Hello friends,
Many people and advocacy groups have braved the grey Michigan spring and made the trip out to Lansing to speak with me about pressing issues like housing affordability, clean water and road repairs. Meeting with constituents, like the Washtenaw County Community Action Group pictured below, and hearing concerns firsthand is crucial to my role as your representative. Because I work for you in Lansing, your priorities are my priorities.
For those who can’t make it up to the Capitol, I host district events where we can meet and discuss what’s happening in our community. On Tuesday, May 14, I will be hosting a Budget Town Hall for anyone interested in learning more about the budget process and what programs are being funded. I am always planning new events so be sure to follow along on my Facebook, State Representative Donna Lasinski, for the most current updates.
Of course, my office is always reachable by phone at (517) 373-0828 and email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Funding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Ensuring that every Michigan resident has access to the health services they need is essential to our quality of life in Michigan. While the budget negotiation process is still underway, the governor’s proposal for the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services has initiatives that I believe are key to ensuring care for every member of our community. First is the increase in hourly wages for adult in-home care workers who serve our senior citizens. Second is the use of a federal mental health block grant to provide emotional care to our citizens. As the budget proposals are developed in the House and Senate, I will be watching these issues closely.
Protecting Our Health Care
Under current law, the Healthy Michigan Plan would be forced to shut down if there is a reduction in federal health care funding. The Healthy Michigan Plan provides medical insurance coverage to over 670,000 Michigan residents for emergency services, maternal health and preventative wellness checkups. In the last year, this program has more than doubled primary care use and reduced our reliance on pricey emergency rooms by 58 percent. To protect coverage for our families and keep our state healthy, I co-sponsored legislation that would repeal this automatic shutdown and give us a chance to find a workable solution for our communities.
Supporting Safe Communities
This last week, I co-sponsored bills that would ensure safe gun storage in Michigan. Too often, young children find unsecured guns in the home, which can lead to injury or or death. Two thirds of these deaths can be avoided with safe storage measures. This is why I signed a package of bills put forth by Reps. Rebekah Warren and Mari Manoogian that would require guns to be safely stored. To encourage this, these bills also provide a tax exemption on gun safety devices such as safes or lock boxes. By encouraging safe gun ownership, we can help reduce the chance of unintended injury and keep families whole.
Upcoming Time with Donna
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Budget Bootcamp Town Hall
When: Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Dexter District Library
3255 Alpine Road in Dexter
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Coffee Hour at Carrigan Cafe
When: Friday, May 17, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Carrigan Cafe
101 S. Ann Arbor St. #107 in Saline
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Coffee Hour at Manchester Library
When: Saturday, June 1, from 10 – 11 a.m.
Where: Manchester Library
912 City Road in Manchester
District Spotlight
On Tuesday, I spoke at the advocacy day for the St. Louis Center, a home for developmentally disabled adults and youth. They provide a strong community and offer many trainings, classes and life skills coaching for their residents. Spending the morning with them brought a bit of District 52 to Lansing.
What to Do in 52
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Workshop: Medicare Made Easy
Join Medicare experts from the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau to learn some important tips and tricks for navigating the Medicare system. They will offer training on how to apply for and receive benefits.
When: Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine Road
in Dexter
Used Book Sale
Want some new books of all genres – mystery, science fiction, horror, or nonfiction? The Dexter District Library is hosting a used book sale from local, community donations. All proceeds will benefit Dexter Public Libraries.
When: Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine Road in Dexter
Michigan Search and Rescue Dog Demonstration
The Michigan Search and Rescue (MSR) Canine Team is planning on showing off their skills, demonstrating safe rescue dog procedures, and discussing their important role in promoting public safety. Show the dogs some love!
When: Wednesday, May 8, 3 – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road in Saline
Purple Rose Concert Reading: “A Jukebox for the Algonquin”
In partnership with the Purple Rose Theater Company, the Chelsea District Library is hosting a live reading of Paul Strolli’s latest comedy. Join the Purple Rose players for a morning filled with laughs and gasps!
When: Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. in Chelsea
Resources
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Fire Safety Comes First
Working smoke detectors are crucial to reducing the risk of injury or death by fire. This is why the American Red Cross has set up the “Sound the Alarm” program to get smoke detectors in every Michigan home for free. Smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half, but one out of ten people cannot afford working detectors. Contact the Red Cross today to get a free smoke detector for you or someone you love.
Classroom Materials from The Civil Air Patrol
If you are a teacher and a member of the Civil Air Patrol, they will provide dozens of free items and programs for your classroom. From robotics to astronomy, the Civil Air Patrol has learning material to complement any curriculum. For more information, visit their website to see the full list of materials.
Healthy Food for Seniors
The Washtenaw Office of Community and Economic Development offers a program that combines Meals on Wheels and Senior Cafe to provide nutritious food to seniors in Michigan. Anyone over 60 years old can participate in the program and those who are younger can find other resources through their office. For more information, you can learn more about their program here.
I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski