Efforts to improve water affordability in Michigan are taking shape as a series of new bills were introduced in the state Legislature. These proposals aim to support lower-income families by making safe water accessible and affordable.
The legislation, which has been in the works for some time, has garnered bipartisan backing. This is a crucial factor as the Michigan House is under Republican control, while the Senate is led by Democrats. Among the sponsors is Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs).
“It protects vulnerable citizens from having their water shut off, it allows local communities to maintain their water systems, and it provides funding in a way that is fair to northern Michigan communities and urban areas as well,” he expressed in a statement.
The proposed legislation includes provisions for forgiving overdue water bills, funding plumbing repairs, and providing direct financial assistance for bill payments. Notably, local water utilities could opt-out of this state program if they have their own assistance plans.
Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) emphasized the universal impact of water affordability: “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a rural, urban or suburban area. This is something that affects every area of the state when it comes to affordable water bills.”
Chang drew parallels between the proposed water affordability program and the existing state initiative that supports lower-income households with energy costs.
The funding source for this water program is a proposed monthly surcharge of $1.25 on each residential metered water account, with an annual increase of 25 cents over three years. This is a reduction from an earlier proposal that did not advance.
Maggie Pallone from Public Sector Consultants, which researched water affordability in Michigan, indicated that while the program wouldn’t entirely solve the affordability issue, it would significantly contribute towards the goal. Her group focused on households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, estimating about 371,000 could qualify, with a total need of approximately $160 million and an average annual assistance of $435 per household.
Chang also highlighted the potential public health and safety implications: “This is not only a financial issue for people who struggle to pay their bills. It’s also a public health concern as well, because if when you get your water shut off that can have some pretty severe health impacts not only for you but your neighbors.”
Legislative hearings are expected to commence soon, with the goal of having the bill ready for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s approval by year’s end.
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