Senator Slotkin Advocates for Flint Amid Ongoing Water Crisis Challenges
Amidst the ongoing struggles of the Flint community, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) took to the Senate floor on Thursday to underscore the persistent pain and pursuit of accountability that the residents face following the infamous water crisis.
Slotkin emphasized that the disaster left “an American city…poisoned,” impacting tens of thousands with heightened lead levels in their drinking water. Her address comes nearly a decade after President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency at the peak of the crisis.
“I wanted to be here to make sure Michiganders and Americans don’t forget what happened,” Slotkin stated, highlighting the need for continued awareness and action.
During her remarks, Slotkin shared the story of Flint resident Brittany Thomas, who noticed alarming changes in her water supply, including unusual coloration and foam from her neighbor’s taps. Her children developed severe symptoms like rashes and seizures, leading to frequent hospital visits without clear explanations.
“For the rest of 2014, more and more families in Flint began to experience sudden, strange symptoms, thinning hair, rashes, seizures, pain, and chronic conditions,” Slotkin recounted, noting that many kids also faced learning disabilities as a result.
Expressing the deep connection between Michigan and its waterways, Slotkin remarked, “Michigan is the Great Lakes state. Water is part of our core identity. Threats to our water are threats to our very identity as Michiganders.”
Despite billions being allocated to replace lead pipes nationwide, Slotkin pointed out that Flint residents continue to suffer the long-lasting repercussions and are actively seeking justice, including legal action against the EPA.
Slotkin criticized the lack of adequate redress for the affected community, stating, “No apology, no amount of assigning blame, and certainly no amount of money can make Flint whole, but even after all they’ve endured over the past decade, this community is being denied what little they were promised.” She urged the Trump administration to ensure a fair settlement in the ongoing legal case.
Concluding her speech, Slotkin assured Flint residents of her unwavering support, saying, “I want to say here on the floor of the Senate directly to Flint, no matter what is coming, I have your back, and it is my responsibility to fight for you.”
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