WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) took to the floor of the U.S. Senate on behalf of the community of Flint — a community still in pain, seeking justice and accountability for a water crisis they did not cause.
In the speech, Slotkin told stories of Flint residents like Brittney Thomas, Melissa Mays, Leeanne Walters, and others who fought for justice and accountability. She promised as the newest U.S. Senator for Michigan and Flint to take up the torch and continue to fight for the people of Flint.
The speech comes as January 16 will mark 10 years since President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency in Genesee County, in response to the Flint Water Crisis.
Watch the speech here.
Download the speech here.
Key Excerpts and Summary:
10-Year Anniversary/Emergency Declaration
- “Ten years ago this week, President Obama declared a federal state of emergency in the city of Flint.”
- “That declaration wasn’t necessarily the beginning of the crisis, but it was supposed to be the beginning of the end, a turning point where Flint could begin to recover.”
- “But let me be clear, the crisis in Flint has not ended … not in Flint, not in Michigan and as a Michigander and Flint’s Senator, not for me.”
- “As Flint’s newest senator, I wanted to be here on the 10-year anniversary to make sure Michiganders and Americans don’t forget what happens.”
The Need for Accountability and the Role of Advocacy
- “Flint is an apocalyptic poisoning of an American city.”
- “[Parents] raised issues with the city council, with county leadership, with state officials every time they go the same response: ‘Our tests are showing that the water is just fine.’”
- “Others waved off the signs. Flint is a poor city. Its residents are mostly African American; it was way too easy for leaders to just shrug and look away.”
- “Dr. Mona and other doctors teamed up with parents to shine a light… they talked to anyone who would listen. It’s an important lesson on banging pots and pans until you get the help you need.”
Justice Still Unfinished
- “Flint wants accountability. Who wouldn’t? They deserve nothing less, after an American city is poisoned. People died… it was never really about the money for Flint. People wanted to see someone take responsibility.”
- “[Flint residents] sued the state of Michigan, including Governor Rick Snyder at the time, for their staggering lack of oversight, and they sued the EPA.”
- “More than a decade later, the EPA is denying, deflecting, and dragging out their case in court.”
- “Unfortunately, Flint residents are yet to see anything from a settlement over the last decade. Timelines for the rest of the payouts are vague and always changing. And estimated amounts of initial payments are unacceptably small. It’s possible that Flint families will not see the dollars they are owed.”
- “No apology, no amount of assigning blame, and certainly no amount of money can make Flint whole. But even after all they’ve endured over the last decade, this community is being denied what little they’ve been promised. That should make every American furious.”
Commitment
- “As Flint’s Senator, I see it as my responsibility to fight for Flint. It is not their job to push, prod, or hope.”
- “I am determined to follow in the footsteps of the leaders who have come before me. Former Congressman Dan Kildee. Former Senator Debbie Stabenow. Gary Peters. Jim Ananich. Mayor Sheldon Neeley, who is now Flint’s Mayor. These are people who have fought for Flint, in Michigan and in this very building. I will take the torch proudly.”
- “I know there will be more fights and setbacks for Flint… But I want to say here on the floor of the Senate directly to Flint: no matter what is coming, I have your back. And it is my responsibility to fight for you.”
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