Subject: Daily Message Points -- April 27, 2016
From: "Cunnane, Pat EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
To: "Cunnane, Pat EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2016 17:34:30 +0000

Daily Message Points

April 27, 2016

President Obama to Travel to Flint, Michigan

*         Today, the President announced that he will travel to Flint, Michigan where he will hear first-hand from Flint residents about the public health crisis, receive an in-person briefing on the federal efforts in place to help respond to the needs of the people of Flint, and deliver remarks to community members.

*         He announced his visit by replying to eight-year-old Flint resident, Mari Copeny - known around town as "Little Miss Flint" - who wrote to the President to share how she is working in her community to bring attention to the public health crisis in her community.

*         The President replied, writing:

Dear Mari:

Thank you for writing to me. You're right that Presidents are often busy, but the truth is, in America, there is no more important title than citizen. And I am so proud of you for using your voice to speak out on behalf of the children of Flint.

That's why I want you to be the first to know that I'm coming to visit Flint on May 4th. I want to make sure people like you and your family are receiving the help you need and deserve. Like you, I'll use my voice to call for change and help lift up your community.

Letters from kids like you are what make me so optimistic for the future. I hope to meet you next week, "Little Miss Flint."

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

*         The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is coordinating efforts with federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to respond to the water crisis in Flint.

*         Together, these agencies are working to ensure that every Flint resident has access to safe water, and the Administration is making real progress:

o   100 percent of Flint residents have access to bottled water and water filters.

o   7.3 million liters of water have been provided to the state of Michigan by FEMA, plus more than 55,000 water and pitcher filters, and over 243,000 filter replacement cartridges.

o   100 percent of HUD- insured and HUD- assisted properties have water filters installed and these filters will be kept up to date.

o   $325,000 of a HUD existing lead-paint hazard grant for public housing in Flint that can be applied to this crisis.

o   4,200 water samples have been taken by EPA from more than 650 properties for 5 types of tests. Tests have shown that filters on home faucets are removing lead. Tests also show the system is recovering.

*         In addition to ensuring access to clean water, the Administration is dedicating resources to protecting health and setting the stage for community recovery. But the President knows there is more to be done - in Flint and across the country - to do right by our citizens. That's what his trip next week is all about.

Champions of Change - Expanding Fair Chance Opportunity

*         Today the White House recognized ten individuals from across the country as "White House Champions of Change for Expanding Fair Chance Opportunities."

*         These individuals were selected by the White House for their leadership and tireless work to remove barriers to a second chance for those with a criminal record.

*         This is important because each year, more than 600,000 individuals are released from state and federal prisons, and approximately 70 million people, about one third of working age adults, have an arrest or conviction.

*         Too often, these individuals leave prison with few resources, practical skills, or the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society, and they end up returning to prison.

*         That's why, last year, the President announced new actions to help formerly-incarcerated Americans - who have paid their debt to society - successfully obtain a job, find a home, take care of family responsibilities, and enjoy a second chance.

*         These actions are underlined by a simple belief: When Americans who have earned a second chance are able to put their lives back on track, our communities are safer and stronger for it.

*         That's what today's event - featuring remarks by Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, and Labor Deputy Secretary Chris Lu - was all about.
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