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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-3920 or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Progressive Women’s Caucus: Reproductive Health Act Package Last week, the Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) was joined by representatives of Planned Parenthood and the ACLU for the introduction of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which would guarantee individuals’ freedom to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including whether or not to have an abortion.
My bill in this package, House Bill 5542, would guarantee every Michigander the right to decide whether or not to use contraception, undergo sterilization or continue a pregnancy. It would also remove the unnecessary barriers people currently face when seeking an abortion in Michigan. In addition to my bill, six companion bills (House Bills 5543–5548) would further update sections of state law to comply with changes the RHA would require once enacted. The state Senate has also introduced the RHA package to mirror what was introduced in the House.
Michigan state law includes numerous restrictions on abortion care, serving as barriers for people seeking it as a safe, constitutionally protected health care option. Additionally, medically unnecessary and burdensome standards are imposed on abortion providers across the state in an attempt to criminalize those administering the best medically appropriate care for each of their patient’s unique circumstances.
Now more than ever, there is a need for us to defend reproductive rights, and I want the people of this state to know that House Democrats and our reproductive justice partners in Michigan will not stop fighting. Not now, not ever. A video from the press conference is on the Progressive Women’s Caucus Facebook page.
Session To see what we’ve been voting on over the past couple of weeks, please click here. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-3920 or lauriepohutsky@house.mi.gov.
Community Update
EGLE Awards MI Clean Water Grant to Livonia I am pleased to announce that the city of Livonia has been awarded a Drinking Water Asset Management Grant totaling $425,900. This grant program was the first to be developed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) under the MI Clean Water Plan — a plan to invest $500 million to help communities around the state upgrade drinking water and wastewater.
I am happy to see our community benefit from this grant — it’s a step toward protecting our drinking water and our residents.
Legislative Check-Ins As the weather starts to cool down, my team and I have concluded our legislative neighborhood walks for the year. We had great conversations about the importance of investing in education, repairing our economy and expanding access to quality, affordable health care. I want to thank everyone who took the time to speak with us this summer and fall. If we missed you this year, please do not hesitate to contact my office to share the issues that matter most to you. We are here to help.
Constituent Resources
Historic Investments in Child Care On Nov. 8, Gov. Whitmer announced the launch of the Child Care Stabilization Grant that will distribute $350 million in grants to give every full-time child care professional a $1,000 bonus and keep child care programs open and serving kids.
I was proud to vote YES on the historic, bipartisan budget that made a $1.5 billion investment to expand child care access and opportunities for Michigan families. We know that for our economy to continue to rebound, Michigan families need reliable access to quality and affordable child care.
The Child Care Stabilization Grant application is now open. Licensed child care providers are eligible to apply and should visit www.Michigan.gov/childcare to review frequently asked questions and apply. Child care professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply. This is a non-competitive grant. Every eligible childcare provider that submits a complete application will receive a grant award.
House Democrats will continue to partner with Gov. Whitmer to ensure quality care for our kids, better wages for frontline heroes like our dedicated child care providers and the stability all Michigan families deserve.
Events
Coffee Hours
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming in-person and virtual coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. The in-person coffee hour will be held at Coffee + Cream in Livonia, and for virtual coffee hours, you can join the livestream on my Facebook page.
Virtual: Monday, Nov. 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. In-person: Sunday, Dec. 5, from 2-3 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky State Representative 19th House District |
