Rep. Lawrence to host Pelosi, CBC, CPC, Michigan and Flint delegations in Detroit for Flint speak out

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), today will host the 26 Member Congressional Delegation for an evening briefing in Detroit in preparation for tomorrow’s Speak-Out event, led by Rep. Dan Kildee, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield, CPC Chairman Keith Ellison, Members of the Michigan Delegation, and other Members gather this evening for an update on the resources and efforts that have gone into the response to the Flint water crisis and a discussion on the larger issue of water infrastructure needs in Michigan and throughout the United States.
“The CBC was among the first to demand a thorough federal investigation of the Flint water crisis and we will be visiting with Flint families to further amplify the urgency of this health and environmental crisis. More must be done to ensure the families impacted by this catastrophe are made whole again,” said CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield. “There must be proper oversight and accountability. This crisis demands more and we must all do our part to ensure the citizens of Flint have the resources they need, both in the short- and long-term. The State of Michigan has an obligation to resolve this emergency faced by the citizens of Flint. We will travel to Flint to hear from the people who are most impacted by this travesty and continue to focus our work on this crisis and its long term affects until it has been resolved.”
““What is happening to families in Flint is a tragedy. Every level of government must act in a coordinated effort to solve this crisis. Members of Congress are going to Flint to listen to residents directly and see first-hand what their needs are. With investments in health, education and infrastructure, the children of Flint can live successful, healthy lives. We cannot turn our backs on them, or the children of any other city like it. We must act,” said CBC Chairman Keith Ellison.
Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), the Ranking Member on the House Committee on the Judiciary, will provide a review of the constitutional issues posed by the Emergency Management System put in place by Gov. Rick Snyder in spite of Michigan voters’ overwhelming rejection.
“Gov. Snyder’s Emergency Manager law created a democratic crisis in Michigan, which has in turn created economic and environmental crises across the state, whether you are talking about the disaster with Flint’s water or the ignored problems in Detroit’s schools. It will require a tremendous effort to undo the damage that has been done—but I am grateful that my Democratic colleagues from across the country have taken such a strong interest in the problems we face, and I am encouraged by the growing voices of our citizens who are demanding change,” said Rep. Conyers.
Rep. Sander Levin (MI-09), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee said, “The interest from Members of Congress from throughout our nation demonstrates to Flint they want to help, and is deeply appreciated. It also illustrates the overall gravity of this crisis. I look forward to hearing the latest updates from some of the groups providing services to residents and to being back in Flint tomorrow. Since our last visit, the federal government has responded with increased access to Head Start and health care services, as well as directed oversight of the water testing. We must continue to do more, especially at the State level, which bears the most burden for causing this human tragedy.”
Updates on case management in Flint for children and families affected by the lead poisoning of the city and the use of and need for federal resources will be provided by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO; the American Red Cross; and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.
“What’s happening in Flint is an issue of reproductive health care, rights and justice,” said Lori Carpentier, CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. “The people here have the right to raise and care for their families in a safe, fair and healthy environment. Unfortunately — this isn’t the reality. We’ve been serving the community for over 50 years, and have been in early partnership to help find solutions to the reproductive health and environmental justice problem plaguing Flint. It’s our duty as a member of the Flint community to fight with our partners for solutions that will not only make right what caused this situation in Flint, but also guarantee that it will never happen again.”
Brad Kieserman, Vice President for Disaster Operations and Logistics for the American Red Cross said, “The American Red Cross is part of team of many partners committed to supporting our neighbors in Flint during this challenging time. Working with our partners, we’ve helped to mobilize over 2,500 volunteers to develop and support a community-based distribution network that’s placed of tens of thousands of bottles of water, thousands of water filters and cartridges, and vital information in the hands of residents through more than 52,000 home visits.”
Rep. Lawrence said, “I want to thank Leader Pelosi and my congressional colleagues in the CPC and CBC for recognizing the urgent need to meet with the people of Flint, who have had their rights violated and their trust shattered. I also want to thank the American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, AFSCME, and all the other agencies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in their response to this man-made disaster. Their assistance has been crucial in helping these families as they work to rebuild their health and their lives.”
“This visit will allow Flint residents, including the parents of nearly 10,000 children who were poisoned in order for the state to save money, the chance to speak with members about their needs,” Rep. Lawrence said. “This will also help members understand how federal resources have been used in response to this crisis, and the ongoing needs of not only Flint but cities throughout the nation that are at risk due to our aging water infrastructure. Since my election to Congress, I have made investment in Michigan’s infrastructure a priority due to the devastating impact felt every day by hard-working Americans. Flint has shown us in no uncertain terms that we cannot kick the can down the road on this issue any longer.”