State Rep. Donni Steele | Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Donni Steele | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative Donni Steele, a Republican from Orion Township, has expressed opposition to proposed legislation that would create redundant and expensive low-income water assistance programs funded by higher costs for ratepayers. The plan, which would add $72 million to public water bills each year, has been met with criticism.
Steele, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, stated, "Parts of our water infrastructure are falling apart, yet Democrats respond by raising rates to pay for a new program almost identical to what is already in place. The 2023 budget included nearly $900 million in unnecessary pet projects for targeted communities. If we spent less on swimming pools and more on statewide infrastructure, maybe water bills wouldn't be so high. This plan forces struggling young families and seniors, already paying their own bills, to fork up more money to pay the water rates of a select few."
The proposed legislation, House Bills 5088-5093 and Senate Bills 549-554, would establish new income-limited programs that allow water utility companies to provide lower bills for select customers. The program would be funded by a $2 monthly increase for public water customers. However, there would be no option for local municipalities to opt out of the new program, disregarding the fact that many communities already have successful water assistance programs in place, such as the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP), or have implemented methods to address delinquent water bills.
The House and Senate legislative packages were recently introduced and have been referred to committees in their respective chambers.
In summary, Rep. Steele opposes the proposed legislation, arguing that it would burden ratepayers with additional costs and overlook existing successful programs. The debate surrounding this issue will continue as the bills progress through the legislative process.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-steele-taxpayers-wallets-run-dry-cant-stand-water-rate-hike
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