Bill Text: MI HR0056 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare opposition to the excessive fees sought by the plaintiffs' attorneys in the Flint water crisis settlement.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2021-03-24 - Adopted [HR0056 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0056-Enrolled.html
substitute for
house Resolution No. 56
Whereas, The city of Flint changed their municipal water supply source on April 25, 2014, which caused pipes to corrode and release contaminants into the drinking water. A state of emergency was declared on January 16, 2016, and in October 2016, Flint residents were advised not to drink tap water unless it had been filtered to remove lead; and
Whereas, Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others to assess the contaminated drinking water revealed increased bacteria levels, elevated lead content, and other health concerns, particularly among those under 18 years of age; and
Whereas, A $641.25 million settlement in the Flint water crisis lawsuit is currently moving forward, with nearly 80 percent of the allotted compensation ultimately awarded going to Flint residents who were under 18 years of age during the crisis as these individuals bear a disproportionate share of health effects from the water supply change; and
Whereas, Attorney fees of $202 million have been requested, which total more than 31 percent of the total settlement amount and would take away more than $160 million from the settlement fund for the children of Flint; and
Whereas, Funds in this record-setting settlement first and foremost should go to Flint children and families who have had their lives changed by the decisions made during this crisis, not to trial attorneys; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we declare our opposition to the excessive fees sought by the plaintiffs' attorneys in the Flint water crisis settlement.
