SAFE HOMES/SAFE KIDS: MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR LEAD SAFE HOUSING Lead Abatement Contractor, Risk Assessor and Trainer Workshop August 8, 2013

Tina Reynolds & Kim Rustem Health Policy Director & Research Associate Michigan Environmental Council 602 West Ionia St, Lansing, MI

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, 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:  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 Reynolds Health Policy Director Questions