Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.

If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-3920 or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.

Legislative Update

Progressive Women’s Caucus: Domestic Violence Package

Last week, I was proud to stand with my colleagues in the Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) in a press conference to unveil a package of bills to prevent domestic violence, support survivors and help protect survivors from further abuse. Since the beginning of the pandemic, domestic violence rates have soared, leaving shelters overburdened and resources stretched thin. Survivors face discrimination, fear and other challenges long after their abuse has ended. Domestic violence impacts nearly every aspect of a survivor’s life, and these bills take real steps to ensure they can protect themselves and rebuild their lives.

For more information on the legislation that was introduced, please click here.

Domestic Violence Package

Closing the Marital Rape Loophole

This week, I testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of House Bill 4699, which closes a loophole in MI law that allows for marital rape if the spouse is mentally incapacitated. It’s long past due that we eliminate this exemption, and I am grateful to my colleagues for their attention to this issue.

HB 4699

Session

To see what we’ve been voting on over the past couple of weeks, please click here. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-3920 or lauriepohutsky@house.mi.gov.

Community Update

Bulk Leaf Pick-Up

Bulk leaf pick-up has started in Livonia and will continue through Dec. 4. The city of Livonia would like to remind residents that grass and twigs are not included in these pick-ups. Please avoid putting the leaves into plastic bags or raking them into ditches. Pick-up schedules can be found either on the red scheduling signs three to six days before the pick-up in your neighborhood, or you can view the entire schedule here.

Legislative Check-Ins

It is crucial that the voices of our community be heard in Lansing. So far, I have had great conversations about the importance of investing in education, repairing our economy and expanding access to quality, affordable health care. My team and I will be out in the district throughout the fall as well, and we look forward to meeting you!

In the Community

Constituent Resources

Unemployment Update: Work Registration Requirement

Based on legislation that passed earlier this year, new filers for unemployment benefits will again be required to register for work beginning Nov. 7.

It’s a two-step process for claimants:

  • Create a Pure Michigan Talent Connect job search profile at MiTalent.org.
  • Set up an appointment, either in person or virtual, at a local Michigan Works! office.

Claimants can find a Michigan Works! location by calling (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or going to MichiganWorks.org.

The two steps must be completed and verified at least one business day before a claimant certifies for the first time to receive unemployment benefits; otherwise there could be a delay in receiving benefits.

In addition to work registration, claimants must complete at least one work search activity and report it to UIA during their biweekly certification.

Click here for more information.

Events

Coffee Hours

Coffee Hours

I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming in-person and virtual coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. The in-person coffee hour will be held at Coffee + Cream here in Livonia, and for virtual coffee hours, you can join the live stream on my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/RepPohutsky

In-person: Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2–3 p.m.

Virtual: Monday, Nov. 22, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,

Laurie Pohutsky

State Representative

19th House District