Several budgets were presented this
week with a number of them allocating money to aid Flint. Chief among them is the
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The DEQ Interim Director Keith Creagh
spoke before the House Appropriations Environmental Quality Subcommittee and
fielded questions from the Representatives regarding not only the budget, but
also administrative changes to alter the culture at the DEQ to prevent
miscommunication issues in the future. Mr. Creagh responded that employees are being
encouraged to be receptive to minority opinions and said thorough employee
training is a key component of departmental culture change.
The DEQ overall budget recommendation
is $513.5 million with $47.69 stemming from the General Fund. With regards to
Flint, $5.4 million has been allocated for corrosion control and water quality
testing. $2.95 million in General Funds will be used to match federal Drinking
Water Revolving Fund Loan Program grants and additional funds will ensure the
state can capitalize on the full $25 million of federal funds available.
In the School Aid budget, $8.05
million was recommended for expanded childcare services for Flint. $10.1
million was also recommended for early educational programs, nutrition and
social services assistance. The Governor also requested a $9.2 million
supplemental for the current fiscal year for these services.
The House on Thursday passed SB 0136, giving Flint residents a 65 percent
credit on any water bills from April 2014 through April 2016, implementing
Governor Rick Snyder’s “Consumption and Consumer Use Credit.” Currently, 29,000
residents are on the water system and 5,000 are in arrears. Governor Snyder also
announced Thursday an additional $2 million from the Financially Distressed
Cities, Villages and Townships Grant to help with water infrastructure
replacement costs. Flint will be equipped to start removing priority lead
service lines within the next 30 days.