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.
Please know that due to house guidelines, we will not be sending any ENews letters until after the August Primary. If you need assistance you can always 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
Federal Meals Flexibilities Extended for Families Through The Summer
On Saturday, June 25th, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Keep Kids Fed bill into law. This Act will provide a three-month extension of free universal school meals, just days before current funds were set to expire on June 30th. With the passage of the bill, summer sponsors are allowed to serve free meals to all children during the summer months regardless of family income, including schools serving breakfast and lunch under the national school lunch and school breakfast programs. Extended school year programs and all meals served under the Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program are included as well. If you would like to read the full press release, click here.
Legislative Update
Polling Place Regulations
Last week in session, I voted YES on HB 6071 to expand the types of locations that qualify to be polling places during elections. Currently, publicly owned or controlled buildings must be used as polling places for elections, and this bill expands the allowed locations to include senior housing facilities. It also adds that if a suitable polling place is not available, the legislative body of a city or township may establish a polling place at any privately owned banquet or conference center or recreation clubhouse, as long it is not owned or sponsored by a political party or candidate. I voted yes on this bill because it will ensure there is an adequate number of polling locations available and provide localities with more flexibility in their selection. On June 21st, HB 6071 passed in the House with a 95-9 vote and has been referred to the Senate Elections Committee. I hope you support me and my decision to vote yes on HB 6071.
School Aid Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23
On Thursday, June 30th the Michigan Legislature passed a historical School Aid Budget for this upcoming fiscal year. Most notably, per-pupil funding was increased to $9,150, which is a $450 increase per student; school lunch funding was increased by $359 million; and funding for the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System increased by $1.4 billion.
Additionally, many new programs were created, such as the TRAILS program, the Purple Star program, and the Student Teacher Stipend. The TRAILS program will provide evidence-based mental health services by training school mental health professionals, and the Purple Star Program will provide $1.1 million to students who are moving as a result of having family in the military. The Student Teacher Stipend will pay $9,600 per semester to student teachers who are currently unpaid by their district to cover costs associated with student teaching such as tuition, living expenses or childcare.
Proper funding is critical for schools to educate and prepare our students for their futures, and as a former Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) Board member, I know that these investments in our students will benefit all every Michigander.
District Programs
Washtenaw County Clean-Up Days
The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office and Board of Public Works, as well as several community partners, sponsor multiple Clean-Up Days each year for Washtenaw County residents. These events are held in various locations throughout Washtenaw County to provide residents with opportunities to recycle and dispose of many household items in a safe and sustainable manner. The remaining dates are:
July 23rd – Lincoln High School, 9:00am-1:00 pm
July 30th – Saline High School, 9:00am-1:00 pm
August 27th – EMU Rynearson Stadium, 9:00am-1:00pm
All dates are free and open to the public. If you’re interested in volunteering during the event or need additional event details, visit the Washtenaw County website.
More information: https://www.washtenaw.org/2414/County-Clean-Up-Days
What to Do in HD 52
Manchester Library Book Donation Day
Donate your gently used books to the Friends of the Library Book Sale! All proceeds from the sale will benefit the library. The library recommends parking and entering the building from the back parking lot if you choose to donate.
When: Saturday, July 2nd 10:00am-12:00pm, Monthly on the First Saturday until Nov. 5th
Where: Manchester District Library, Village Room 912 City Rd. Manchester, MI 48158 More information: http://www.manchesterlibrary.info/event-calendar.html
Helpful Resources
Everbridge Notification System:
Washtenaw County uses the Everbridge notification system, to provide citizens with either a phone call, text, or email update on what’s happening in our neighborhoods. Everbridge allows local, county, and state agencies to stay in contact with Washtenaw County residents and business owners, providing them with community messages, public advisories, emergency updates, traffic advisories, and weather alerts. The Everbridge system is free and has an app for Android and iPhone users. You can Visit https://member.everbridge.net/454514914099298/new to sign up.
If you want additional information on the system, check out their FAQ page: https://member.everbridge.net/454514914099298/faq
DTE and Consumers Energy Reporting Tools:
Both DTE and Consumers Energy have helpful resources for monitoring and reporting power outages. Below are links to these resources:
DTE:
• To see if there is a power outage near you: https://outage.dteenergy.com/map
• To report an outage: https://outage.dteenergy.com/report-outage
• To report a downed power line call 9-1-1 and go to https://outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
Consumers Energy:
• To see if there is a power outage near you: https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap
• To report an outage: https://www.consumersenergy.com/outages/report-outage
• To report a downed power line call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050
If you see a downed wire: Always assume if the wire is not arcing and sparking, it is energized. The wire is always dangerous.
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. Ypsilanti, MI 48198 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 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