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Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone has been having a great summer since we last spoke! As the summer begins to wind down, Michigan House Democrats and I are eager to return to session and get back to work for 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 https://housedems.com/donna-lasinski/ with any questions, thoughts, or suggestions.
Federal Update
Passage of the CHIPS Act
Last week, on August 9th, I had the opportunity to join President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the CHIPS Act. The $280 billion bipartisan legislation will spur American production of computer microchips to expand domestic production and alleviate dependence on foreign manufacturing and international supply chains.
As Michigan is home to the nation’s largest producer of polysilicon, a vital component in the manufacture of electronic microchips, the CHIPS act is an incredible opportunity for our residents, economy, and job market. We have worked tirelessly to position our state as a place of tremendous manufacturing heritage as well as the home of our nation’s manufacturing future.
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. Executive Update
Increasing Child Care Resources
Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanded access to free or low-cost childcare to more than 150,000 additional kids and families. Just a few days later, she announced the launch of the third round of the Child Care Stabilization Grant program, which will award nearly $200 million to licensed childcare providers to strengthen their programs and help lower costs for working families. These two actions will work together to make childcare more affordable and accessible to Michigan families.
If you would like to review these programs further, I have included links to their press releases below:
Expanding Child Care to 150,000: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2022/08/09/40-percent-of-michigan-working-families-with-kids-under-12-eligible-for-free-or-low-cost-child-care
Child Care Stabilization Grants: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2022/08/10/whitmer-announces-third-round-of-child-care-grants
Governor Whitmer partnered with the Michigan Department of Education and Early Childhood Investment Corporation to create an online eligibility calculator. To learn if you are eligible for assistance with childcare costs, visit https://greatstarttoquality.org/calculator/.
Expansion of Michigan Reconnect Program Last week, Lt. Governor Gilchrist II celebrated a historic budget investment of $55 million to expand the Michigan Reconnect Program, which aims to help more Michiganders earn post-secondary degrees by reducing educational cost barriers. The Michigan Reconnect Program provides free or reduced community college tuition for students 25 and older who have not yet earned a college degree. Launched in February of 2021, Michigan Reconnect has accepted more than 100,000 Michiganders into the program and strives to grow Michigan’s economy by helping employers fill high-skilled job openings and putting Michiganders on a tuition-free path to higher education and skills training. To learn more, the Executive Office’s press release statement can be viewed here.
Upcoming Time with Donna
We are actively planning new coffee hour dates for the fall, and as soon as we have new information, we will share it here and on our social media pages. We are looking forward to seeing you in person!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/replasinski/
District Update
MDHHS Lifts No-Contact Order on the Huron River On Friday, August 12th, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lifted the no-contact order that was previously in place for portions of the Huron River affected by the Tribar Manufacturing spill. Together Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and DHHS concluding that the amount of Hexavalent Chromium released into the Huron River was much less than originally thought and was predominantly Trivalent Chromium, a micronutrient naturally present in our diets. Hexavalent Chromium was not detected in the majority of surface water samples that were taken and what few traces of Hexavalent Chromium that were detected were at or below state water quality standards. MDHHS and EGLE will continue sampling three times a week at multiple locations upstream of the Ann Arbor intake in Barton Pond to assure the safety of drinking water. You can view MDHHS’s press release on the lifting of the no contact order here. Additionally, below are various resources to learn more about how EGLE and DHHS are responding to the spill and keeping our water clean and safe. Sample Test Results Interactive Map EGLE’s Report on the Fate of the Hexavalent Chromium
What to Do in HD 52 Dexter Rolling Summer Rodeo (K-5) This weekend Dexter Cub Scout Pack 477 is hosting a Bike Rodeo! There will be an optional tour of Dexter depending on interest and skill level. Be sure to bring a bike/trike/scooter/roller wheels, helmet, water bottle, and a friend with you!
When: Saturday, August 20th, 10am-12pm Where: Anchor Elementary, 7480 Dan Hoey Rd Building A, Dexter, MI 48130, meet on the blacktop area of the playground More information: https://thesuntimesnews.com/g/dexter-mi/e/83479/rolling-summer-rodeo
Chelsea Community Fair August 23rd through 27th the Chelsea Community Fair is back! Join Chelsea and surrounding community residents down at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds for 4 days of fun!
When: August 23rd – 27th Where: 20501 W Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI, United States, Michigan More Information: http://chelseafair.org/index.html
Helpful Resources Do you know of any potholes that need fixing or road issues that need to be solved? The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) makes reporting non-emergency road problems fast and easy. On their website under “report an issue”, the WCRC Fix It tool allows you to choose where the issue is occurring, select a service category, and upload any additional details. Use this website to report an issue: https://www.wcroads.org/residents/report-an-issue/ For residents across Michigan, MDOT also has a reporting tool for potholes. https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/commuters/potholes To learn about local road work projects in your area, the WCRC has many useful resources on past, current, and upcoming road work. Under the Road Work & Construction tab, you can find a map of ongoing projects, a weekly road work schedule for each Washtenaw Township, and much more. Check out the links below for more info: Current Road Work and Construction: https://www.wcroads.org/road-work-construction/projects/ Weekly Road Work Schedule: https://www.wcroads.org/weekly-road-work-schedule/ Past Road Work and Construction Projects: https://www.wcroads.org/road-work…/past-projects/
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 only allowing walk-ins during clinic hours Monday-Friday 9am-11:30am and 1-3:30pm.
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 |
