CANTON, Mich., Dec. 19, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a supplemental spending bill that funds the previously signed “Filter First” legislation to provide required water filtration systems to be installed in all schools and child care centers.
“Every parent in the Great Lakes State should be able to trust that their kids are drinking clean water at school or child care, which is why we passed the ‘Filter First’ bills,” said state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “But just adding the requirement wasn’t enough; we needed to put money behind the initiative. As the father of three young boys, I’m thrilled that this supplemental spending bill included funding to make a real difference in keeping kids healthier.”
No amount of lead in water is safe, and elevated lead levels are particularly dangerous for children. Even small amounts can lead to harmful outcomes, jeopardizing young people’s health and futures. Providing water filters in places the youngest Michiganders spend time is a step to improve the health of our kids and communities.
“I know parents across the state will feel a sense of relief when they send their kids to day care and school because of these bills,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “I’m proud to be a part of the legislation that made these needed changes. These policies impact and protect the future health and wellness of Michigan kids through the safe consumption of water across the state. We are putting people first with these filter first laws, and as a mother, there are few things more important than that.”