Michigan Legislature Approves $1.75 Million for Lead Abatement

We have much to celebrate today!  Yesterday afternoon, the Michigan Legislature approved $1.75 million for lead abatement in the upcoming year.  This is a continuation of the monies our coalition fought for last year.

It was a very tough budget year with roads/infrastructure, school funding, burgeoning healthcare costs and business tax breaks putting pressure on an already tight budget.  Despite these factors and many others, our lawmakers believe in the work we are doing and want to make more Michigan families lead safe.  Our message got through!

Thank you to those who came to testify at the budget hearing in support of these dollars.  Thank you to those who came to Lead Education Day to talk to policy makers about the dangers of lead poisoning and how it is impacting health, academics and lifelong earnings in Michigan.  Finally, a big thanks to our coalition members at large for participating in monthly calls, following us on social media,  and for working hard in your community to prevent children from becoming lead poisoned and helping families who have lead exposures.

The $1.75 million dollars awarded were hard won and will be well spent!  Please take a minute to reflect in how far we have come and let us all enjoy this victory today!  Please also take a minute to call or e-mail your legislators and thank them for this appropriation.

We Did It! Governor Rick Snyder Signs FY 2013-2014 Budget With $1.28 Million New Dollars For Lead Abatement Efforts

Governor Snyder signed into law HB 4328 (now Public Act 59 of 2013), the general budget bill for FY 13-14, which includes $1,280,300 new dollars for lead abatement!

Congratulations to all of you for your hard work! This is a great first step in MIALSH’S efforts to keep all children lead-free!

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO THANK OUR HARDWORKING CHAMPIONS. TOGETHER WE WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR LEAD-FREE FUTURES FOR MICHIGAN KIDS.

Many legislators and legislative staff supported efforts to increase funding, and should be thanked. But first, the following individuals deserve special thanks! As soon as possible, please send an email, letter, handwritten note or card to each of our biggest champions:

Senator Bruce Caswell, The Honorable Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Matt Lori, Rep. Thomas Stallworth, Rep. Robert VerHuelen, The Honorable Vincent Gregory, The Honorable John Moolenaar , The Honorable Roger Kahn, The Honorable David Hildenbrand, Mrs. Karla Ruest (formerly Garcia), Legislative Liaison, MI Department of Community Health, AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: The Honorable Rick Snyder.