The Water Shutoff Restoration Act was signed into law this month. The bill promotes access to clean water and works to stop water shutoffs that can prevent regular handwashing, which is thought to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang of Detroit, prevents water shutoffs due to unpaid water bills and mandates that water service be turned back on where it may have been previously shut off.
Chang said, “During this pandemic, access to clean water is more important than ever to ensure that Michiganders in big cities, suburban towns, and small villages across our state can have water to drink and wash their hands. So many Michigan families are struggling, and with COVID-19 still raging, we need to ensure that we are protecting Michigan families’ health and economic security.”
The legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer garnered praise for signing the bills. Chang thanked those who pushed for change for more than a decade.
Monica Lewis Patrick, President & CEO of We the People of Detroit, said, “The passage of Bill 241 is moving us in the right direction. However, we must also recognize that water affordability issues will not go away with the pandemic; thus, we must all do more.” Permanent water protections are being advocated by Patrick.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
