For Immediate Release

Dec. 12, 2020

Contact:

Alex Rossman

arossman@mlpp.org

517-775-9053  


Senate steps up to protect struggling residents from water shutoffs

Bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 241 will establish a moratorium on water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic

LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan Senate’s passage tonight of Senate Bill 241 to establish a moratorium on water shutoffs during the COVID-19 health crisis. The statement can be attributed to Michigan League for Public Policy President and CEO Gilda Z. Jacobs.

“Residents with lower incomes continue to be more adversely affected by COVID-19, making it harder than ever to keep up with their utility and other bills. And this is true in every part of the state. The COVID-19 crisis and water shutoffs have been particularly bad for Black and Brown residents, as they already face the greatest water affordability challenges to begin with and are now being disproportionately affected by the health and economic impacts of COVID.

“As infection numbers remain high in every corner of Michigan, so does the economic strain on residents and families. For people who are struggling financially right now, shutting off their water and creating a second life-threatening emergency is not the answer, and we appreciate the Senate’s bipartisan action today to establish a moratorium on water shutoffs. This is a pivotal time in our state’s history, and we are pleased to see our lawmakers seize this opportunity to play a pivotal and positive role in protecting our residents. We hope the House will act swiftly to follow suit next week.”

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The Michigan League for Public Policy, www.mlpp.org, is a nonprofit policy institute focused on economic opportunity for all. It is the only state-level organization that addresses poverty in a comprehensive way.

The post appeared first on MLPP.

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