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
Infrastructure Supplemental Budget Bill Passes the House
I was proud to cast a yes vote for Senate Bill 565 to invest $4.8 billion into infrastructure throughout the state, mostly targeting vital water infrastructure projects, such as ensuring the water that we use daily in our homes is free of PFAS, lead and other contaminants. In addition, the bill includes funding for housing improvements, energy infrastructure, accessible high-speed internet, transportation projects and more. These projects will benefit Michigan families for years to come.
Protecting Our Water
Last week, my colleagues and I introduced legislation to ensure that Michigan’s water is managed in the best interests of the public. The package includes bills that would clarify that all water resources of the state are held in the public trust and close the small container loophole to stop the diversion of bottled water outside the Great Lakes basin.
My bill explicitly authorizes the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect water in its jurisdiction. Our natural water resources are priceless and vital to our region’s identity and health. The DNR manages other natural resources directly, and they should have the authority to do the same with water.
Session
To see what we’ve been voting on over the last week, 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
March Is Reading Month
Over the past month, I have been visiting classrooms across Livonia to participate in March Is Reading Month as a guest reader. This year, I had the opportunity to read to over 600 students across 11 schools! It has been such a joy to see them all in person and meet more of our phenomenal faculty at Livonia Public Schools and Clarenceville Schools.
 |
Constituent Resources
Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available to landlords and their renters within Wayne County who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, who are experiencing housing instability, and whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median income.
Assistance is available for rent as well as for utilities. Utility assistance may include electricity, home heating, water and sewer. Internet stipends and relocation assistance are also available.
The program is open right now and applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Renters and landlords can learn more and apply for assistance by clicking here.
For immediate support regarding this program, residents can call (833) 742-1513 during regular business hours. For those with hearing impairments, please email rentalassistance@waynecounty.com for support.
Events
Infrastructure Listening Tour
 |
In mid-November, Michigan was promised billions of dollars from the federal government to make large-scale infrastructure investments and create new jobs. Next month, I will be hosting a listening session with special guests state Reps. Matt Koleszar, Stephanie A. Young and Mary Cavanagh, along with Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki and other industry experts to hear from you about our greatest infrastructure needs here in western Wayne County. I hope you will join me on Thursday, April 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Livonia City Hall Auditorium, 33000 Civic Center Drive in Livonia. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
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 here in Livonia. You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-person: Sunday, April 3, from 2-3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, April 18, from 6:30-7:30 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