LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House and Senate announced Tuesday a joint investigation into the water crisis in Flint.
Special Section: Flint Water Crisis
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Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof and Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter announced the "Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency" has been formed to "review the findings surrounding the Flint water crisis, take testimony on the mistakes at all levels of government that led to this situation and explore potential policy solutions to prevent a similar disaster in the future."
We just announced a joint committee to review #FlintWaterCrisis findings & find answers for people affected https://t.co/YX3sT4dbMQ
— Kevin Cotter (@Rep_Cotter) February 23, 2016
“What happened in Flint is a tragedy, and the people who are affected deserve answers,” said Speaker Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant, in a news release. "People were hurt by widespread government failures, and changes need to be made as soon as possible. I am committed to doing everything I can to provide answers and prevent future disasters."
The committee is comprised of the following members:
From the House:
- Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan -- Vice Chair
- Rep. Ed Canfield, R-Sebewaing
- Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor
From the Senate:
- Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland – Chair
- Sen. Joe Hune, R-Hamburg
- Sen. Jim Ananich, D-Flint – Vice Chair
First reports by state investigators are expected soon. We will turn their findings into solutions for the future pic.twitter.com/jrtBcwvmTJ
— Kevin Cotter (@Rep_Cotter) February 23, 2016
Officials from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, local officials from the city of Flint, public health officials and residents already have testified at U.S. Congressional hearings in Washington.
Recap: House Oversight Committee's Flint water crisis hearing