, Peters and Congressman Kildee Urge President Obama to Provide Federal Assistance to Flint, Help State Meet its Responsibility to Families

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to support the State of Michigan’s request for federal assistance in Flint.

The letter reads in part: “Over the last several years, our Governor and state regulators have failed to meet their legal responsibilities to protect the public health and well-being of the people of Flint….In addition to the substantial financial commitments we expect the State of Michigan to provide, we are asking for your help in marshaling any available federal resources to combat the near- and long-term health, behavioral, and cognitive effects that are well documented for children and vulnerable populations exposed to dangerously high lead levels and other harmful pathogens.”

Full text of the letter:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to support the request for federal assistance submitted by the State of Michigan late yesterday evening.

Over the last several years, our Governor and state regulators have failed to meet their legal responsibilities to protect the public health and well-being of the people of Flint. While a series of unconscionable and short-sighted decisions by these officials created this crisis, the impacts on the people of Flint are no less severe than if a natural disaster was responsible for this situation.

In addition to the substantial financial commitments we expect the State of Michigan to provide, we are asking for your help in marshaling any available federal resources to combat the near-and long-term health, behavioral, and cognitive effects that are well documented for children and vulnerable populations exposed to dangerously high lead levels and other harmful pathogens. Reviewing the authorities and resources the federal government can provide is a critical first step in what will be a long-term effort by the State of Michigan to address the needs of the people in Flint.

Thank for your consideration of this most important request. We stand ready and willing to work with your Administration to explore any avenues of assistance that Congress might be able to provide as you consider the federal government’s response to the state’s emergency request.