FLINT, MI (AP)-- A Republican legislative leader is criticizing Michigan's attorney general for opening an investigation into Flint's lead-tainted water, saying the probe should wait until a state task force's work is done.
Senate Majority Leader ArlanMeekhof said Tuesday that "duplicating efforts is not very helpful."
Attorney General Bill Schuette, also a Republican, hired special counsel for his office's investigation. His office also will defend the state against lawsuits brought by Flint residents.
Meekhof suggests Schuette should pay for the outside investigators with existing funds and not ask for additional money. He said once a panel appointed by Republican Governor Rick Snyder finishes its work, Schuette would then have a better idea of whether to investigate.
A Schuette spokesman declined to comment.
Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich says Schuette took months too long to investigate, but he will "give him the benefit of the doubt until I see otherwise."
