Hello friends,
The House of Representatives has seen a busy last two weeks for auto insurance reform. I am working hard as Democratic vice chair of the Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates to ensure that we guarantee lower rates and protect quality coverage. Over the last four months, I have been working across the aisle to find a comprehensive, bipartisan solution. When bills were rushed through the House and Senate that failed to include anything we had discussed in the Select Committee, I knew that we must do better for the people of Michigan.
That’s why my Democratic colleagues and I unveiled our D.R.I.V.E. plan today, which encompasses ideas and legislation that the Select Committee already vetted for their effectiveness. By tackling fraud, addressing fair medical costs, and increasing consumer protection, we can reduce car insurance rates by 40 percent for all Michigan drivers while still protecting the quality coverage we rely on. This is the comprehensive reform that Michigan communities have been asking for.
I value your thoughts on this process. If you’d like to share your input, my office reachable by phone at (517) 373-0828, by email or by coming to one of our District events. Upcoming coffee hours, celebrations and town halls are listed below, and I would love to see you there.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Supporting Teachers
Michigan schools are vital to our communities and prepare students for a promising future. I have been a proponent of protecting the School Aid Fund and fully supporting our schools, but teachers are still asked to bear the costs of classroom materials too often. According to Education Week, the average American teacher spends nearly $500 a year on classroom supplies, which is why I support House Bill 4582 to provide a tax credit to teachers who pay out of pocket for supplies. While we work for a more permanent fix, this will provide relief for educators who need to balance their checkbooks while they provide our children the world-class education they deserve.
Michigan’s D.R.I.V.E. Plan
It is time that we put Michigan back into drive. With our new D.R.I.V.E. plan, we can finally have a comprehensive solution to our auto insurance crisis by Delivering Reduced Auto Insurance Rates and Value to Every Michigander. Our new plan will reduce car insurance costs by 40 percent on your entire bill and keep the healthcare protection that our citizens have come to rely on by ending insurance fraud, reducing lawsuits, creating fair medical costs, and increasing cost transparency among other measures.
Keeping Vape Pens Out of the Hands of Minors
As a mother with three sons, I know how much hard work parents put into keeping their children healthy. Unregulated vaping products that use nicotine are becoming more common among young adults in Michigan. Although they are perceived to be a safer alternative to cigarettes, they pose significant health issues of their own through particle inhalation and nicotine addiction. Because of this, I voted in support of Senate Bills 106 and 155 that help prevent the sale of vaping products to minors.
Upcoming Time with Donna
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Coffee Hour at Carrigan Cafe
When: Friday, May 17, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Carrigan Café, 101 S. Ann Arbor St. #107 in Saline
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Coffee Hour at Manchester Library
When: Saturday, June 1, from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Manchester Library, 912 City Road in Manchester
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District Spotlight
At the Veteran Resource Fair this last week, I was excited to swing by the Fisher House booth. They are an organization that works to house the families of veterans while their loved one undergoes medical care nearby. After testifying in support of opening at Fisher House in Ann Arbor last year, I am excited to say they will be breaking ground on June 14!
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What to Do in 52
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Chelsea’s Annual Memorial Day Parade
Chelsea is hosting its annual Memorial Day parade that will begin in the downtown city municipal parking lot and head south on Main Street, turn east on Park Street, turn north on East Street and lastly turn east on Middle Street and continue until it reaches Oak Grove. The parade will feature historical and holiday attractions for children and families.
When: Monday, May 27, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Chelsea, 310 N. Main St. in Chelsea
Dexter’s Memorial Day Parade
Dexter will be hosting its Memorial Day parade on Ann Arbor, Central and 5th Streets. Join us in honoring the fallen soldiers of our country and in celebrating our strong community.
When: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
Where: Ann Arbor St. in Dexter
Saline Memorial Day Parade
Saline is hosting its Memorial Day parade that will be starting at Harris Street and Michigan Avenue and will end at Oakwood Cemetery. At the cemetery a ceremony and speeches will take place to honor the fallen soldiers of our country.
When: Monday, May 27, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Michigan Avenue and Oakwood Cemetery in Saline
Resources
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Grants for Medical Care Centers
If you know of a medical clinic or dental center in your area that could use a grant to expand their services, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Strengthening the Safety Net Grant might be available to them. Applications for qualifying care providers are due June 7, 2019. For more information, you can review their grant information here.
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.
I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski