Dear Neighbor,

I hope everyone had a great week since we last spoke! The past few weeks have been busy in the House of Representatives, as we have been working on passing a variety of legislation that supports all Michiganders. I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming district events in the next few months.

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.

Executive Update

Whitmer’s Budget Proposal Puts Michiganders First

Gov. Whitmer proposed a $74 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2023 that includes a roughly $18.4 billion school aid budget that cuts taxes, deposits $52 million in Michigan’s rainy-day fund, and makes transformational investments on the issues that matter most to families. Below are some of the items included in her proposal:

  • The most per-student funding ever — $9,135 per kid — plus more support for special education, low-income students, rural districts and English language learners.
  • Rolling back the retirement tax, saving half a million households an average of $1,000 a year.
  • A $6.3 billion investment in infrastructure — the biggest state budget investment ever to fix roads, bridges, transit lines and more.
  • Build a new state psychiatric complex and offer enhanced loan repayment to boost Michigan’s mental health workforce. 

A comprehensive list of Gov. Whitmer’s 2023 budget proposal can be found here.

Legislative Update

Prohibit Non-consensual “Invasive Bodily Examinations”

Last week in session, I voted YES on House Bill 4194, which would prohibit non-consensual invasive bodily examinations on an anesthetized or unconscious patient. This bill ensures that required informed consent is obtained from patients before health professionals and health professional trainees perform invasive bodily examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients. I voted yes on HB 4194 because when patients are unconscious or under anesthesia for medical services, they deserve the right to know what is happening to their bodies. They deserve to have control over the medical procedures that are performed on their bodies. This bill was passed unanimously by the House on Feb. 9 and referred to the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee. I hope you support me in my decision to vote yes on HB 4194.

COVID-19 Supplemental Aid

Last week in session, I voted YES on HB 5523, a midyear budget bill that appropriates $1.1 billion in federal funds for the current fiscal year. I voted yes on HB 5523 because the funding will help retain medical staff as well as provide needed resources for testing and contract tracing. Additionally, funding will be provided for COVID-19 treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies. This bill is an important step for a safe and healthy Michigan. HB 5523 was passed by the House on Feb. 8 and by the Senate on Feb. 9. I hope you support me and my decision to vote yes on HB 5523.

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.

You may wish to sign up for committee notices 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 here.

District Updates

Manchester Vaccine Clinic

When: Thursday, Feb. 24, from noon-2 p.m.

Where: Sharon United Methodist Church, 19980 Pleasant Lake Road in Manchester

Additional Information: Appointments for the pop-up site are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule your appointment here.

Michigan PFAS Action Response Team to Update Residents Near Arbor Hills Landfill on PFAS Investigation

The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) will provide an update on the continuing investigation and actions to address PFAS contamination near the Arbor Hills Landfill. MPART staff from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will present attendees with information about the investigation. The presentations will be followed by a time for attendees to ask questions at the end.

When: Thursday, Feb. 24, from 6-8 p.m.

Where: To register and participate in the online meeting, go to https://bit.ly/3qJYxRT. Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting. Anyone interested in participating can use the link above on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m., or join by phone at (636) 651-3142 and use conference code 374288#.

Upcoming Time with Donna

Join me at my next virtual coffee hour in March. We’ll talk about upcoming legislation and answer any questions you have on topics most important to you.

 

When: Friday, March 11, 8-9 a.m.

Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83120122779

What to Do in HD 52

Black History Month at Ann Arbor District Library

Celebrate Black History Month with AADL events for all ages, including documentaries, films, speaker events, living quotes, podcasts and a lot more. For more information on each event, visit the website linked below.

When: February 1-March 1; Events Recurring Daily

Where: Ann Arbor District Library

More information: https://aadl.org/blackhistorymonth

Helpful Resources

Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washtenaw County

The Washtenaw County Health Department hosts a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at their offices in Ypsilanti. All three FDA approved vaccines and boosters are available. Please note that you must now schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, the clinic is no longer providing walk-ins. If you would like to also receive the flu shot, you can request it at the same time. You can find more information here.

Where: Washtenaw County Health Department, 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti

When: Please sign up for a timeslot here. If no times are available, please check back as appointment slots are updated regularly.

The Washtenaw County Health Department’s website has a list of locations in Washtenaw County where 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.

Additionally, if you need assistance getting to a COVID-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County, you can book a FREE door-to-door ride through the AARP Ride@50+ Program. This program can be used by any person of any age in Washtenaw County.

Phone Number: (844) 900-4892; if this number is busy, call (734) 773-0907

Code: Vaccinate Washtenaw

We will continue to provide information for vaccination clinics throughout the district as they get scheduled.

 

Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four free at home COVID-19 tests and are estimated to ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests here and have them when you need them.

COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources

You can receive continual updates from the MI Department 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 assist 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