Hello Friend,
I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. I am excited to be home during the holiday with my family eating delicious food and acknowledging all we have to be thankful for.
Though the holiday season is upon us the Michigan Legislature is still in action. Please keep reading to learn more.
Of course I have also included information about my upcoming in-district events, fun things happening in our communities, and helpful resources. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office and me with any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions at (517) 373-0828 or donnalasinski@house.mi.gov.
Coffee Hours
I still have quite a few community events on my schedule that are quickly approaching! You are always welcome to come to any of the coffee hour events to learn more about my work in the Michigan Legislature.
Whitmore Lake Coffee Hour
Thursday, Nov. 30
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Peaberry Bean & Beats
152 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake
Scio Township Coffee Hour
Monday, Dec. 18
8-9 a.m.
Coffee House Creamery
3780 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
Stay tuned for a schedule of events for 2018!
Legislative Update
Senate Bills to Allow Concealed Weapons in Gun-Free Zones
Senate Bills 584-586 were passed this month in the Michigan Senate and would allow people who have had an additional eight hours of firearms training to carry concealed pistols on certain premises that had previously been classified as gun-free, including day care centers, schools, sports arenas, bars, hospitals, college campuses and places of worship.
While these bills have not yet come before me in the House of Representatives for a vote, I have serious concerns about this legislation. Guns in elementary schools and concealed weapons mixed with alcohol being served are not a desired vision of the future of our community that I hear from constituents. I welcome your thoughts, opinions, and questions on these bills.
Insurance Consumers Protection Package
If you’ve been keeping up with my e-newsletters, you know I’ve been hard at work on the Fair and Affordable No-Fault Reform plan to lower auto insurance rates while protecting coverage for drivers. But the work doesn’t stop there! On Nov. 9, I joined Reps. Moss, Gay-Dagnogo and Cochran to introduce legislation to better protect consumers shopping for all types of insurance. My bill specifically would direct the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services to publish coverage and premium comparisons online for shoppers to use when looking for the best plans for themselves and their families. Go to my website at RepLasinski.com to learn more.
What To Do In HD 52
Christmas Tree Sale in Manchester
If you celebrate Christmas, you can get a start on decorating right after Thanksgiving! The Village of Manchester is hosting a sale of Christmas trees Nov. 26, at noon. Bring the family to Chi Bro Park near downtown to find your perfect tree.
Hometown Holiday in Chelsea
Kick off the holiday season in Chelsea with the annual Hometown Holiday weekend! Chelsea will be hosting a variety of fun, family-friendly events the first weekend of December. To learn more about what Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday has in store for you, go to: https://chelseafestivals.com/wp-content/uploads/2017_HTH_Brochure1.pdf?e3bc8f
Christmas Parade in Saline
Once again, the Christmas Parade in Saline is taking place Dec. 2, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Come out with your family and friends to enjoy the beginning of the holiday season in Saline. Don’t forget to bundle up!
Helpful Resources
Getting Health Care Coverage
As I mentioned in last week’s edition, open enrollment for the federal healthcare exchange began Nov. 1. Unlike previous years, open enrollment this year will end on Dec. 15. That leaves less than a month and a half to get covered! If you get your insurance through the marketplace, or will be uncovered by your current insurance for any reason next year, don’t forget to visit healthcare.gov to shop around and enroll before it’s too late.
To get help enrolling, visit healthcarecounts.org. Their webpage has a whole list of agencies right here in Washtenaw County that can help you navigate Medicaid, Medicare, the federal exchange, MIChild, and insurance offered through your employer to find out what might be best for you and your family. You can also call to make an appointment to talk with someone about your options by calling (734) 544-3030.
Stay Warm, and Save Money
As the weather becomes cold you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient, saving money and keeping you cozy. You may also be able to receive home improvements, including furnace upgrades, through Washtenaw County. Find out more information on this program here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/community-and-economic-development/news/2017/heating-bills-giving-you-chills
As always, I hope you have found this information helpful. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Donna