Hello friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying Michigan’s legendary changing weather. Despite the temperature drop, the Michigan Legislature is enjoying our spring recess. I’ve been working in the district these past two weeks, but I will be back in Lansing on next week working hard on behalf of everyone in HD52.
Last week, I was happy to finish off March is Reading Month by heading to Salem Elementary. I read to multiple classrooms and presented a state flag to students. Remember, just because March is over, doesn’t mean you should stop reading.
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. Remember, I am here to represent you, and I do my job better when I know what issues are important to you.
Legislative Update
Budget Season
Budget season is upon us here in Lansing, and that means it is time for the Legislature to make involved, educated and responsible decisions on how we’re going to craft a budget that works for everyone in our state. My top priorities are roads and infrastructure, education funding to reduce class sizes and improve education resources for a 21st century education, maintaining Healthy Michigan, and creating a fair tax system.
The governor has presented his recommendation, and the next step is to have the House and Senate respond with their recommendations. If you have a priority that I need to know about – please contact me soon.
As I review and participate in the negotiations, I will keep your advocacy and letters to my office in mind, stressing that improving our local roads, protecting our water and air quality, strengthening our schools and expanding affordable broadband are important to you. I’m going to fight to make sure our budget reflects that.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Reproductive Health Care Town Hall
Come join me, state Sen. Rebekah Warren, and special guests from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. We’ll be discussing the Progressive Women’s Caucus’ Contraceptive Access Bill Package, hearing from women’s health care practitioners about what they see as the current state of contraceptive access and reproductive health care, and getting input from citizens about how this affects their everyday lives.
When: Saturday, April 7, from 3-4:30 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Where: Scio Township Hall, 827 N. Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor
Drafts with Donna in Dexter
Join me for the second Drafts with Donna event. I’ll be there to answer your questions and discuss policy coming up in Lansing.
When: Thursday, April 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Null Taphouse, 2319 Bishop Cir E in Dexter
Budget Town Hall
I hope you can join me for my upcoming Budget Town Hall meeting! We will have a robust discussion on what the state’s budget process looks like and what we need to do to address our failing infrastructure.
When: Monday, April 23, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Chelsea District Library McKune Room, 221 S. Main St. n Chelsea
What To Do In HD 52
Mom2Mom Spring Sale Event
Come find gently used maternity, baby, or children’s clothing and toys!
When: Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Chelsea First Methodist Church, 208 Park St. in Chelsea
Microsoft Word Class
In this class, you will learn how to create basic documents using Word 2016. You will practice different ways to duplicate, move, and edit text. Additionally, you will learn to download and use document templates.
Registration is required. Call (734) 426-4477 and speak to the Adult Reference desk to register.
Location: Dexter District Library – 2nd Floor Computer Lab
Contact: swright@dexter.lib.mi.us
When: Thursday, April 12, from 9-11 a.m.
Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. in Dexter
Helpful Resources
Michigan 2-1-1
Supported by the United Way, 2-1-1 is a free service linking people with information or agencies for help with energy assistance, high utility bills, and other needs. The calls are confidential, and answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Tax Season Assistance
I know that filing your taxes can often be difficult and confusing. This year, taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 17, to file both their federal and state income tax return for tax year 2017. Here are a few resources you might consider using to help you meet this deadline.
For qualifying residents, United Way of Washtenaw County provides a free tax preparation service to work one-on-one with you to provide basic tax return preparation and electronic filing. You can find sign up for assistance online here or by scheduling an appointment by calling 734-677-7235.
There is also an IRS-sponsored program to help any taxpayer with an income of less than $54,000 prepare and file their federal, Michigan and city taxes for free! Any eligible taxpayer can have an IRS-trained, and certified tax volunteer prepare and e-file their federal, state and local income tax returns at no cost. There are also several do-it-yourself options that are free for taxpayers to use. More detailed information, including the availability of all the different services offered throughout the state, is available by visiting http://michiganfreetaxhelp.org or by dialing 2-1-1.
I hope you’ve found this information useful. As I’ve said before, please feel free to reach out to my office with any comments or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski
52nd House District