$28 Million BIll to Help Flint With Water Crisis Could get Senate Vote Soon

Governor Snyder’s request for $28 million to help Flint with its drinking water crisis could see action on the state Senate floor this week.

The supplemental appropriations bill moved swiftly through the House last week and is set for a hearing Wednesday in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof says they now have some better information about where the money would be best put to use, so while the dollar amount won’t likely change, he does expect some changes regarding how the funding will be directed.

For instance with so many companies and Hollywood actors stepping up to donate bottled water, lawmakers may shift the $8 million set aside for bottled water towards nutrition programs.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, who is from Flint, says he’s talked with the Snyder administration and other lawmakers concerning the changes.

He says some are based on recommendations from the Emergency Operation Center in Flint and vetted through the medical scientific community.

The city of Flint has been dealing with high lead levels in its water since it switched its water source while under state management.