Reps. Margaret Arney and Darrin Madison Urge Joint Finance Committee to Reinstate Essential Lead Abatement Funding

MADISON, WI — Today, State Representatives Margaret Arney (D-Milwaukee) and Darrin Madison (D-Milwaukee) called on members of the Joint Finance Committee to reinstate funding for six key provisions aimed at combating lead contamination in Wisconsin homes, schools, and communities.

“The Governor’s budget included important investments to remove lead laterals, support local abatement efforts, and protect the health of our children,” said Rep. Arney. “Stripping that funding puts lives at risk, especially infants and young children.”

The six provisions removed from the budget by the Joint Finance Committee include:

• $200 million in funding to replace lead service lines connected to public water systems
• $100.39 million in funding for the Windows Plus program, which funds lead remediation in homes built before 1950 in places like windows, doors, and porches
• $7.1 million to help child care centers access safe drinking water and eliminate exposure to lead-contaminated water
• $6.27 million for lead poisoning and exposure prevention
• $4 million for the County Well Testing grant program, which would go to help test private funds for not only lead contamination, but also PFAS, nitrate, and bacteria contamination
• Eliminating the maximum amount that may be provided in forgiveness for lead service line replacement programs (currently limited to 50% of the cost)

“Restoring these provisions should not be a partisan issue,” Madison said. “Lead poisoning has robbed our children and families of their quality of life. From long-term health issues to educational futures, families are paying the price for a problem they didn’t create. We all deserve safe drinking water and lead-safe homes. I urge my colleagues on the Joint Finance Committee to put public health before politics and restore this critical funding.”

“This is an issue that affects us all, directly or indirectly,” said Arney. “Its effects trickle down to families, schools, and our health care system. It’s a preventable issue that is costing Wisconsin and keeping our communities from reaching their true potential. When even one child is poisoned by lead, we all pay the price. This is a public health crisis that we have the ability to solve- we just need the will to make the investments and do the hard work that it will take.”

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.