Thread by @MikenzieFrost

Back in action this morning.
For the first time, the House Committee on Natural Resources will hear #PFAS testimony.
Remember - no action will be taken on legislation that has already been introduced.
#LameDuck

While this is happening, another very important hearing will be taking place as well.
Senate Elections Cmte will be hearing a bill that would move campaign finance oversight from the SOS office to a new, “fair political practices commission.”
#LameDuck #MILeg

That bill, SB 1250, was introduced by GOP Sen. Dave Robertson of Grand Blanc. The new panel proposed would include three members from each major political party.
#MILeg

This panel would take away oversight power from incoming SOS Jocelyn Benson who will be the first Democrat to hold this office since 1994.
#MILeg #LameDuck

Back to Natural Resources -
Chair Rep. Howell is moving quickly. He said he will start the #PFAS hearing at 9 a.m. and we are flying through the agenda items listed ahead of the testimony.
#MILeg #LameDuck

#PFAS hearing has begun. Howell said he will devote one hour to testimony.
#MILeg #LameDuck

“They are also associated with disease and disorder,” MPART Director Carol Isaacs said when explaining what #PFAS chemicals are to the committee.
#MILeg #LameDuck

Isaacs said currently two #PFAS chemicals are being examined but she believes five different chemicals should be reviewed.
#MILeg #LameDuck

Dr. Eden Wells, DHHS Chief Medical Executive, testifying now.
She said #PFAS chemicals are “some of the strongest chemical bonds ever made.”
#mileg #LameDuck

Wells is talking about blood testing, said it’s not useful in linking health impacts to #PFAS exposure, yet.
“It can tell me levels at the current time,” she added.
#LameDuck #mileg

Remember, Kent County partnered with MDHHS and started an exposure assessment in November to look at #PFAS exposure levels in the the blood.
Wells reiterated that this is NOT a health study, however, which she said could come after the exposure assessment.
#LameDuck #MILeg

DNR said there is not a link between a ‘do not eat’ advisory issued for fish due to #PFAS exposure and the safety of deer consumption in the same areas.
#Mileg #LameDuck

Chairman Howell adjourned the hearing despite Rep. Bill Sowerby requesting more time to ask questions.
Howell said he will schedule another hearing, but didn’t say when.
#MIleg #lameduck

Five minutes were left after testimony to answer questions from committee members.