Governor Rick Snyder has scrubbed plans for an economic development trip to the Middle East, so he can remain in Michigan to deal with the Flint water crisis.
The trip to Israel, Qatar, and Jordan has been in the works for months. The purpose was to build closer ties with the region’s governments and to its defense and water technology industries. Governor Snyder was also going to address a cyber-security conference in Tel Aviv.
But the trip this week wascanceled once the Flint water crisis came to dominate the attention of the Snyder administration. Drinking water in some homes and schools was contaminated by lead following decisions made by state-appointed emergency managers. “We are focused on helping the people of Flint,” said Snyder Press Secretary Dave Murray. “That is our top priority.”
The governor just requested more federal Medicaid assistance to help people 21 years and younger with the potential effects of being exposed to lead.
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— Rick Pluta is the Managing Editor and Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
