Michigan Governor Gives Water to Flint After Declaring State of Emergency

Over the weekend, for example, the editorial board of the Detroit Free Press turned its attention directly to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R), who’s facing calls for his arrest from protestors, comparing his handling of the Flint crisis to George W. Bush’s handling of Hurricane Katrina.

The crisis in Flint began almost two years ago, when the city abandoned its old water source – Lake Huron – and opted for a cheaper one, Flint River. If they’re met with silence at the door, then they will drop by flyers containing information on where to obtain water.

Sunday editorial pages and national news shows were harshly critical of the state’s response to the Flint crisis.

While juxtaposing the cutesy feel of the PSA with its shocking level of misinformation should conjure a few laughs, the situation unfolding in Flint is quite serious.

Officials warned Monday that the tap water still isn’t safe to drink, but it took five days after the emergency declaration for the state to start handing out bottled water.

“High levels of lead are especially harmful to children and pregnant women, and can cause ‘learning disabilities, behavioral problems and mental retardation, ‘ the World Health Organization says”.

The Detroit News reported that Weaver said at the news conference that replacing the aging water pipes could cost from “millions up to $1.5 billion”.

The State says once it is beyond the immediate response phase, state officials will work with the federal government to determine what additional resources are available under their own authority. The state asked for the help, but Snyder has not yet made a request through FEMA for federal financial aid, an official said Saturday.

“I have a degree of responsibility”, he said.

“And what do we have in MI?” he asked.

Todd said Snyder, like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is under fire over failures of the police department, is not seen as overly partisan.

Said the state will look for new opportunities to expand assistance to Flint, including economic and community development, education, and “whatever else we can do”. We now know that a General Motors factory stopped using Flint’s water because it was corroding auto engine parts – yet officials continued to reassure the public that the water was safe for human consumption.

“My priority is the citizens of Flint”, she said.