Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone has been having a great summer since we last spoke! The past few weeks have been busy while we have been working and connecting with constituents across the district. 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
Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Update
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan state budget that totals $76 billion for fiscal year 2023 and delivers on some of the most pressing issues Michiganders face today. The 2023 budget does not raise taxes by a dime, pays down billions in debt, brings Michigan’s rainy day fund to an all-time high of $1.6 billion, increases base per-pupil funding to $9,150, and appropriates funds to rebuild our roads, bridges, highways and water infrastructure.
We have made game-changing investments for every student and classroom, empowered working families and connected communities, while growing Michigan’s economy and empowering its workforce, protecting public health and enhancing public safety.
Of the $76 billion, $15.2 billion was appropriated for the general fund, $17.5 billion for the school aid fund, $180 million for the Budget Stabilization Fund, and various one-time funding amounts were allocated for projects across the state.
This is a strong budget for the people of Michigan and puts our dollars in direct support of hardworking Michiganders and their families. House Democrats have fought for years to secure this level of investment in our children’s education, public safety and emergency response personnel. We are proud to deliver this funding.
You can read more about the contents of the budget here.
Legislative Update
Access to Opioid Antagonists
On July 21, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5166 into law. HB 5166 enables the chief medical executive to issue a standing order, that does not identify a particular patient, for the purpose of allowing a community-based organization (or staff member) to distribute opioid antagonists to individuals. I voted YES on HB 5166 when it was before the House of Representative because it will make naloxone more accessible and available to individuals who are experiencing an overdose. I hope you support me and my decision to vote yes on HB 5166.
Youth Tobacco Act
Additionally, on July 21, Gov. Whitmer signed into law House Bills 6108 and 6109, as well as Senate Bills 576 and 577, otherwise known as the Tobacco 21 package, which will amend the age for which tobacco products can be distributed to from 18 to 21. I voted YES on this bill package because these bills update state law to reflect the current federal law regarding the minimum age for use of tobacco products. I hope you support me and my decision to vote yes on the Tobacco 21 package.
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. For your convenience, the link to the sign-up page is here.
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 Update
We recently learned that several thousand gallons of hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, were released into the Huron River. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that people and pets avoid contact with the Huron River between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County.
Anticipated travel of the contaminate to the Ann Arbor area is estimated to take several weeks, and because Ann Arbor is the closest drinking water intake from the Huron River, city officials have been notified and are taking steps to monitor the water.
If you would like additional information on this, I have included links to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) press releases here and here.
If you have questions regarding the potential health effects or exposure to hexavalent chromium, please call the MI Toxic Hotline at (800) 648-6942, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended hours will be offered this weekend, Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please know that my office is in contact with EGLE, and we will continue to communicate additional information as soon as we know it.
Upcoming Time with Donna
We are actively planning new coffee hours for the fall. As soon as we have confirmed dates and times, we will share them here and on our social media pages. We look forward to seeing you in person soon!
What to Do in HD 52
Manchester United Methodist Church Outdoor Movie Nights
This August, Manchester United Methodist Church, located at 501 Ann Arbor St., is again hosting Outdoor Movie Nights! For three weeks, they’ll be showing free family-friendly movies on a big screen, the first showing being Disney’s Moana (2016). Bring a lawn chair, a blanket and some snacks!
When: Fridays in August, starting on Aug. 12 at 9 p.m.
Where: MUMC parking lot behind the church, next to Klager Elementary
For more information, click here.
Chelsea Fresh Air Market
For its 46th anniversary, #shopchelseamich merchants will welcome residents and visitors to enjoy a “Fresh Air Market — Fashion & Home Show.” This event has historically been “Sidewalk Sales.” Businesses will be featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind specials, new inventories, menu items and beverages. In addition, there are two unique events, a Scavenger Hunt and a Fashion & Home Show. The Fashion & Home show will be on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. at Palmer Commons.
When: Aug. 19-20, starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Chelsea
More Information: click here.
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. 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 the 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 Department of Health and Human Services 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