LANSING, MI – Michigan lawmakers reintroduced a bipartisan water affordability bill package today, a key step toward ensuring that all of the state’s residents can keep their tap water flowing.
The measure caps water rates for state residents at or under 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and prevents water shutoffs for participants in the program, while also helping water utilities pay for the basic operation and maintenance of their water systems. The package also provides tenant protections, decriminalizes water reconnections, and establishes water utility data transparency requirements.
The following statement is from Cyndi Roper, senior policy advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
"Safe drinking water is vital to our health, and so is making sure families and seniors can afford to keep it flowing. This water affordability bill package addresses a top concern for Michigan residents: not having to choose between paying the water bill or putting food on the table."
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).
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