Jan. 29, 2024
NASW-MI: Duane Breijak, dbreijak.naswmi@socialworkers.org, 517-487-1548
MNA: Amelia Dornbush, amelia.dornbush@minurses.org, 517-896-7478
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MI nurses, social workers support statewide water affordability plan
Michigan nurses and social workers today announced their support for a plan before the Legislature to help ensure that residents across the state have affordable access to water.
“Making sure that everyone has access to water in their homes is a major public health issue that our state urgently needs to address,” said Jamie Brown, RN, president of the Michigan Nurses Association. “It is vital for everyone – including people with medical issues – to have reliable access to water to stay safe and healthy. Nurses are proud to support this legislative package to protect water access for households all across Michigan.”
The plan includes establishing a statewide funding mechanism and:
- Limiting required payments to no more than 3% of household income for eligible customers;
- Prohibiting water shutoffs under certain conditions, such as when a resident is making payments;
- Requiring timely notification about shutoffs;
- Protecting residents who need medical equipment, a life-support system or other treatment; and
- Allowing tenants to transfer the water bill to their own name.
“As the 'Great Lakes state,’ Michigan should be a leader in making sure all of our communities have access to clean and affordable water, one of the most basic human needs,” said Duane Breijak, executive director for the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. “Social workers know that access to water and sanitation are critical to the health, dignity and prosperity of all people, and the 2023 Water Affordability Package would do much to support individuals and families across the state. We applaud the thoughtful and collaborative approach to finding solutions and urge for bipartisan support.”
The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest labor organization and professional association for registered nurses and health care professionals in the state, representing 13,000 members statewide; MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the largest union for registered nurses in the country, and AFL-CIO, representing one million union members and retirees in Michigan.
Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has over 6,000 members who live and work in the state of Michigan. We support the state's more than 30,000 licensed social workers and 6,500 students in social work programs.
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