Hello Friends,
In the last two weeks much has happened. Our daily routines have changed, and public events are put on hold while we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid direct contact with others and if you feel ill, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In an effort to keep with the recommended disease mitigation practices, I will be cancelling all upcoming in district events and coffee hours. We will be rescheduling them in the future.
During this time, my staff and I will not be in our Lansing office regularly. We will be in the 52nd District working to assist you and to advocate for our community’s needs. To reach out, please email me at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Information is changing rapidly. We are working hard to share updates and information as quickly as possible on social media. Please take a moment to like and follow me on Facebook, as this is where information will first be shared.
Governor Whitmer acted to move the tax foreclosure date from March 31, to May 29, 2020: Click here for post and further information.
The Michigan House of Representatives passed $150 million in COVID-19/Coronavirus Response funding. Click here for post and further information.
Gov. Whitmer acted to expand unemployment benefits and application process to more workers. Click here for post and further information.
COVID-19 Funding
Following more than 12 hours of deliberations on Tuesday, the Michigan House and Senate unanimously approved approximately $125 million in emergency coronavirus relief for Michigan residents. House Bill 4279 allocates $40 million for public health emergency response such as monitoring and testing, $50 million to support hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical health care facilities, and $35 million in other response activities. This is in addition to $25 million in emergency funding the Legislature approved last week, bringing the total to $150 million.
Though we have more work ahead of us, this funding is a critical first step in providing Michigan residents assistance as we continue to tackle this crisis together.
Expanding Unemployment Benefits
Many members or our community are already experiencing layoffs and reduced hours of work. There are many resources and programs to help opening up at the state and federal level almost daily right now. Please go to this guide for a list of places to reach out to for help. Click here for information and click here for a “How To” guide.
Beginning Monday, March 16 until Tuesday, April 14, Michigan is temporarily expanding unemployment benefit eligibility to those affected by COVID-19. Benefits will be extended to:
- Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, like child care due to school closures or caring for a loved one who is ill;
- Workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised, and do not have access to paid leave time or are laid off; and
- First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined.
Benefits will also be extended from 20 to 26 weeks, the eligibility period would be increased from 14 to 28 days, and the normal in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.
For more information or to apply for unemployment benefits, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866) 500-0017.
Meals Available for School Age Students
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Breakfast and lunch packages are available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays with the exception of Friday, April 3. Meals will be available Thursday, April 2 instead. If you can’t make the pick-ups or have food allergy concerns, call the AAPS Food Service Hotline at 734-994-2265. For more information, including pickup locations, visit here.
Chelsea School District
Food Service is providing sack breakfast and lunch meals for students from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 18; Monday, March 23; and Friday, March 27 at the Chelsea High School commons entrance. Specific information will be communicated Monday. If you do not have transportation, contact the district at 734-433-2208 ext. 6082 to discuss alternative plans.
Dexter Community Schools
Drive-up pickup will start for Dexter Community Schools on Tuesday, March 17 in the Mill Creek Parking Lot. Drive-up pickup will be 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Each pickup will include breakfast and lunch for 5 days worth per child. Families can pick up on both Tuesdays and Fridays each week. For families who cannot come in to pick up food or have special dietary needs, we have established a hotline number to call 734-424-4186.
Manchester Community Schools
For Manchester Schools food distribution services, please visit their website and fill out the school closure meals form.
Visit michigan.gov.meetupeatup for all of the school locations providing meals. These meals are available to all children ages 0-18 at no cost.
Small Business Support is Available
As we have all made adjustments to our lives, it’s important that we do not forget our small business community. I am committed to making sure that they have the resources and support needed during this difficult time.
In the coming days, our governor will finalize and submit our state’s application for Disaster Relief Loans from the Small Business Administration. Be ready to apply. Visit the link below to make sure you have the necessary documents and information ready to apply for these loans.
For more information, eligibility, and how to apply, visit:
https://sbdcmichigan.org/disaster-loan-help/
52nd District Resources
My office and I have created a Google Drive of resources and information regarding COVID-19 for individuals, employers and employees. Click here to access the entire drive.
Below are the individual links to our resource guides:
A Message from Rep. Donna Lasinski
Here is a sample of the information we have and will be making sure to update as new information becomes available. Visit our Google Drive.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
MDHHS has set up a site with valuable information and resources.
You can also find resources for Yourself, Employers and Employees, Childcare Providers and School Administrators, and Health Professionals about COVID-19, and mitigating the spread of the virus, along with other helpful information.
Positive Ways to Help While Staying Safe
While we are home and social distancing, I thought of four positive things we can do to support each other:
- Check in on your neighbors. Offer to pick up groceries/prescriptions for them if they are not able to, or are more vulnerable if exposed to the virus.
- Donate to our local food banks. They will need more resources to feed adults who are not able to work, and children who are not in school right now. https://www.fbcmich.org/resources/find-a-food-bank/…
- Support small businesses in our community when you go out for supplies. Gift cards can also be purchased, which provide businesses with the income they need now to pay staff.
- Sign up to volunteer by calling 211. Gov. Whitmer announced a volunteer registry for those who would like to help our most vulnerable populations.
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Upcoming Time With Donna
Coffee Hours
Out of an abundance of caution, all previously scheduled coffee hours and in-district meetings are cancelled. We will be rescheduling these in the future.
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Resources
Registering to Vote
We are having elections this year, and it is important that we vote. Since the passing of Proposal 2, you can now vote by mail, register to vote online and vote early. Follow the links for all your information about voting in Michigan:
Register online Voting By Mail
United Way of Washtenaw County Free Tax Preparation Help
As the new year begins, we also need to start preparing to file our 2019 taxes. The United Way of Washtenaw County offers free tax preparation help to those who are eligible. To see if you are eligible for their tax preparation help, please visit the website below. If you are eligible, you can schedule your appointment online or call the phone number below.
Please note that they will only be able to help with the 2019 tax filing year. Prior years will be on hold until spring 2020 (after this tax season).
Phone: (734) 677-7235
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Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski