St. Germaine threatens to leave Capitol bathroom faucets running to protest additional water utility fee

St. Germaine threatens to leave Capitol bathroom faucets running in protest of additional water utility fees

State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine announced Friday her opposition to a bill that would impose an additional monthly fee on water utility bills to fund a new statewide payment assistance program.

“We already have a successful regional program here in Macomb County to help low-income households who cannot afford to pay their own water bills,” said St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township. “I understand the intent behind this legislation, but it is not right to force residents who already pay a fee for that very purpose to pay another fee to cover other areas.”

The Democrat-backed legislation would charge customers an additional $2 per month per water meter to raise about $72 million per year. This additional fee would then increase by 10 percent each year until it reaches $3 per water meter per month.

However, Great Lakes Water Authority customers already pay a fee to fund the Water Residential Assistance Program, which provides assistance to Macomb County residents.

“Water utility bills are already too expensive,” said St. Germaine. “Customers who pay to fund a local assistance program should at least receive a waiver from the new statewide fee.”

St. Germaine represents the 62nd House District, which includes all of Harrison Township and Fraser, as well as parts of Roseville, St. Claire Shores, Clinton Township and Chesterfield Township. All of these municipalities have already passed unanimous resolutions against the additional water fee, with the exception of Fraser, which is expected to pass a resolution at its next meeting in March.

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners has also already passed a resolution opposing the plan.

“At the moment I am optimistic that the law will not be passed as is, because many MPs from both parties are voicing their concerns. But if I have to, I’ll turn on every faucet in every bathroom in the Capitol and let them run to protest,” St. Germaine said.

“I’m probably joking about leaving the water running. But without an opt-out for water customers in Macomb County, this legislation is a non-issue for me. I’m not kidding,” St. Germaine said.

Senate Bills 549-554 and House Bills 5088-5093 are currently in committee.

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