Dear Neighbor,

The past few weeks have been busy in the House of Representatives, as we have been working on passing a variety of legislation that supports all Michiganders. I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming district events in the next few months.

As always, you can contact my staff and me by phone 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.

 

Legislative Update

Protecting Taxpayer Dollars

This week, I voted NO on Senate Bills 687 and 688, which would send Michigan taxpayer dollars primarily to private and religious schools while giving tax benefits to wealthy donors. This voucher program is not only unconstitutional but could cause the state’s general fund to take as much as a billion-dollar loss by the fifth year of the program, with zero proposals as to how the state would make up for this lost revenue. I hope you support me in my decision to vote no on SB 687 and SB 688.

Protecting Disabled Children

This week, I voted YES on House Bill 4071, which increases the penalty for abusing a disabled child. I voted yes because children with physical or developmental disabilities should have greater protection under the law. HB 4017 and a companion bill passed overwhelmingly on Wednesday, Oct. 27, and were referred to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Protecting Local Regulations

This week, I voted NO on House Bill 4722, which would ban local regulations on Airbnb-type rentals. This bill amends the law that authorizes local zoning restrictions on property owners to establish short-term rentals. I voted no because the bill would in part prevent local units of governments from enacting ordinances to regulate short-term rentals. I hope you support me in my decision to vote no on HB 4722.

Information continues to change rapidly, and we are working hard to share updates and information as quickly as possible on social media. Please take a moment to like and follow me on Facebook, as this is where information will first be shared.

Keeping You Informed

You may wish to sign up for committee notices in order to receive the most up-to-date information on bills. By doing so, you will receive notifications as soon as the committee chairs post the next meeting’s date and time, making you among the first to know when committees will be meeting and what legislation is placed on the agenda for debate. You can find the link to sign up here.

District Programs

Washtenaw County Weatherization Program

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) offers a free Weatherization Assistance Program, which is a residential energy saving program for income-qualified homeowners and renters. These services can reduce home energy use (and bills) by roughly 20% and increase the comfort of your home. Any resident of Washtenaw County who has a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for the program.

If you or anyone you know is interested in the weatherization program, please leave a voicemail at (734) 544-3008 or email maddoxp@washtenaw.org.

Huron River Watershed

If you are interested in keeping up to date with the health of the Huron River and its watershed throughout 67 local governments, you can sign up for the Huron River Watershed Council’s quarterly newsletter for updates on water quality, PFAS levels, fishing safety and so much more!

Sign up for the newsletter on the council’s website.

Upcoming Time with Donna

Come out and join me at my next coffee hour in December. We’ll talk about upcoming legislation and answer any questions you have on topics important to you.

 

When: Friday, Dec. 10, from 8-9 a.m.

Where: TBD — We will share the location or zoom information depending on the status of COVID-19 throughout the coming month.

What to Do in HD 52

Dexter Library In-Person Story Time for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Fall Story Times for children include picture, pop-up and interactive books, flannel-board stories, songs, puppets, finger plays and other activities that encourage a love of reading.

When: Monday, Nov. 8, from 11-11:30 a.m.

Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. in Dexter

More information can be found here.

Huron River Watershed Council’s Changemakers Bootcamp

At the upcoming online bootcamp, you’ll learn about the Huron River and its watershed, the impacts of development on clean water, how local governments can make policies to protect drinking water and preserve natural areas, and the many ways to connect with and influence the process!

When: Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m.

Where: The meeting will take place over Zoom

Sign-up Sheet: Find on the council’s website

Helpful Resources

Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washtenaw County

The Washtenaw County Health Department’s website has a list of the places in Washtenaw County you can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This list gives the location and any links needed to schedule your vaccine appointment. Find the list here.

 

COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources

You can receive continual updates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.

Washtenaw Community Mental Health (CMH)

A 24-hour crisis services and mobile crisis team that can assist navigating mental health care services. You can call or text the CARES team at (734) 544-3050.

I Want to Hear from You

During this challenging time, I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can we help you? Please, reach out to me at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Donna Lasinski

State Representative, House District 52