Michigan has agreed to pay a settlement of $600 million dollars to victims of the Flint water crisis, according to the State of Michigan and breaking news from US media outlets.
If you are not familiar with this environmental tragedy, the Flint Water Crisis occurred in April 2014. At least 12 people died after Flint switched its water supply to the Flint River to save money. An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease followed, and nearly 100,000 residents were left without safe tap water.
According to the settlement, roughly 80 percent of the fund will be dedicated to Flint children, with those 6 years old or younger receiving the largest portion of the funds at the time of their first exposure to river water.
While this acknowledgment is seemingly a “win,” keep in mind this happened in 2014. Thousands of children and families were affected. Seizures, brain developmental issues, & other physical and emotional diseases occurred from this negligence with long-lasting (some life-long) results. Before you judge, know that the average adult may be eligible for the equivalent of $6,000 dollars. Is that the price for quality of life?! Better than nothing, I suppose. I cannot fathom the lifelong effects on the thousands of children. We salute Dr Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician and public health advocate whose research exposed the Flint water crisis. Please read her book What The Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City. We are living through 3 crises: Covid, racism, & apathy. 😢
Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.....
UPDATE: On Jan 14, 2021, Nine former Michigan officials, including ex-Gov. Rick Snyder was charged in the Flint Water Crisis. For more information, click the link: Michigan Officials Charged in Flint Water Crisis.
UPDATE: On Dec 12, 2023, All charges were dropped against Ex-Gov Snyder. For more information, click the link: Judge closes Flint water case against former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.
