SAFE HOMES/SAFE KIDS:MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR LEAD SAFE HOUSING

Lead Abatement Contractor, Risk Assessor and Trainer Workshop

August 8, 2013

Tina Reynolds & Kim RustemHealth Policy Director &

Research AssociateMichigan Environmental Council

602 West Ionia St,

Lansing, MI 48933

517-487-9539

tina@environmentalcouncil.org

Safe Homes/Safe Kids:Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Housing

I. Formation of the coalition

II. Lead update

III. Where we are today

IV. Why we need you

V. Q & A

What is a coalition anyway?

People Purpose Success

Genesis of Safe Homes/Safe Kids (Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Housing)

Bad press caused embarrassment and outrage

Untested children Slow pace of

cleanups Poisoned kids still

living in lead-filled homes

The Governor’s Lead Commission

Established by the Legislature in 2004 Large and diverse membership Met over 4 years Issued many recommendations

Lead Funding Subcommittee

Subcommittee of the Governor’s Lead Commission

Goal was to find a revenue source to fund lead efforts in the state

Lead paint tax was recommended among other options

The “Founding Fathers” of Safe Homes/Safe Kids

Funding solution not found before Governor’s Lead Commission dissolved

Committed organizations pressed on with mission Believed that a successful funding campaign will

need the broad support of a coalition

Where did these committed advocates go?

Nov. 5, 2010 - East Lansing Public introduction of Safe Homes/Safe Kids:

Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Housing Broaden and grow the coalition Chart the way forward

What We Know Today

High lead poisoning linked to lower test scores in Detroit Public Schools (Detroit Free Press, Feb. 25, 2013)

New research finds lead is the hidden villain behind violent crime, lower IQ’s and the ADHD epidemic (Mother Jones, Jan/Feb 2013 Issue)

HUD/CDC cuts lead funding

The path forward

Educate policy makers and decision makers Think creatively about possible funding sources

and partnerships Grow the coalition

Coalition continues to make progress

BIG WIN: $1.25 million in new state dollars for lead poisoning prevention & abatement

Lead Education Day – 23 legislative meetings Met with DCH legislative liaison Monthly coalition calls Coalition is growing Coalition newsletter launched Facebook & Twitter pages launched

More $ will solve Michigan’s lead poisoning problem

We need funds to: Test and identify kids Identify lead hazards Abate lead risks Serve lead-poisoned kids and their families

What does this have to do with ME?

Care about kids Life’s work/job Potential for expanded

business Joining the coalition improves

chances of success

What do you want from ME?

Spend some time on the Safe/Homes Safe Kids website: www.mileadsafehomes.org

Like our Facebook page & follow us on Twitter Subscribe to our online newsletter Talk to family, friends and local decision makers

about why we need more resources to fight lead poisoning

Join our coalition!

Michigan’s Kids Need You!

Joseph Barclay Michael Barclay David Baxter James Copeland Harry Dryer David Farmer Deborah Garcia Kenneth Drew Gulliver Dawn Hallwood Randy Herbert Leslie Jaquette Randy Jarzembowski Bruce Jones

Carlo King Ernest King Kyle King John Hank Klein Alan Martin James Martin Robbie McFarlin Jason McMillin Jennifer Pendley Alexander Samul John Soisson Deborah Sorcier Jeff Suty

Coalition membership

How do I join the Safe Homes/Safe Kids: Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Housing?

What am I signing up for? No cost No time commitment

Please sign your pledge forms NOW to join the coalition.

What is standing in the way of ending lead poisoning in Michigan?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Perceptions – doesn’t affect me Education/Awareness Public pressure

You are part of the solution

Jobs and the economy are voters’ #1 concern Decision makers want business support Coalition needs many voices to succeed We need YOU You need US

Conclusion

Safe Homes/Safe Kids can tackle these obstacles with your help

Success means so much to Michigan’s kids and Michigan’s future

Thank you!

Tina ReynoldsHealth Policy Director

517-487-9539

tina@environmentalcouncil.org

Questions