Hello Friends,
Summer is finally here, and I have a lot of events to share with everyone that showcases the wonderful places we live. I have begun my in-district work period and am excited to have more time to spend with you in House District 52. I look forward to touring local businesses, community resources, and attending community events. Speaking of events, the 4th of July is right around the corner, and I wish everyone safe travels and festivities as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
As always, you can contact 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. You can also follow my Facebook page for more frequent legislative updates and events around the district.
Legislative Update
Here I am introducing House Bills 6168 and 6169 to combat sexual trafficking/prostitution.
Human Trafficking
On the last day of session, House Bills 6155 through 6179 and House Bill 6184, were referred to the House Law and Justice Committee. I introduced two of the bills referred, HB 6168 and HB 6169. This bipartisan bill package builds off earlier bills on human trafficking to address the connection between human trafficking and prostitution, as well as to provide resources. The bills would allow human trafficking victims to expunge their records of non-violent crimes, create a victims’ fund and would change the term “prostitution” in state law to “commercial sex act.”
Expanding efforts to prevent human trafficking and raise awareness is just one key step in helping those who have been hurt and the families that have been ripped apart. Another key step is to change the conversation and removing harmful stigmas that current legal language perpetuates. I have always and continue to stand with survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Auto No-Fault
As Michiganders, we all want to pay less for our auto insurance, often cited as the most expensive in the nation. As a member of the House Insurance Committee, and as a mother of three young drivers, I know what a burden paying for auto insurance can be for families in our state.
I’ve heard from you in my office and around the community about how important fair and affordable auto insurance rates are to your household budgets. You deserve legislation that will lower your auto insurance rates without threatening the benefits you count on every day in case the worst happens.
That’s why I worked with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in Lansing to create a bipartisan, comprehensive no-fault reform package to provide a lasting fix to Michigan’s automobile insurance system. We know how important it is to lower rates, while still caring for those who need it most.
The Fair and Affordable No-Fault Reform package would prohibit non-driving rating factors, like credit score and education level, from being used to determine auto insurance rates. It also requires the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association to independently and publicly verify the appropriateness of its assessments. The proposed Fraud Prevention Authority is designed to halt bad actors who take advantage of auto accident victims and to hold accountable companies who knowingly deny legitimate claims. Additionally, the bipartisan package lowers health care prices for services for accident victims.
I am proud to be working on the Fair and Affordable No-Fault package that takes meaningful steps to reduce our auto insurance rates while protecting the comprehensive standard of medical care survivors and families rely on.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Freedom Township Coffee Hour
Join me for a Freedom Township Coffee Hour where we will have the opportunity to discuss legislative updates and what’s happening in Lansing and in Washtenaw County.
When: Saturday, July 14, from 10-11:00 a.m.
Where: Freedom Township Hall, 11508 E. Pleasant Lake Road in Manchester
Drafts with Donna
Join me for Drafts with Donna where I’ll have time to answer your questions and discuss policy coming up in Lansing.
When: Thursday, July 26, from 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Zou Zou’s Café Chelsea, 101 N. Main St. in Chelsea
Scio Township Coffee Hour
Join me for a Scio Township Coffee Hour where we will have the opportunity to discuss legislative updates and what’s happening in Lansing and in Washtenaw County.
When: Saturday, August 11, from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Joe and Rosie’s Creamery (Formerly Coffee House Creamery), 3780 Jackson Road, Unit C in Ann Arbor
What To Do In HD 52
BabyTime
Socialize and learn important skills with your baby or toddler. There will be singing songs, doing bouncy rhymes, learning some “baby signing” and reading along to fun board books in the first half of this program. In the second half, the toys come out. While the babies play, caregivers have a chance to socialize and exchange information.
When: Tuesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. in Chelsea
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
An annual event at Dexter District Library, which hosts a large variety of trucks and emergency vehicles for children and adults of all ages to experience, rain or shine. The parking lot will be closed during this event to allow freedom to browse, tour and talk to the owners and operators of the wonderful machines that make our lives easier and safer.
When: Friday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. in Dexter
Weekly Knit Night
Weekly drop-in knit night at the Manchester Library. All crafters welcome. Must bring own supplies.
When: Every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Manchester District Library, 912 City Road in Manchester
Red, White & Blue Color Run 5K/10K
A 5k and 10k run where the proceeds will go toward scholarships for the WLHS Graduating Seniors. Register or just show up to cheer participants on!
7 a.m. – Registration and Packet Pick-up
8 a.m. – 10K begins
8:15 a.m. – 5K begins
10:15 a.m. – Awards & Prizes
When: Saturday, June 30, from 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Whitmore Lake Middle School, 8877 Main St. in Whitmore Lake
Helpful Resources
Pension Problems?
Pension help is hard to find. When employers merge, move, file for bankruptcy, or cease to exist, pensions can be lost. Additionally, pension plans and laws are often complex and difficult to navigate without knowledgeable assistance. The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) provides free pension information and counseling services to Michigan residents without any age or income restrictions through Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. For more information, their website is www.elderlawofmi.org, and their phone number is (866) 735-7737. Another resource is for pension problems is Pension Help America (www.pensionhelp.org).
Need Answers?
United Way for Southeast Michigan can offer help 24 hours a day by calling 211 or by visiting their website at www.211.UnitedWaySEM.org. They have information and resources on a variety of topics such as utility and rent payment assistance, job search and placement, food, health and child care, housing and temporary shelters, prescription expense assistance, school-related programs, free tax preparation, and more. This is a great resource available to the residents of Southeast Michigan.
On the Hunt for a Good Job?
The Talent Investment Agency (TIA) is responsible for programs related to job preparedness, career-based education, skilled trades training, incumbent worker training, employment assistance, STEM programs, and more! TIA has two sub-agencies that deal specifically with Unemployment Insurance and Workforce Development. If you would like to participate in these programs or need help with unemployment insurance, TIA can be reached at (517) 373-1186 or through their website www.michigan.gov/tia.
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