Hello friends,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Saline and Whitmore Lake, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. As summer comes to an end and with the beginning of autumn upon us, I hope you take advantage of all the fun fall activities that Michigan has to offer. Within the district, there are so many wonderful cider mills, orchards and fall festivals that I hope you enjoy!
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
Legislative Updates
UAW Strike
This week the United Auto Workers Union called for a nationwide strike against General Motors after the expiration of the union contract this past Saturday at midnight. I support the workers’ strike, as they demand fair wages and affordable health care that are necessary for them and their families to lead healthy and successful lives. I believe workers should be able to collectively negotiate for their wages and have their voices heard. The hard-working men and women of the auto industry have made Michigan the place that it is today. As the negotiation talks continue, I am hopeful that GM and the UAW come to contract terms quickly and successfully.
On the Budget
It was a pleasure to spend time this summer in the community and learn about the issues that matter most to you. It is important that the state budget reflects the needs of our communities. Negotiations between Governor Whitmer and legislative leadership continues as the Oct. 1 deadline quickly approaches. I will continue to fight for a budget that reflects our values and ensures funding for vital programs that many individuals and families rely on. We need a budget that offers solutions and investments to ensure the success of the state of Michigan.
This begins with:
- Fully funding a 21st century education
- Building strong infrastructure
- Protecting our water and environment
- Fostering an inclusive economy
- Protecting and expanding health care
Unfortunately, a version of the School Aid budget that does not do our students justice passed the House this week by a vote of 91 to 18. I did not support this legislation.
We have studied and built a consensus across businesses, families, schools, and education professionals about the actual funding levels needed to ensure that Michigan students are meeting academic standards to prepare them for the 21st century. We have declined too far in academic performance to pretend that small increases below the rate of inflation after massive cuts during the recession are a reasonable response to our academic crisis.
Michigan students deserve much better than what this budget has to offer, and I am unwilling to simply accept the budgetary equivalent of leftovers to fund the education of our future leaders. While schools may be receiving a few more crumbs than they did last year, when it’s compared to how much is still needed, it still amounts to crumbs. I will continue to stand up for our students, our teachers and the future of our state by opposing insufficient budgets, and fighting for our schools to receive the funding they need to halt our academic decline.
Upcoming Time With Donna
Coffee Hour at Zou Zou’s Cafe
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues our community is facing.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Zou Zou’s Cafe, 101 N. Main St.in Chelsea
Transportation Town Hall at Chelsea Senior Center
Please join me for the transportation town hall to discuss the different transportation options and issues for residents in western Washtenaw County. Joining me will be Chelsea City Council Member Jane Pacheco, Washtenaw County Road Commissioner Barb Fuller, Washtenaw Area Value Express Director Michaelene Pawlak and Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative Chair Jeff Hardcastle
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. to
Where: Chelsea Senior Center, 500 Washington St. in Chelsea
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District Spotlight
I was honored to have Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth and Saline Police Chief Jerrod Hart as my guests at the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in the State Capitol. Chief Toth and Chief Hart continue to make our communities safer and better places to live.
I greatly enjoyed touring Chelsea’s Electric Department with their Superintendent Chuck Stevens, Utility Manager John Hanisan, and Katie Abraham from the Michigan Municipal Electric Association to learn about how they are working to provide reliable, safe and affordable energy to the city of Chelsea.
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What to Do in 52
To get into the Autumn vibe, head to these Orchards and Cider Mills with family and friends for some apple picking, donuts, cider and to enjoy the beauty of Michigan.
Dexter Cider Mill
When: Wednesday – Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 3685 Central St. in Dexter
Alber Orchard and Cider Mill
When: Tuesday – Friday, from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where:13011 Bethel Church Road in Manchester
Jenny’s Farm Market and Cider Mill
When: Daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 8366 Island Lake Road in Dexter
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Resources
Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) operates within the city of Chelsea and Dexter. WAVE is a non-profit service that exists to provide affordable transportation to older adults, persons with disabilities and other transit-dependent individuals in western Washtenaw County. WAVE operates independently of the Cities of Chelsea and Dexter.
The WAVE schedule can be found at www.ridethewavebus.org, or they can be contacted at (734) 475-9494.
People’s Express
The city of Saline provides low cost transit services for low income and senior citizens through the People’s Express. The People’s Express bus transportation is available to residents of Saline for transportation within the city limits or to select destinations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. On demand rides are available only as time permits.
For confirmed reservations, please call (877) 214-6073 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Voice messages are accepted any time after hours. Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to pick-up time. Available Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski