| Hello Friends,
I hope you and doing well and were able to take some time to relax this past weekend.
On Monday, our country observed Memorial Day which serves as a reminder of those who have given everything to protect our lives and our community. To anyone who has lost a loved one serving our military, my thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with you, and your loved ones.
Last week, I thanked you for doing your part in keeping our community safe and healthy as we continue to see our daily positive COVID-19 cases and deaths decline. But this week, our country reached a staggering 100,000 deaths due to the COVID-19 virus.
This sobering milestone reminded me that this virus does not know state lines, county lines or party lines. It does not discriminate, and while we should be grateful that we continue to see a decline in cases and deaths, we must not forget that COVID-19 is still present.
If we can, we should be considerate by wearing masks in public, reducing our public activities and socially distancing.
During the “Safer at Home” order, 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.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid direct contact with others and if you feel ill, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
COVID-19 Michigan Statistics
At this time, Michigan ranks 8th total COVID-19 tests, 8th in the nation for the number of COVID-19 cases, but ranks 4th in COVID-19 deaths. You can see our state’s COVID-19 statistics and data here.
State Total Confirmed Cases: 57,397
State Total Deaths: 5,491
State Total Tests: 537,698
As of 5/28/20 – State Daily COVID-19 Tests: 23,860
Washtenaw County Total Confirmed Cases: 1,336
Washtenaw County Total Deaths: 99
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.
On Friday, May 29th, health care providers are no longer required to delay some nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures.
Starting June 1st, Secretary of State Offices will be open by appointment only for essential transactions not available online. All 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:
- Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
- Title transfers
- Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
- Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal
When you schedule an appointment, you will be asked to follow these safely precautions:
- Arrive at the appointment alone
- Wear a mask or homemade face covering your mouth and nose
- Wait in your vehicle or outside prior to your appointment time and maintaining six feet of distance
- Follow directions on where to stand during your transaction
- Cancel your appointment if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 within 14 days of your appointment
- Adhere to CDC guidelines when in public
On Wednesday, May 27th, our state launched the MI Start Map dashboard in partnership with the University of Michigan School of Public Health. This dashboard visually illustrates COVID-19 risks and trends in Michigan to help provid you with important information about the pandemic status where you live and work.
You can view the MI Start Map here.
On Tuesday, May 26th, retail businesses and auto dealerships statewide reopened by appointment only as part of the MI Safe Start plan.
I Want to Hear from You
During this challenging time, I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can we help you? Please, reach out to me at DonnLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Tuesday Town Halls
Out of an abundance of caution, all previously scheduled coffee hours and in-district meetings are cancelled. Our next Facebook Live Townhall will be June 2 at 7pm.
Small Business Assistance
As business reopen, there are going to be questions about how they can acquire PPE to protect their employees and customers.
The MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program has created webpage specifically to connect businesses needing access to PPE – including face masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and other materials — with Michigan businesses that supply PPE.
The webpage can be accessed here.
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has released a comprehensive set of resources, guides and tips for small businesses preparing to reopen and operate safely as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
SBAM has include numerous ideas for small businesses to consider when enacting safe workplace procedures, revising employee manuals, policies and handbooks, and information for employers to discuss with staff.
This site also has a comprehensive list of sources for small businesses to obtain safety equipment and personal protection equipment. Visit the site here.
Mental Health
This is an extremely difficult time for those with mental health issues. They may not able to see their doctors face-to-face, feelings of isolation and loneliness, or not being able to see loved may exacerbate conditions.
If you need someone to talk to, the state has launched a statewide, peer-run warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions during this pandemic.
The warmline will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753).
It is intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and trauma.
Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Unemployment Benefits
If you have yet to apply, please visit here to watch informational videos on how to apply or access your federal benefits application.
Visit here for the MiWAM toolkit to help you navigate the MiWAM website and properly set up your account.
If you have questions as you apply, or are unsure of what you will need to apply visit here for the UIA’s Unemployment Benefits FAQ.
For more information or to apply for unemployment benefits, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866) 500-0017.
Local Support
Faith in Action is still proudly serving the families of Western Washtenaw County. If you need food assistance, or you know someone who might need help, Faith in Action is still operating and delivering food.
They can be contacted by calling (734) 475-3305.
Their hours of operation are:
M/W: 11am-7pm Tu/Th: 9am-4pm Friday: closed
Meals 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. 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 at the Chelsea High School commons entrance. 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 be in the Mill Creek Parking Lot from 8:00-9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Families can pick up on both Tuesdays and Fridays each week. Each pickup will include breakfast and lunch for 7 days worth per child. 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.
Employee Rights
Governor Whitmer acted to protect workers from retaliation by their employers, if they stay home because one of their close contacts has tested positive for COVID-19: Click here for post and further information.
The Attorney General’s office has created a website to help you “know your rights” as an employee if you are still required to work during this time. Click here
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.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
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Resources
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).
Website
Phone: (734) 677-7235
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Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski |
