Hello friends,
Hopefully, everyone enjoyed their long weekend and Memorial Day! It was an honor to participate in Memorial Day ceremonies and parades as we recognized the service, dedication and sacrifice that our veterans have made for us.
This coming Monday, I am hosting an area resource fair and town hall on Monday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Scio Township Hall, 827 N. Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor. The event will include a short discussion on civil conversations and how to tackle tough topics with those who don’t agree with you. Afterward, there will be time for Q&A with me, and to explore area resources about transportation, community safety, family preparedness, local business, and library services. The town hall welcomes all residents and will have resources from Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Manchester and across the 52nd House District and surrounding areas. I hope to see you there!
As always, you can contact my staff and me 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
Sexual Assault: Prevention, Protection, Accountability
In the aftermath of the tragedy at Michigan State University, I have received many calls, emails, and letters from you all, expressing your concerns. I wanted to take a moment to address them here and to encourage you to keep advocating on behalf of the survivors.
Our focus continues to remain on the survivors, and that includes working to ensure not only that they receive the support they need but that we’re able to prevent this from ever happening again. Along with several of my colleagues, I co-sponsored a legislative package aiming to eliminate sexual assault by working to fix broken systems in our state and ensure survivors are heard, respected and provided the space and resources needed to heal. However, our work is not done. We must be relentless in our pursuit of policies that support survivors and prevent sexual assault.
This past Thursday, the House of Representatives had the opportunity to vote on fourteen of the bills introduced in that package. These bills aim to modernize and strengthen the current structure while also providing sentencing guidelines, implementation methods, and training opportunities. I supported all fourteen bills that were voted on because I believe that we have a responsibility to do all that we can to prevent sexual assault, protect survivors, and improve accountability. All Michiganders deserve to live free from fear of sexual assault — not just at college, but in their workplaces and in our communities.
Upcoming Time with Donna
How a Community Comes Together: Town Hall & Area Resource Fair
Join me for a Town Hall and Area Resource Fair where we will have the opportunity to discuss the state of civil discourse while also exploring local area resources about transportation, community safety, family preparedness, local businesses, and library services.
When: Monday, June 4, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Scio Township Hall, 827 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor,
DTE Customer Assistance Day
Join me at Washtenaw Community College for DTE Customer Assistance Day. DTE and THAW are partnering in order to help with affordable monthly payment programs based on your income. Space is limited so please register beforehand at https://thawfund.org/events/.
When: Friday, June 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Scio Township Hall, 827 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor
What To Do In HD 52
Salem Township Flag Day Celebration
Salem Township will be hosting a variety of events in honor of Flag Day. Prior to a Flag Day parade, there will be the annual Flag Day 5K run/walk and then fireworks to see at dusk.
When: Saturday, June 2, Flag Day 5K run/walk, 8 a.m.
Flag Day Parade, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Flag Day 5k run/walk, Salem Elementary
School, 7806 Salem Road, Northville
Flag Day Parade, Downtown Salem
Jiffy Job Fairs hosted by Manpower
The Chelsea Milling Company (“JIFFY” mixes) will be hosting a job fair for all those interested.
When: Monday, June 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Milling Company, 201 W. North Street, Chelsea
National Diabetes Prevention Program
If you have pre-diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes, learn how to take small steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. Registration required by calling (734) 593-5276.
When: Wednesdays, June 6, 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, 775 S. Main Street, Atrium Conference Room C, Chelsea
Chelsea-Dexter 8th Annual Golf Outing
The Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce & The Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce are promising lots of fun as we tee off at one of Southeast Michigan’s premier golf courses. Even non-golfers are welcome to join!
When: Friday, June 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pierce Lake Golf Course, 1175 South Main Street, Chelsea
Helpful Resources
Energy Assistance Matters to Michigan
Did you know that 490,529 Michigan households received energy assistance benefits in 2016? Both Consumers Energy and DTE offer Payment Assistant Programs to help pay your energy bills. Consumers Energy offers three different programs: Budget Plan, Pay My Way, and Third Party Notification. DTE also offers three programs to assist with this problem: Home Energy Consultation, Customer Assistance Days, and Gift of Energy. As the Democratic vice-chair of the House Energy Policy Committee, I encourage those in need to take advantage of these programs by contacting Consumers Energy (www.ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance) or DTE (www.dteenergy.com/assistance) directly.
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help?
Every day, hundreds of Americans are affected by sexual violence. Michigan is no different, but there are resources available. For those in Washtenaw County, there is the Ann Arbor DV Project / SafeHouse Center and the Washtenaw County Child Center. The Ann Arbor DV Project / SafeHouse Center can be reached at (734) 973-0242 or, in the event of an emergency, (734) 995-5444. For more information, please visit their website at www.safehousecenter.org. The Washtenaw County Child Advocacy Center in Ypsilanti that can also be reached at (734) 544-2905.
I hope you have found this information helpful. As always, feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do for you.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski
52nd House District