Dear Neighbor,

I hope everyone had a great week since we last spoke! The House is wrapping up our spring recess and will be back voting next week. I look forward to working on our FY 23 budget that will be accelerating and will bring our shared values to work in Lansing.

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

 

Proposals Fulfilled in New Infrastructure Deal

On Wednesday, March 24th, I was proud to vote yes on the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, which will deliver critical funds throughout the state to help rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure. The passage of House Bill 565 delivers on several proposals Governor Whitmer rolled out last year, on how we can best invest federal resources and the state’s surplus dollars. The Building Michigan Together Plan aims to grow our economy, create jobs, and invest in every part of our state. Below are just some of the Governor’s proposals what were filled:

  • $750 million for drinking water infrastructure
  • $515 million for sewer and wastewater systems
  • $316 million for roads and bridges
  • $250 million for state parks
  • $200 million for local parks,
  • $66 million for pumping station generators
  • $100 million to build affordable housing
  • $50 million for residential clean energy

My Democratic colleagues and I have been working tirelessly to advocate for this historical funding in our state’s infrastructure, to ensure that our residents can safely drink water free from lead or PFAS contamination and can drive to and from work without fear of an unexpected car repair bill. These federal dollars are a once in a generation funding opportunity that will benefit Michiganders for years to come. We will continue to press our legislative partners to appropriate all available federal dollars, so we can continue to make improvements across Michigan.

For further information on the official press release statement from the Governor’s office, click here.

Legislative Update

Health Insurer Preauthorization 

 

On March 23rd, I voted YES on SB 247 which would modify the prior authorization process that insurance companies use to determine coverage for certain medicines or medical procedures. I voted YES on SB 247 because over the past few years, physicians have expressed concerns about PAs and believe that they serve as a roadblock to patients receiving necessary treatment. This bill would ensure that physicians have the ultimate says in what’s best for patients, and that a patient’s access to critical care will not be delayed because of an onerous and time-consuming process. This bill passed in the House on March 23rd with a 103-2 vote and passed unanimously in the Senate on March 24th. I hope you support me and my decision to vote YES on. SB 247.

 

Voter Registration Application 

Last week in session, I voted NO on SB 302 that would require voter registration applications to now include a statement that the elector understands voting or attempting to vote more than once for the same election is a felony. I voted no this bill because it is unnecessary and misleading to the public. The Senate Republicans themselves found no evidence of fraud in any manner in the 2020 election. Later sections of the Michigan Election Law already state fraudulent voting, such as double voting in one election, is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of $2,000 maximum. Therefore, HB 302 has no actual impact – it is already illegal to vote more than once, and this is simply an effort to intimidate legitimate voters. SB 302 passed in the House on March 24th with a 62-40 vote and returned to the Senate for a final vote with the adopted H-1 substitute. I hope you support me and my decision to vote NO on SB 302.

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

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.

What to Do in HD 52

Teen Job Fair

Looking for a summer job to help save up money for college or the future? The Chelsea District Library is hosting a Teen Job Fair with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce to provide residents with the opportunity to meet with businesses in Chelsea who are hiring.

When: Saturday, April 9th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118

More Information: https://chelseadistrictlibrary.libnet.info/event/5971650

Helpful Resources

Where to get Help with your Taxes

If you have questions or need assistance with filing, your 2021 individual income taxes the following resources may be helpful:

Michigan Department of Treasury: (517) 335-7508 or www.michigan.gov/taxes

Michigan Statewide Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition: www.michiganeic.org/taxpayers

United Way: Call 2-1-1 to receive a list of places that provide free help with taxes.

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. Ypsilanti, MI 48198

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 Code: Vaccinate Washtenaw (if this number is busy call 734-773-0907)

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 4 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 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