FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – Community organizations in Flint are urging the Flint City Council to take action and approve a proposal to eliminate medical debt for thousands of Flint residents.
This comes amid inaction by the Flint City Council to fill the 3rd Ward council seat, which was vacated in September when Councilman Quincy Murphy died.
Related: Flint council violates city charter: How it happened, what’s next
The proposal is to reallocate $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to alleviate $32 million of medical debt for about 10,000-12,000 residents in Flint.
Related: Flint City Council to vote on medical debt relief proposal
The proposal passed the finance committee on Oct. 9 and was sent back to the committee by the council on Dec. 16.
The city council is expected to vote on Wednesday, Jan. 8 during another finance committee presentation, but the organizations warn in the letter that continued inaction could jeopardize the opportunity.
“Medical debt is a significant burden on Flint families, often leading to bankruptcy, credit damage, and delays in seeking essential medical care,” the letter states. “By passing this proposal, you will help alleviate these burdens, freeing families from the crushing weight of medical debt and allowing them to move forward with greater financial security.”
The letter urges the city council to approve the proposal, as this is a life-changing opportunity for Flint residents.
Flint city officials will be appointing a 3rd Ward ambassador to make sure residents in that ward will have a representative they can contact until the council appoints a councilperson. The ambassador will talk to city officials about matters and concerns brought up by residents. The ambassador will be named by Jan. 15.
Additionally, on Dec. 11, a judge ordered mediation for the Flint City Council due to their inaction, appointing now-retired Judge Celeste Bell as special master to oversee mediation with council members.
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