Title
Resolution of Support for Water Affordability Bills Sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang
Body
Agenda of October 18, 2023
Item No. 2023-238
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Debra N. Pospiech, Chief Administrative Officer
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Water Affordability Legislation Introduced by Senator Stephanie Chang
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Gary Brown, Director, the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department approves a Resolution to Support the Water Affordability Bills Sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang, as set forth herein, and also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang and others introduced a series of bills to the Michigan Senate which, if enacted, would implement a multi-pronged approach to ensure that Michigan low-income residents who are unable to afford their entire water bill and who ask for help receive an affordable bill based on household income and avoid water shut-offs for non-payment; and
WHEREAS, water providers across the state require stable revenues to perform infrastructure investments that are vital to protect public health and safety, such as maintenance, repair and replacement of aging infrastructure, building climate resiliency to prevent sewage backups into basements and overflows into natural waterways, and removal of lead service lines; and
WHEREAS, poverty is persistent all across Michigan and there will always be customers who have trouble contributing to the much needed investments in our water infrastructure to provide quality service, which affects the entire population; and
WHEREAS, SB 550 would create a low-income water residential affordability fund within the state treasury, which will be used to implement a residential water affordability program as fun...
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