SW-314-51 Social Welfare Policy

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Introduction

Hello, distinguished members of the Michigan Local Government Committee. My name

is Kiami Monsivais. Recently, our state has made several news headlines not for our positive
aspects but for our shortcomings. Flint, one of Michigans cities, has been the star of these media
reports for this area is facing a major water crisis. Moreover, it is important to realize that the
water problem extends outside of Flint. Therefore, I stand before all of you as a concerned
citizen advocating for the speedy passing of House Bill No. 5459.
Goals and Main Points
Michigan is the home of five lakes and the big three: Ford, Chrysler, and GM. These facts
have certain implications. These features attracted a high volume of people; therefore, many
Michigan houses, businesses, schools, and hospitals were built several years ago. Per usual, with
time the infrastructures degraded on the inside. The constant passing of liquid has worn out the
pipes. As a result, the lead that makes up the plumbing parts has made its way into the water
through the process of erosion. Thus, the overall Michigan water supply has been compromised.
Lead is not meant to be digested for when it enters the body it collects in the blood stream
and bones. Therefore, over long periods, even minimal exposure can cause a variety of health
risks for the contamination of the blood stream leaves a wide ranging-scale of issues. Lead
poisoning can cause neurological effects, gastrointestinal effects, reproductive effects, renal
effects, anemia, and pain in joints as well as muscles. The health issues contracted due to the
contact with lead are dependent on the amount of lead that is absorbed by the body. With low
levels a person can develop simple headaches or nausea and with high levels an individual could
sustain hearing loss, develop seizures, and other permanent health damage. Also, according to
Hanna-Attisha, LaChance, Sadler, and Schnepp (2016) Children can absorb 40% to 50% of an

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oral dose of water-soluble lead compared with 3% to 10% for adults and lead has also been
implicated in increased fetal deaths and reduced birth weights (p. 284). Therefore, out of all the
age groups children are the most affected. This is worrisome for there are several consequences.
Ailment at an early age can open the doors to a long life of health problems for chronic exposure
lowers the immune system.
Moreover, contamination of water highlights a variety of social problems. Issues with
lead poisoning disproportionately affect non-white low income neighborhoods. This is due to the
fact that the buildings they reside in are usually older and not properly monitored for hazards.
Therefore, the economically disadvantaged is the bracket that develops more serious health
problems due to lead contact. This should be a concern for everyone because those with less
income are dependent on federally funded healthcare (Medicaid and Medicare). That means that
more tax money would have to be placed into these programs in order to supplement the publics
needs. Additionally, I say this from personal experience: the lead problem causes more people,
such as myself, become weary of tap water and thereby opt for bottled water. This choice gives
me peace of mind that the water is clean and I am positive it does the same for others, but it
makes a significant impact in the environment for it increases the amount of plastic placed in
landfills. That is why it is better to address the root of the problem. We must make sure that the
companies in charge of the water system identify the areas that have high levels of lead. In this
way we can decrease fear and pick a viable solution. Water corporations stand in the way of
achieving this. Those who supply the water do not want to make the extra expense or put in the
time to adequately test the water for impurities.

Specific Recommendations

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The aging water system is a shared issue that everyone should be equally urged to
address. House Bill No. 5459 makes modifications to the "Safe drinking water act". The act
outlined the specific procedures that suppliers of water must take in order to assure that the water
is safe for human use. Subsequently, it makes the suppliers of water more accountable by stating
that, legally, the suppliers must conduct regular test in order to monitor the amount of lead and
copper in the water. In addition, the changes to the act state that suppliers must provide notice of
their decision to analyze their clients water. Also, the bill eliminates discretion for the suppliers
must reveal their findings to the owners of the buildings they test. In brief, this bill will help
Michigan reduce situations in which they are surprised to find contaminants in the water.
Additionally, it will allow people identify the problem areas so they can decide what further
action must take place.
Conclusion
I would like to leave you with this thought: Every day this bill sits in committee marks
one more day of exposure. Please I ask that you all do the right thing by the people and our
environment by implementing a legislation that ensures that we are all informed about the
dangerous that may lie in our water. Remember water is vital; we must take every necessary step
to care for it. Thank you for patiently listening.

Reference:

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Hanna-Attisha, M., LaChance, J., Sadler, R. C., & Schnepp, A. C. (2016). Elevated blood lead
levels in children associated with the flint drinking water crisis: A spatial analysis of risk
and public health response. American Journal of Public Health, 106(2), 283-290.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.303003
Michigan Legislature. (2016). House bill 5459. Retrieved April 2016, from
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(esf0fwlrgws2owdmhmh1dpw5))/mileg.aspx?
page=getObject