by Lexx Thornton
The Michigan House has voted to block $8.3 million in funding allocated for Flint water crisis programs.Â
Republican House Speaker Matt Hall described the funding for the aftermath of the Flint water crisis as part of the waste that House Republicans aimed to cut from slush funds.Â
“The Flint drinking water emergency is over,” Hall said. “Even Gov. Whitmer has acknowledged that, but they continue to want to fund it and squirrel away money for it. That isn’t happening.”Â
The cuts affect support services for Flint students, including psychologists, nurses, social workers, and counselors. Additionally, funding for the expansion of Rx Kids, a program providing cash to new and expecting mothers, is now in jeopardy.Â
House Democrats are planning to introduce a bill requiring both the House and Senate to agree before work projects are denied.Â
Democrat State Sen. John Cherry of Flint condemned the Republicans’ action as an attack on his constituents.Â
“House Republicans’ actions are cruel and downright shameful for the harmful consequences they will have on not just my community, but on people across the state,” he said. “My constituents deserve better. Michiganders deserve better.”Â
