Bill Text: MI HR0037 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge Congress to pass legislation that prohibits water shutoffs, requires reconnection, and ensures water affordability during the COVID-19 national emergency.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-02-23 - Referred To Committee On Local Government And Municipal Finance [HR0037 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0037-Introduced.html
house resolution no.37
Reps. Cynthia Johnson and Rabhi offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Millions of Americans lack running water in their homes due to service shutoffs driven by exorbitant rates and unaffordable bills. While water shutoffs are prevalent in all 50 states, shutoffs disproportionately impact cities with higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and people of color; and
Whereas, Access to running water is essential to maintain proper hygiene and to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs; and
Whereas, Although many municipalities and states, including Michigan, have issued moratoriums on water shutoffs for nonpayment during the COVID-19 crisis, we must ensure a comprehensive federal response that protects all households; and
Whereas, The Emergency Water is a Human Right Act (H.R. 616) has been introduced in Congress to prohibit water shutoffs to all households during the COVID-19 emergency period. If passed, it would ensure water affordability protections for households with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level by providing grants to states so that they may provide drinking water and wastewater assistance to low-income households; and
Whereas, No person living in the United States should be forced to live without access to running water, especially during a pandemic. Every effort should be made at all levels of government to ensure people are able to protect themselves from COVID-19; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Congress to pass legislation that prohibits water shutoffs, requires reconnection, and ensures water affordability during the COVID-19 national emergency; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
