(MPRN-Lansing) Flint Mayor Karen Weaver is welcoming President Obama’s decision to visit the city next week.
She says it will give the president a chance to see what it’s like for people to live with drinking only bottled water, and for parents to worry about their children being exposed to lead.
“It’s very different when you come and you see the people,” she said. “and you talk with them and you hear the stories, and see what’s going on, so we’re glad that he’s coming.”
Weaver says she hopes the attention might help persuade Congress to move more quickly on a spending bill that includes assistance for Flint. She was in Lansing Wednesday. She met with Senate Majority Leader ArlanMeekhof (R-West Olive) and members of Governor Rick Snyder’s administration.
Weaver is supposed to return to the Capitol Thursday to meet with House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant). A Flint assistance bill is currently before the House.
Weaver says she’s particularly interested in money to help replace lead water pipes. She says the need is urgent because the spring and summer construction season is already slipping by.
