Flint residents unsatisfied after congressional hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Residents of Flint, Michigan, who attended a congressional hearing on their city's contaminated water are demanding accountability and "healing."

Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, who pastors a church in Flint, says Gov. Rick Snyder hasn't been willing to meet with them.

At Thursday's hearing, the Republican governor repeatedly apologized for his role in the crisis, which occurred when state officials switched Flint's water supply to the corrosive Flint River two years ago to save money in the predominantly African-American city north of Detroit.

Snyder blamed bureaucrats in his own state and Washington, while the head of the federal Environmental Protection Agency faulted Snyder and other state officials.

Bishop Jefferson said children in Flint, including her grandson, have suffered from lead poisoning that has caused learning disabilities.

Other Flint residents said they shouldn't have to come to Washington to safely drink water and bathe.

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%@AP Links

243-w-28-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, pastor from Flint, Michigan)--Residents of Flint, Michigan, who attended a congressional hearing on their city's contaminated water are demanding accountability and "healing." AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (17 Mar 2016)

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233-a-09-(Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, pastor from Flint, Michigan, at news conference)-"we do matter (second reference, applause fades)"-Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, a pastor from Flint, Michigan, says switching the city's water supply was a serious mistake. (17 Mar 2016)

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230-a-08-(Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, pastor from Flint, Michigan, at news conference)-"we got children"-Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, a pastor from Flint, Michigan, says the city needs immediate help. (17 Mar 2016)

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232-a-11-(Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, pastor from Flint, Michigan, at news conference)-"to us then"-Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, a pastor from Flint, Michigan, says the city's residents haven't been able to meet with their governor. (17 Mar 2016)

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231-a-11-(Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, pastor from Flint, Michigan, at news conference)-"away from us (applause fades)"-Bishop Bernadel Jefferson, a pastor from Flint, Michigan, says officials responsible for the city's unhealthy water should face consequences. (17 Mar 2016)

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234-r-11-(Residents of Flint, Michigan, who attended congressional hearing, chanting "Flint lives matter")--Residents of Flint, Michigan, who attended congressional hearing, chant "Flint lives matter." (17 Mar 2016)

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