Hello Friend,
It has been a difficult time in Lansing since my last e-newsletter, as my colleague, state Rep. John Kivela, passed away on May 9. The House of Representatives did not meet on May 10 or 11, but we have resumed business this week.
Please continue reading for updates on what we’ve been working on in Lansing and in our community below. As always, please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, concerns or ideas about legislation. You can contact me and my staff at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by visiting my website at RepLasinski.com.
Coffee Hour
Please join me for my next coffee hour to discuss what’s happening in Lansing and in Washtenaw County:
Monday, June 5, from 6-7 p.m.
Saline District Library
555 N. Maple Road, Saline
Don’t worry if you can’t make it — this email list will keep you up-to-date on future coffee hours. And of course, always feel free to call or email my office to ask questions or voice an opinion.
What To Do In HD 52
Chelsea Painters Art Fair
If you ever visit my Lansing office, you will see that I love art! I like looking for colorful, unique pieces from artists in Michigan. The Chelsea Painters 44th annual Art Fair is sure to offer just that! Head over to the courtyard at Silver Maples of Chelsea on June 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to check out what are sure to be beautiful paintings from local artists. For more information, go to http://chelseamich.com/event/chelsea-painters-44th-art-fair/2017-06-03/
Legislative Update
Budget
Budget negotiations are continuing in the Michigan Legislature. Both the House and the Senate passed their own budgets, but they now must work out the differences between them. Stay tuned for developments!
Honoring Nurses
This week, my bipartisan resolution to declare May 6-12, 2017, as Nurses Week in the state of Michigan was adopted in the House. Nurses Week began with National Nurses Day on May 6, and ended with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, on May 12.
This resolution, House Resolution 88, recognizes that supporting nurses’ ability to provide safe, quality care, and developing and maintaining a thriving nurse workforce, is of concern to all of us in Michigan. I was proud to have my colleagues in the House join me to honor the work and dedication of nurses around the world and here in Michigan.
To read the full text of HR 88, click here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2017-2018/resolutionadopted/House/pdf/2017-HAR-0088.pdf
To watch my floor speech on HR 88, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxS23pEoxy4 *
Rep. Kivela’s Final Bill
On Tuesday, our first day back in session after the passing of state Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette), the House voted 104-0 to pass his final bill, House Bill 4424. This bill, if passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, will increase fines for improper importation of carcasses or parts of deer, elk, moose, caribou and related species from another state with the known presence of chronic wasting disease. Preventing improper transportation of such items can help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease among deer and other animals, and I was proud to join all of my fellow representatives to sign on as a co-sponsor of this final bill of our friend.
Helpful Resources
Medigap
The Michigan Medigap Subsidy is a program aimed at helping older adults with limited incomes and individuals with disabilities cover some of their Medigap policy premiums and get more affordable access to the health care coverage they need.
The eligibility criteria have been changed so that individuals who make up to $26,730 or less and couples who make up to $36,045 (225 percent of the federal poverty level) can now apply. (The previous threshold was 150 percent of the federal poverty level).
The application period is ongoing, and applications can be accepted anytime. To learn more about the subsidy and apply, if eligible, visit MichiganMedigapSubsidy.com or call (866) 824-9772 toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Safe Biking
May is National Bike Month, and what beautiful weather we’ve had this week for biking! The Michigan Department of Transportation is reminding folks about how to bike safely and drive while sharing the road with bicyclists safely. Check out their website to find safety tips, laws surrounding driving safely around bicyclists, bike maps and other fun resources: www.michigan.gov/mdot-biking
I hope you’ve found the above information helpful and interesting! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts.