Hello friends,
With the new summer sessions on the House of Representatives calendar, I know that we are preparing for a heated summer of budget negotiations. I remain committed to fighting for a budget that fixes our roads, funds our schools and ensures clean water in every faucet.
The budget bills will continue through the negotiation process in committee before they are re-introduced on the House floor. I will keep advocating for the services and state improvements that you have spoken about during countless coffee hours and phone calls. If you have something that you’d like to see in the state budget, please do not hesitate to let me know.
My office is reachable by phone at (517-373-0828), by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by coming to one of our district events. Upcoming coffee hours, celebrations and town halls are listed below and I would love to see you there.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
State Representative, House District 52
Legislative Updates
Turn up the Beet
We use more than 20 million tons of salt to de-ice our roads in the winter. The salt ends up in our freshwater lakes, corrodes our cars, and deteriorates our roads and bridges. This is why I cosponsored bipartisan legislation to pursue the use of sugar beet juice as a supplement to salt on our roads. Using beet juice would reduce these problems by helping the salt stick to our roads longer and preventing it from seeping into the environment. There is a pilot program already underway in Minnesota and we will pursue a pilot program in Michigan to ensure safety on roads that use sugar beet juice.
Small Business Means Big Opportunities
This past week, I was awarded the 2019 Legislator of the Year prize by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). As a small business owner, I understand the critical role they play in Michigan’s economy as an employer and talent retainer. I will continue to fight for economic opportunity in Michigan as your state representative.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15, 2019 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. About 1 out of 6 seniors experience some form of emotional, physical or financial abuse according to the United Nations. At home in Michigan, I co-sponsored a resolution recognizing this day to raise awareness about the issue. If you or someone you love might be experiencing abuse, the following state organizations are here to help:
Washtenaw Area Agency on Aging in Southfield
(800) 852-7795
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
(866) 485-9393
Adult Protective Services (with MDHHS)
(906) 884-4951
Upcoming Time with Donna
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Progressive Women’s Caucus Listening Tour
As a member of the Progressive Women’s Caucus, I will be hosting a stop on our statewide Listening Tour, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Michigan’s ratification of the 19th amendment and “100 years of making our voices heard.” This town hall will provide an opportunity for women in the community to discuss the issues most important to them.
When: Thursday, July 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Scio Town Hall
827 N. Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor
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District Spotlight
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The #RedforEd campaign has visited the Capitol twice to fight for Michigan’s students. Thousands of people in red flooded the Capitol lawn each day in support of funding education. As a strong advocate for schools, I was grateful to meet with the President of the Michigan Education Association, Paula Herbart, to talk about investing in Michigan’s students and our future.
What to Do in 52
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Hudson Mills Park Fireworks
Join us in celebrating U.S. independence with fabulous fireworks! The show will start at dusk, around 10 p.m. Come early to grab your spot and enjoy the festivities.
When: Tuesday, July 2, at 10 p.m.
Where: Hudson Mills Metro Park
8801 N. Territorial Road in Dexter
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Saline Fourth of July Fireworks
If one night of fireworks just isn’t enough, you can join the City of Saline as we celebrate the 4th of July with a grand show. Be sure to pack some snacks and a blanket!
When: Thursday, July 4, 8-11:30 p.m.
Where: Saline Crabtree Football Field
7190 N. Maple Road in Saline
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Chelsea’s Farmers Market
On Wednesdays and Saturdays through October, you can get fresh produce from local farmers at Chelsea’s Farmers Market.
Wednesdays: Main Street/Old US 12 from 1-5 p.m.
Saturdays: Downtown Chelsea from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Saline Library’s Summer Reading List
Who says summer reading is just for kids? Everyone is welcome to sign up for Saline Library’s Summer Reading Competition. For every five books you read, you’ll win a prize and gain a raffle ticket for the grand prize – a telescope!
When: Ongoing until August 9
Where: Saline District Library
555 N. Maple Road in Saline
Resources
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DIFS Fraud Authority
As a part of the Auto No-Fault Reform Bill that was signed into law, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) opened a Fraud Authority to investigate cases of potential insurance fraud. If you have experienced this or would like to learn more, please reach out to DIFS at:
(877) 999-6442
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Michigan Guardianship Association
The Michigan Guardianship Association (MGA) is a nonprofit that provides training for guardians, fiduciaries, conservators, social workers, and anyone else making decisions on behalf of another person. Their mission is to provide education, training, and professional networking to guardians across the state to ensure high ethical standards for all. If you care for someone else, you can reach out to the MGA for training and advice at (586) 996-3456 or on their website.
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Buddy-to-Buddy: Volunteer Veteran Programs
Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer lead program for Michigan veterans to work on any challenges that they might be facing from housing to employment. They train veteran mentors and mentees to pursue education opportunities, navigate the VA benefits system and reach other life goals.
You can call them at (888) 82-BUDDY (8339).
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Senior Project FRESH
For a limited time, those over 60 years old living in Washtenaw County who are making less than $1,800 a month are eligible for a free $20 coupon book to use on local farmers markets. You can sign up to get coupons with the Washtenaw County Health Department by contacting Amanda Ng at (734) 544-2973 or by email at nga@washtenaw.org. You can also sign up at the following markets:
Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Manchester Farmers Market
Chi-Bro Park, 209 Ann Arbor St. in Manchester
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
OR
Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Ann Arbor Market
315 Detroit St. in Ann Arbor
10 a.m. – noon
I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski