Stabenow, Peters, Kildee Applaud Decision to Fund Lead Removal in Flint and Other Michigan Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) released a statement applauding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s approval of funding for lead detection and removal in Flint and communities across the State of Michigan.  The State of Michigan will now be able to use approximately $24 million this year and up to that same amount over the next four years to pay for lead abatement services such as testing, paint removal and soil removal in eligible homes. 

“Today’s decision is critical to the health and safety of children and families in Flint and across Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow.  “This announcement is an important reminder that the crisis in Flint is far from over.”

“Flint’s children, who are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, have suffered the most from this devastating water crisis, and I applaud the Administration for taking another step to provide much needed relief for the people of Flint,” said Senator Peters. “This commitment by CMS will continue helping Flint families by providing significant resources to fund the removal of lead from homes and help protect children’s health. This is a positive step forward to help put the City of Flint back on track for a successful future.”

“Families in my hometown of Flint are struggling with the harmful effects of lead poisoning every day, and this funding will help eliminate exposures to lead in their homes,” said Congressman Kildee. “This will have positive impact on the trajectory of children’s lives in Flint and across the state of Michigan.”

To qualify for lead abatement funding through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, a site must be the home of a Medicaid beneficiary under 19 years old or a pregnant woman.  Funds can be used for abatement services such as sampling, testing, paint removal, dust clean up, soil removal, and replacement of impacted fixtures.  Fixtures include things such as water features in the home, window sills, and possibly windows.