FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Flint Rising

September 19, 2016

Contact: Marissa Luna, 989-798-3051, marissa@progressmichigan.org

Gov. Snyder Once Again Silences Flint Residents

State-appointed board takes away citizens ability to exercise democratic rights

FLINT – Following Flint Mayor Karen Weaver’s notice that she might file a lawsuit against the State of Michigan over the Flint water crisis, Governor Rick Snyder’s state-appointed board removed Flint’s ability to sue. Now, local elected officials cannot sue the state without getting the state’s permission first.

“First, we were silenced by Governor Rick Snyder’s unelected emergency manager who made the decision to switch Flint’s water source that led to the poisoning of thousands of Flint residents, and now this. Once again, Flint residents are being silenced when we’re trying to exercise our democratic rights and do what’s best for our city,” said Nayyirah Shariff, director of Flint Rising. “Real democracy is about making sure that every citizen has a voice, but Snyder has proven yet again that he’s only concerned about manipulating the rules to cover up his mistakes.”

The Flint Water Crisis was made worse by Governor Snyder’s refusal to listen to the voices of Flint families when they protested their water becoming foul smelling and discolored. Snyder continues that way of operating by refusing Flint long overdue justice.

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Flint Rising is a coalition of community organizations and allies working to ensure that directly impacted people are building the organizing infrastructure and leadership necessary for this long-haul fight for justice and creating the future that Flint families need and deserve. For more information, please visit www.flintrising.com