DETROIT, Mich. — Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) has released the following statement on this afternoon’s announcement by Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Director Gary Brown and Mayor Mike Duggan to maintain water service for residents who don’t have the ability to pay through at least 2022, and their long-term goal to permanently end water shutoffs in the City of Detroit:
“I am incredibly happy that Mayor Duggan and the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department are announcing a two-year moratorium on water shutoffs and their goal of ending shutoffs for good in Detroit. We are the Great Lakes State, surrounded by fresh water. Every person, regardless of how much they have in their bank account, must have access to clean water to drink and wash their hands, especially during a pandemic.
“Thank you – from the bottom of my heart – to the many water warriors who have worked so hard over the years, fighting for our vulnerable residents. I hope that the Michigan Legislature will take note of this leadership from Detroit and take action this week on Senate Bill 241, so we can ensure that the more than 200,000 other Michigan households behind on their water bills do not get shut off while COVID-19 rages on.”
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