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Dear Neighbor,
The Michigan House of Representatives has seen a busy few weeks, working on passing a variety of legislation. I look forward to seeing many of you at my district events.
As always, you can contact my staff and me at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by visiting my website at RepLasinski.com with any questions, thoughts, or suggestions.
Legislative Update
Protecting Your Right to Vote
This past week I spoke out against a bill package that creates unnecessary barriers to voting for many Michiganders. These bills would change Michigan’s current voter ID laws and would disenfranchise a large population of Michigan citizens. I could not vote in favor of legislation that would erect additional barriers to voting and could lead to tens of thousands of Michiganders who follow the law being denied their constitutional right to vote. I hope you support me in my decision to speak out against and vote no on HB 5007, SB 303, and SB 304.
Eliminating the Tampon Tax
This past week in session, I voted YES on House Bills 4270 and 5267 which would exempt feminine hygiene products from use and sales taxes. I voted yes because this legislation removes discriminatory and unfair burdens imposed on one-half of Michigan’s population. Feminine health products are required as part of a women’s biological function that is beyond our control. These bills passed the house 94-13 on Thursday, Oct. 14 and were referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
Information continues to change rapidly, and 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.
Keeping You Informed
You may wish to sign up for committee notices in order to receive the most up-to-date information on bills. By doing so, you will receive notifications as soon as the committee chairs post the next meeting’s date and time, making you among the first to know when committees will be meeting and what legislation is placed on the agenda for debate. For your convenience, the link to the sign-up page is below:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0sq0jlmp14nw4vdjilzlwfcr))/mileg.aspx?page=listserverSignup
District Update
Recently, the village of Manchester issued a public advisory notifying residents of a heightened level of lead in the village water supply. Several of the sites that were tested within the village exceeded the state’s drinking water action level and triggered additional requirements to be meet under the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. It is concerning to have discovered heightened amounts of lead in our community and additional actions will be taking by the village to ensure safe drinking water for residents. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to review the Village of Manchester’s public announcement for more details on next steps, and for your convenience I have included a link to it below:
I have consistently supported appropriating funds for lead remediation in our state budgets, and co-sponsored legislation to increase identification, prevention, and treatment of lead exposures, and I will continue to do so by supporting Governor Whitmer’s call to use $200 million dollars in American Rescue Plan funds to replace lead service lines statewide. We must do more to invest in upgrading our water infrastructure as quickly as possible to protect residents of the 52nd district and all Michiganders.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Come out and join me at my next coffee hour at the Chelsea District Library. We’ll talk about upcoming legislation and answer any questions you have on topics important to you.
When: Thursday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. in Chelsea
What to Do in HD 52
Chelsea District Library’s Not-Too-Scary StoryBook Trail Wear your Halloween costumes and hunt for treats on Chelsea District Libraries StoryBook Trail! When: Monday, Oct. 25, from 4-6 p.m. Where: Baker Woods Preserve, 11914 Trinkle Road in Dexter More information: https://chelseadistrictlibrary.libnet.info/event/5518307
Saline Main Street’s Trunk or Treat Event Join Saline Main Street for a fun filled evening of safe Trunk or Treating! When: Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Parking lots behind Hartman Insurance and Key Bank
Helpful Resources
Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washtenaw County The Washtenaw County Health Department’s website has a list of the places in Washtenaw County you can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This list gives the location and any links needed to schedule your vaccine appointment. Find the list here.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
Washtenaw Community Mental Health (CMH) A 24-hour crisis services and mobile crisis team that can assistance navigating mental health care services. You can call or text the CARES team at (734) 544-3050.
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 DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski State Representative, House District 52 |
