Council effort to create lead-safe program moves forward
Today the full Common Council approved legislation that moves forward an effort to create a program certifying that properties are lead-safe before they are rented to the public.
Authored by Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Council file #200321 is a resolution directing the Department of Administration – Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of state legislation that would permit the City of Milwaukee to create a program requiring rental property owners to certify that rental properties are lead-safe before they are rented to the public. The legislation’s co-sponsors are Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman Scott Spiker.
Alderman Rainey said many properties rented for residential use in Milwaukee are believed to have significant lead-poisoning hazards that can be contained or abated by regular and conscientious maintenance, yet many renters are not aware of the existing lead hazards and how they pose a serious risk to the health and safety of anyone (especially children) living in these rental residential units. “A person renting and living in a residential property has a right to presume the property being rented is a healthy and safe environment, free from risk of sickness or injury,” he said.
“A lead-safe certification program would compel landlords to contain or abate lead-poisoning hazards, thus ensuring the stable value of these properties and the surrounding neighborhoods, and improving the quality of life for residents,” Alderman Rainey said.
“Even though COVID-19 remains a top health priority, we must continue to do all we can to combat the dangerous lead issue that exists in Milwaukee,” the alderman said.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- Superintendent Jill Underly Proposes Lead Water Removal Program For Schools - Baylor Spears - Nov 15th, 2024
- Milwaukee Adopts New Policy Requesting More Lead Testing For Children - Nick Rommel - Oct 24th, 2024
- EPA Strengthens Standards to Protect Children from Exposure to Lead Paint Dust - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Oct 24th, 2024
- Baldwin Announces $86 Million for Clean and Safe Drinking Water in Wisconsin Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 23rd, 2024
- DHS Encourages Wisconsinites to Take Action to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Oct 21st, 2024
- DNR Says Wisconsin Could Meet New Rule To Replace All Lead Pipes in 10 Years - Trevor Hook - Oct 12th, 2024
- Biden Announces New Funds, Deadline For Lead Pipe Replacement - Sophie Bolich - Oct 8th, 2024
- Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, Announces Funding to Provide Clean Water to Schools and Homes - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Oct 8th, 2024
- City Hall: Ahead of Biden Visit, Council, DPW Officials Question Efficacy of Replacing Lead Pipes - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 7th, 2024
- Baldwin Delivers Nearly $13 Million for Milwaukee and Kenosha to Remove Dangerous Lead Paint - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 7th, 2024
Read more about Lead Crisis here
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