LANSING — House Democrats have outlined a plan today for a funding allocation to preserve the Clean Michigan Initiative. First approved by Michigan voters in 1998, the bond program funded environmental cleanup and protection as well as the preservation and enhancement of the state’s natural resources. When it became clear that funding for the program would run out this year, House Democrats went to work to create a Clean MI 2.0 plan to ensure critical, on-going projects run by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are able to continue.

“Michigan’s lakes, her forests and natural beauty are unique in the world – protecting them is part of who we are as Michiganders,” said House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “We have seen over and over again how dire the consequences can be when environmental hazards aren’t taken seriously. Now more than ever we need to dedicate ourselves to preventing another humanitarian crisis from unfolding in our state. Allocating these resources today guarantees the safety and well-being of families tomorrow.”

The 8 bill legislative package will:

  • House Bill 6242 (Singh): Outline the ballot language for the bond
  • House Bill 6243 (Sabo): Outline the parameters of the bond and provides the necessary language for authorizing
  • House Bill 6244 (Sowerby): Outline funding breakdown for the reauthorized bond
  • House Bill 6245 (Cambensy): Provide funding for onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems
  • House Bill 6246, 6247 (Rabhi, Hertel): Expand the current Lead Safe Homes fund program and abatement activities, which previously have been focused on lead-based paint, to include lead hazards created from in-home pipes and fixtures that contain lead.
  • House Bills 6248, 6249 (Chang, Sneller): Create the Lead Abatement Fund within the state treasury to receive CMI funding, direct the money to be used for grants in identifying and abating pipe-related lead hazards in municipal infrastructure.

“Our natural resources are part of who we are as a state,” said state Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor). “We’re not just connected to them economically or physically, we’re connected to them on a deeper level because it’s woven into the fabric of our identity. We all have an equal stake in making sure that the next generation gets to enjoy an even better version of the Michigan that we did. Our legislation helps perpetuate a program that guarantees that.”