Like many of you, we here at FLOW are coming back together after the holidays to roll up our sleeves and think about our path forward in this new year. We had plenty of ups and downs over this past legislative session, and it is now time to re-group and chart our path forward.
Let’s be frank: We anticipated significant action during this past lame-duck session to address key water issues, but instead, the House displayed dysfunction and abruptly adjourned, unable to amass a quorum. Critical topics such as polluter accountability, a statewide septic code, stormwater utilities, and restoring the state’s rulemaking authority to protect clean water were all fumbled during the two-year Democratic trifecta. This missed opportunity left many stakeholders frustrated and dissatisfied.
One bright spot was the introduction of FLOW’s 2018 model legislation – the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act – by Representatives Hood and McKinney. With Rep. Hood leaving office, we are now looking for new partners to take up the mantle on this bill.
One bright spot was the introduction of FLOW’s 2018 model legislation – the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act – by Representatives Hood and McKinney.
Despite the disappointment of the 102nd legislature’s lame-duck session, we are strategically thinking of ways to work smarter and innervate our networks to work across both sides of the aisle.
To address the most pressing water issues, we will engage in open dialogues with law and policymakers at all levels of government, sister organizations, communities, and grassroots and frontline organizations. The health of the Great Lakes has far-reaching support – support for protecting them that transcends party lines. We must establish a renewed commitment to addressing the state’s water challenges and ensure that Michiganders’ public health and environmental concerns are elevated to legislative and policy decisions.
Despite the disappointment of the lame-duck session, we must not despair. Instead, we must find new motivation to set clear goals with tangible results, and enable our message of protecting the Great Lakes for all to grow. We must demand that the 103rd legislature re-establish trust with the public and create a more productive legislative environment. We must support and inspire our local units of government to step up and protect water quality and public health where Lansing was unsuccessful. As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to learn from the past and push for meaningful change in the coming year.
