Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is and continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what is 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) 373-1530, or email me at [email protected]. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Vote Post
Follow this link to see what we have been voting on. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-1530.
Constituent Resources
Gift Card Scams Consumer Alert
The Attorney General is reissuing her consumer alert on gift card scams as part of Money Smart Week. The Attorney General urges consumers to be cautious when someone claiming to represent a government agency, utility company or tech support, or even posing as a friend or family member in need asks consumers to make a payment using a gift card.
To avoid falling victim to gift card scams:
- Never use gift cards to pay debts: Gift cards are intended for giving – not for paying bills or fines
- Be skeptical of urgent payment requests: Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately.
- Verify claims independently: Contact the company or individual directly using verified contact information.
- Be cautious with online and phone interactions: Don’t share gift card details unless you are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
To report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, you may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-7599
Fax: (517) 241-3771
Toll-Free: (877) 765-8388
Community Update
Phase Three of Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program
Building on the success of the first two phases of Detroit’s Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA), the Mayor of Detroit and the Housing and Revitalization Department announced the opening of phase three applications. This third phase will provide up to $25,000 in downpayment and prepaid cost assistance to eligible Detroit residents, with expanded prioritization for households impacted by the 2023 flooding disaster.
To apply for this program, you must:
- Find your lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage.
- Find your home and have signed a purchase agreement.
- Take a homebuyer education class.
- Apply to the DPA Program.
To learn more about program details and eligibility requirements, and to apply, go to DetroitMI.gov/DPA or call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at (866) 313-2520 to be connected to program partners. The city will be utilizing Neighborly Software for applications. Staff will be on hand to help with applications.
Events
Coffee Hours
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. I host two coffee hours a month, one in-person and one virtual. The location for in-person coffee hours will rotate throughout the year between Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit. My May in-person coffee hour will be in Detroit at Motor City Java House (17336 Lahser Road, Detroit, MI 48219).
You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-Person: Saturday, May 9, from 2-3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, May 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
17th House District