Hello friends,
Last week, we were reminded that winter is here! But even with the snow and cold, we are right back in the swing of things here in Lansing! Important legislation is moving and Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State is next week.
In the State of the State, we’ll hear from the Governor about her priorities for the year, and I want to hear yours.
My office is reachable by phone at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by coming to one of our upcoming district events. As always, please find upcoming coffee hours, celebrations and town halls listed below. I would love to see you there and I always look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Holding Polluters Accountable
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel announced their lawsuit against 17 companies accused of knowingly and intentionally selling, supplying and manufacturing PFAS and PFAS-containing materials in Michigan.
The lawsuit seeks damages from these companies to clean-up the 74 sites across Michigan that have PFAS contamination in the groundwater greater than 70 ppt. Four of these sites are right here in Washtenaw County. This action are critical. We need to repair our streams, rivers and lakes, because cannot eat the fish we catch in our own community.
State of the State
The State of the State is Wednesday, Jan. 29. Gov. Whitmer will outline her priorities for the year. I am looking forward to hearing her proposals on how we can guarantee access to clean drinking water, fix our roads and improve our education system.
2020 Census
The 2020 Census is one of the largest and most important undertakings in the US. This is why the U.S. Census Bureau is looking for workers. The Census Bureau offers competitive rates of about $20 per hour. To apply, visit this link: https://2020census.gov/en/jobs
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District Spotlight
I was able to tour and meet with a wonderful group of young people at the Neutral Zone. We were had a chance to see their great facility and to learn about the issues that are most pressing to our youth.
We had a full house at my Scio Coffee Hour. It was great to talk about the upcoming budget season, legislation, what I’m working on (broadband expansion) and the upcoming State of the State.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I attended the University of Michigan’s MLK Symposium breakfast with Congresswoman Dingell and William Hampton, NAACP President for the Ann Arbor area. I had the chance to attend Dr. Angela Davis’s lecture about advocacy and the legacy of MLK.
This Thursday I had the chance to see and meet with some constituents and members of R.O.A.D. (Reclaim Our American Democracy) during their Lansing advocacy day.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Coffee Hours
The winter storm forced us to cancel my Dexter Coffee Hour when the library had to close. I am working on rescheduling. These are my upcoming dates and I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing from you.
Chelsea Coffee Hour
When: Monday, Feb. 3, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main Street in Chelsea
Manchester Coffee Hour
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to Noon
Where: Manchester Village Room, 912 City Road in Manchester
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What to Do in 52
Have some fun attending great local community events! Here are a few to check out.
Saline Indoor Farmers Market
Every Saturday till April, Saline has their Winter Indoor Farmers Market.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Liberty School (7265 N Ann Arbor St) in Saline
Ice Skating Party
While the winter is here, take time to relax, enjoy some hot chocolate and ice skate. The Annual Manchester Men’s Club Ice Skating Party is open and free to all! No skates are provided.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Wuster Park,215 W. Main St. in Manchester
How to Protect Land Free Workshop
What will our community look like in 20 years? If you want to plan for a livable and thriving community, this workshop will focus on how to protect natural areas and farmlands in the Chelsea, Lima, and Sylvan areas. RSVP to Kris Olsson at kolsson@hrwc.org
When: Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Lima Township Hall, 11452 Jackson Road in Dexter
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Resources
Washtenaw County Weatherization Assistance Program
This is a free residential energy conservation program created to provide home improvement services to low-income Washtenaw County homeowners and renters.
The program is open to both homeowners and renters, although renters have to meet additional requirements (apartments are not eligible). Any resident of Washtenaw County that has an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level is eligible.
Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/773/Home-Weatherization-Program
Call: (734) 544-3008
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Behavioral Health
MDHHS will be holding five public forums throughout the state and online during the beginning of this year to discuss the future of behavioral health for the state of Michigan. This will be especially beneficial for individuals or families who are served by the Medicaid-funded behavioral health system in Michigan.
There are no forums scheduled for Washtenaw County, but there will be a virtual forum and the event information for that is below. For more information and to register, visit the website here.
Online Forum
When: Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: The link for this virtual forum will be posted here at the end of January.
United Way of Washtenaw County Free Tax Preparation Help
As the new year begins, we also need to start preparing to file our 2019 taxes. The United Way of Washtenaw County offers free tax preparation help to those who are eligible. To see if you are eligible for their tax preparation help, please visit the website below. If you are eligible, you can schedule your appointment online or call the phone number below.
Please note that they will only be able to help with the 2019 tax filing year. Prior years will be on hold until spring 2020 (after this tax season).
Website: https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/freetaxhelp
Phone: (734) 677-7235
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I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events this year.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski