BURLINGTON, Vt. — Senator Bernie Sanders is the latest to call for Governor Rick Snyder’s resignation in wake of the ongoing Flint water crisis.
The Democratic presidential candidate released a statement Saturday saying Michigan’s Governor failed to deal with the rise in lead levels in children.
“There are no excuses. the governor long ago knew about the lead in Flint’s water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of children were poisoned. Thousands may have been exposed to potential brain damage from lead. Gov. Snyder should resign,” Sanders said.
“Because of the conduct by Gov. Snyder’s administration and his refusal to take responsibility, families will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives. Children in Flint will be plagued with brain damage and other health problems. The people of Flint deserve more than an apology.”
On Friday, Michigan’s Attorney General Bill Schuette announced his office would immediately begin an investigation to determine what, if any, Michigan laws were violated.
Late Thursday, Snyder submitted an official request to President Barack Obama to issue an emergency and major disaster declaration for Flint. Snyder’s office said in a statement that it had asked for the declarations and is seeking additional federal aid for both individuals and public agencies involved in the effort to provide Flint residents with clean drinking water.
