Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone had a great week since we last spoke! 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 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.
Executive Update
Expanding Open Meetings Act
On Monday, May 2, Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 4705, which expands the Open Meetings Act to require state licensing boards, state commission panels and state rule-making boards to create and preserve audio recordings of their public meetings. HB 4705 will expand transparency, accountability and accessibility while ensuring that Michiganders have access to meetings and information.
Expansion of Medicaid Coverage for Moms and Babies
Gov. Whitmer announced on Monday, May 2, that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the expansion of Medicaid coverage for a full 12-month postpartum period to ensure the health and overall well-being of moms and babies across the state. This expansion is a critical piece of Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Moms, Health Babies initiative to ensure that every Michigander receives the care they need for a healthy pregnancy.
If you would like to review Governor Whitmer’s press release on the expansion, click here.
Legislative Update
Opioid Settlement
Last week in session, I voted YES on an opioid settlement bill package, which will collectively set up the framework for how the money from the opioid settlement will be spent.
As such, I voted YES on HB 5968, which would set up the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund within the Michigan Department of Treasury. I voted yes on this bill because it would create the framework for the state to spend and use the $18 million that we received in the opioid settlement to benefit our communities.
You may wish to sign up for committee notices 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. For your convenience, the link to the sign-up page is below:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0sq0jlmp14nw4vdjilzlwfcr))/mileg.aspx?page=listserverSignup
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.
District Programs
Free Blood Pressure Screenings in May to Raise Awareness and Prevent Strokes
The month of May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month! In support of this, the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation will be holding free blood pressure screenings throughout the month of May to raise awareness and prevent strokes. In addition to better understanding the risk factors for heart disease and strokes, those who attend a blood pressure screening will have the chance to win giveaways and prizes. Volunteer screeners from Henry Ford Health/Jackson, Chelsea Hospital and the community will be taking readings and referring those individuals at high risk for a medical evaluation. Locations and times below:
May 4 – Stockbridge Senior Center 10 a.m.-noon
May 7 – Dexter District Library at the Farmers market 9 a.m.-noon
May 13 – Stockbridge Open Air Market 4-7 p.m.
May 15 – Downtown Manchester 1-3 p.m.
May 18 – Grass Lake Farmers Market/Pavilion 4-7 p.m.
May 21 – Chelsea Farmers Market/Palmer Commons 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 25 – Dexter Senior Center 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Join me at my next coffee hour in June. We’ll talk about upcoming legislation and answer any questions you have on topics most important to you.
When: Friday, June 17, at 8 a.m.
Where: TBD
What to Do in HD 52
Dexter Area Museum Opens for 2022 Season
The Dexter Area Museum opens for the 2022 season today Friday, May 6. The opening exhibit is “Downtown Dexter Circa 1900” highlighting the South Main Street buildings and past merchants. You can view a variety of artifacts, genealogical and local history. The museum will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. through November.
When: Fridays and Saturdays 1-3 p.m.
Where: Dexter Area Museum 3443 Inverness St. in Dexter
More information: http://www.dexterhistory.org/
Helpful Resources
Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washtenaw County
The Washtenaw County Health Department hosts a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at their offices in Ypsilanti. All three FDA approved vaccines and boosters are available. Please note that you must now schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, the clinic is no longer providing walk-ins. If you would like to also receive the flu shot, you can request it at the same time. You can find more information here.
Where: Washtenaw County Health Department 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti.
When: Please sign up for a timeslot here.If no times are available, please check back as appointment slots are updated regularly.
The Washtenaw County Health Department’s website has a list of locations in Washtenaw County where 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.
Additionally, if you need assistance getting to a COVID-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County, you can book a FREE door-to-door ride through the AARP Ride@50+ Program. This program can be used by any person of any age in Washtenaw County.
Phone Number: 844-900-4892 Code: Vaccinate Washtenaw (if this number is busy call 734-773-0907)
We will continue to provide information for vaccination clinics throughout the district as they get scheduled.
Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order 4 free at home COVID-19 tests and are estimated to ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests here and have them when you need them.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. 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 provide assistance 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