Kaptur, Hicks-Hudson Call for Action in Flint
February 6, 2016
By: Tom Troy, Toledo Blade
February 6, 2016
Stories of mysterious sores, hair loss, and worry about long-term effects of lead spurred a Congressional delegation here today to demand a more aggressive response to this city's water crisis from state government.
A six-person delegation that included U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) and that was joined by Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson spent about an hour behind closed doors with community members at Foss Avenue Baptist Church.
The congressmen, all Democrats, called for a stronger show of urgency from state government, with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas suggesting the possible need for criminal charges.
Miss Kaptur said the state should have set up a center providing emergency medical care, places for public showers, and a coordinator of information for the water crisis that has gripped this city of 99,000 in the last month.
The congressmembers said they have proposed legislation that would provide $765 million for a multifaceted response.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D., Flint) called for the state to put up an equal amount.