UP Gazette

State Representative Jaime Greene, a Republican from Richmond, has voiced her opposition to a proposed legislation that would require residents in Michigan to fund a duplicative and unnecessary statewide water assistance program. The legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate, seeks to impose a new monthly fee on municipal water customers in Michigan to assist low-income customers, ultimately burdening residents with an estimated additional $70 million in fees annually.

In her statement, Rep. Greene highlighted that communities across Michigan, including Macomb County, have already implemented successful water assistance programs that are tailored to their specific needs. She argued that the proposed legislation forces families to bear the financial burden of funding an expensive and redundant program that duplicates existing efforts. Rep. Greene said, "It’s a poorly crafted plan that places a new strain on hardworking families who are already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of their everyday expenses."

The proposed legislation, House Bills 5088-5093 and Senate Bills 549-554, would establish a new program that mandates water utility companies to provide lower bills for select customers. However, local municipalities would not be given the option to opt out of the program, despite many already having successful programs in place to assist those who struggle with water bill affordability.

Rep. Greene pointed out that Macomb County residents already contribute to the Great Lakes Water Authority's Water Residential Assistance Program, which provides funding for up to two years to assist families with water and sewer bills, water conservation, and self-sufficiency initiatives. This program serves qualifying low-income households within the Great Lakes Water Authority service area, serving nearly 40 percent of Michigan's population.

Several local municipalities, including Richmond, Memphis, and Lenox Township, have adopted resolutions opposing the proposed legislation. These resolutions reflect the concerns shared by Rep. Greene and others who believe that the legislation is unnecessary and would place an undue burden on families already facing financial difficulties.

As the debate around the proposed legislation continues, it remains to be seen whether Rep. Greene's opposition and the resolutions passed by local municipalities will influence the outcome. However, their collective voice emphasizes the importance of considering existing successful programs and the potential impact on struggling families before implementing redundant initiatives.