Hello Friends,
We’ve had an incredibly busy few weeks! This week alone, Gov. Whitmer gave her State of the State address, followed by the national response to the President’s State of the Union address, and then presented her Executive 2021 Budget Proposal.
Gov. Whitmer proposed a state budget prioritizing the needs of our students and infrastructure. All over our community in District 52, people have talked to me about the need for improving education, fixing our roads and making sure we have clean drinking water. Gov. Whitmer’s budget proposal addresses these issues head on. I will be watching closely as the House and Senate appropriation teams prepare their budget proposals. You can watch the full budget proposal on the Governor’s website here.
It’s important to remain engaged and keep our office updated if you have any questions or opinions about our state or community. 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
State of the State
Gov. Whitmer proposed real solutions to many of the issues in our state. Her plan ensures that all Michiganders have access to clean drinking water, affordable health care and safe, reliable roads. I’m looking forward to working with Gov. Whitmer and my colleagues in the Legislature to put Michigan back on track.
Budget Proposal
Gov. Whitmer’s 2021 State Budget Proposal ends decades of shell games that have been used to simply take money from one pocket, only to put it in a different pocket and call it “progress”. Her proposal includes a record increase in per-pupil funding so that our students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed. It prioritizes cleaning up our drinking water and combatting the effects of climate change so we can build a stronger, more sustainable future. Her budget also shows her understanding of the challenges faced by working families by expanding access to childcare services for thousands of Michigan kids.
2020 Census
The 2020 Census is one of the largest and most important undertakings in the U.S. 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
▪ ▪ ▪
District Spotlight
I had two amazing groups of students from Heritage Elementary in Saline come to the Capitol. I was lucky enough to catch up with them, show them where I vote on legislation and answer their questions.
I was glad to have Beth Collins from the Coalition for Action on Remediation of Dioxane (CARD) as my State of the State guest. She and CARD are leaders in making sure polluters are held accountable to ensure we have clean drinking water.
Upcoming Time With Donna
Coffee Hours
We will continue to host coffee hours this year, with my first one coming up later this month! I look forward to meeting with you in the community to give legislative updates and discuss the issues that are most important to you and the community.
Manchester Coffee Hour
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to Noon.
Where: Manchester Village Room, 912 City Road in Manchester.
Saline Coffee Hour – With Saline Mayor Brian Marl
When: Friday, March 13, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Where: Saline City Hall, 100 N. Harris St. in Saline.
▪ ▪ ▪
What to Do in 52
Have some winter fun by attending great local community events! Here are a few to check out.
Winter Birding
Join a group to find some of the hardier bird species that decide to stay here for the winter. Dress for the weather. No birding experience is necessary. There will be a limited supply of binoculars and field guides available to borrow during the program. Please pre-register, by calling (734) 426-8211.
When: Monday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. – Noon.
Where: Hudson Mills Metropark, Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Road in Dexter.
Tracking a Snowman
Go on an adventure to find the snowman in the Hudson Mills Metroparks trails. The program ends with you being able to make and decorate your own snowman.
When: Saturday, Feb 15, at 10 a.m.
Where: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road in Dexter.
Waterloo Recreation Area – Lantern-lit Ski and Snowshoe Hike
It is a .5-mile loop for cross-country skiers and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing, both will be lit. There will be a campfire and hot cocoa to warm up in between laps. A few pairs of snowshoes are available on a first come, first served basis. No registration needed.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea.
Saline Indoor Farmers Market
Every Saturday till April, Saline has their Winter Indoor Farmers Market.
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, at 9 a.m.
Where: Liberty School,7265 N. Ann Arbor St. in Saline.
▪ ▪ ▪
Resources
Registering to Vote
We are having elections this year, and it is important that we vote. Since the passing of Proposal 2, you can now vote by mail, register to vote online and vote early. Follow the links for all your information about voting in Michigan:
Register online Voting By Mail
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).
Phone: (734) 677-7235
▪ ▪ ▪
I hope that this information has been helpful and that we will see you at future events this year.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski