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A judge approved a settlement to settle lawsuits filed by residents of the city of Flint, who discovered their tap water was contaminated with lead, blaming local authorities.
“The people who work for me let us all down. And I am responsible for that ”. In this way, the former Governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, recognized in February 2016 that the inhabitants of the city of Flint had been exposed to the consumption of water contaminated with lead.
The state of Michigan was accused of repeatedly overlooking the risks of using the Flint River without properly treating the water, causing death and serious illness. Years later, the Justice endorsed an agreement between the Government and the victims.
In a 178-page document, District Judge Judith Levy on Wednesday, November 10, approved a settlement for the payment of $ 626 million, which she described as “a remarkable achievement for many reasons, one of which is that it establishes a program comprehensive compensation “.
80% of the resources would go to the children
The settlement makes money available to Flint children who were exposed to water, adults who can prove an injury, certain business owners and anyone who has paid bills for purportedly potable water.
It is estimated that approximately 80% of what is left after legal fees will go to minors.
Former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver criticized the settlement: “The amount awarded by Judge Levy in no way reflects the value of Flint’s lives! This is a slap in the face to the residents of this city! ”, He affirmed in his Twitter account.
#FlintLivesMatter! #JusticeForFlint!
The settlement amount granted by Judge Levy in no way reflects the value of Flint lives! This is a slap in the face to the residents of this city!– Former Mayor, Dr. Karen Williams Weaver (@karenaboutflint) November 11, 2021
But while there is a pact, Flint’s long saga is far from over. Nine people, including former Governor Rock Snyder himself, have been charged with various crimes. All have pleaded not guilty and their cases are pending.
With AP
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