Black Millennials for Flint Advocate’s Correspondence to the Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder & Their Response
12/29/2016
Black Millennials for Flint Advocate Correspondence
I am writing on behalf of Black Millennials for Flint.
The Flint water crisis has been a troubling ordeal for everyone in the community as well as those in authority working to reverse and remedy the harm residents face. I was encouraged when I learned about Congress’ recent appropriation of $120 million for Flint. I hope this authorization of funds will ensure that the people of Flint will have water safe for consumption for both the short and long-term future.
I’m writing to you today to ask for more information about how the money to benefit Flint will be used. Can you please explain what the concrete plan to apply that money will be, and will that information be published for the general public? How will the money be distributed, and who are the authorities responsible for each portion of the money? Will there be a timeline for spending the money and are there benchmarks for measuring and ensuring progress? In the interest of being as transparent as possible for our community, I would like to recommend the creation of a platform for community feedback, such as a public committee to solicit and collect feedback that would serve as a means for the public to direct its questions and feedback, and to which the government can be accountable.
Thank you for your continued hard work on this public health crisis,
The Executive Office of Governor Snyder’s Response
Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to Governor Rick Snyder.  As a member of Governor Snyder’s staff, I am responding on his behalf.
The health and welfare of Flint residents is the top priority. Governor Snyder’s focus is on getting residents the help they need and the response they deserve. He wants to ensure Flint residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. Â
Since the Governor’s emergency declaration we have distributed 3,289,046 cases of bottled water, nearly 141,924 filters, 308,076 replacement cartridges, and 55,817 water testing kits.  When installed and maintained properly, water filters remove 99 percent of lead in water.  Residents are urged to use filtered water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth and watering pets. Residents should install filters to their taps to ensure they have immediate, ongoing access to safe water. It is important to follow installation and maintenance instructions for filters and replacement cartridges. There are currently eight Flint water resource distribution sites open in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
If a resident is homebound and does not have transportation to a water resource site, or need other assistance, they may dial United Way 2-1-1 to be added to the Access or Functional need weekly distribution list.
If you want to donate or volunteer to help the people of Flint, visit:Â www.helpforflint.com.
Action Plans
The state has developed comprehensive action plans to ensure Flint’s recovery and strong future. The action plans focused on improving public health, repairing infrastructure, supporting educational services and creating more and better jobs to make Flint a stronger city after the water crisis.
The action plans (Goals for Flint ) feature short-term, intermediate-term and long-term goals addressing healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic improvements. Â Many of the short-term goals are already in progress, and state agencies are looking to complete intermediate-term goals in the next 60 to 120 days. Long-term objectives will continue to be worked on until finalized.
Please find attached 10 informational graphics outlining these action plans.
Recently, Governor Snyder and other state leaders discussed the progress being made in Flint over the past year and what challenges remain.
Here are a few highlights:
$234 million has been allocated from the state of Michigan to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Flint.
610 Flint residents have been employed, including jobs at PODS as well as manufacturing jobs and other disciplines where employers have worked with the state to find opportunities for Flint residents.
A total of 1,399 fixtures have been replace in schools, nursing homes, and daycares.
65 four-year olds from Flint attended preschool over the summer thanks to expanded preschool programs, and an additional 413 spots are available in the current school year.
More than 24,000 Flint residents have signed up for expanded Medicaid
The 114 mobile food pantries that have been held at more than 20 Flint locations have distributed more than two million pounds of food.
For updates, please visit www.michigan.gov/flintwater.
The Governor is committed to addressing immediate concerns and finding long-term solutions to improve the quality of life for the people of Flint.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office. Should you have any further comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter, I’ve included my contact information below.
Sincerely,
Christine Nelson Constituent Relations Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder
517.335.7858