Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that she has extended her executive order on water protections through the end of the year for hand-washing and sanitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From day one, my administration has been focused on building a stronger Michigan by investing in people, their families, their pocketbooks and the infrastructure they rely on,” Whitmer said in a release. “As Michigan families grapple with the impacts of COVID-19 on public health and our economy, our administration is taking proactive steps to ensure that no one has to worry about having access to clean drinking water or losing power during this unprecedented crisis. Extending these protections is the right thing to do, and I remain committed to working with the legislature and our partners in the federal government to develop long-term policy solutions to make water affordable for every family in Michigan.”
The original order was signed in late March, and the governor's office said nearly 2,500 Michiganders have had water restored during the pandemic.
Last week, the governor also signed a bipartisan bill that would give $25 million to the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse water providers for providing bill forgiveness on past-due bills.
"I applaud Governor Whitmer's work to ensure that no Michigan family goes without water service during this pandemic,” said U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence. “Handwashing is our first line of defense against the spread of disease, and every person in our state needs access to running water to protect themselves, their families and their communities. I will continue to champion policies in Congress that will provide communities with access to safe and affordable water throughout and beyond this pandemic.”
“For the health and safety of all, we fully understand the importance of having access to water in your home,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We commend Gov. Whitmer and we are fully supportive of these efforts. The City of Flint will continue to be a partner working for a healthy recovery in the State of Michigan.”
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