Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.

If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-3920 or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.

Legislative Update

Pohutsky Named as Speaker Pro Tempore

This week, Speaker-elect Joe Tate announced the members of the House of Representatives leadership team for the 102nd Legislature.

The following Representatives will compose the leadership team:

  • Speaker of the House: state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit).
  • Speaker Pro Tempore: state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia).
  • Associate Speaker Pro Tem.: state Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker).
  • Associate Speaker Pro Tem.: state Rep.-elect Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids).
  • Majority Floor Leader: state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck).
  • Assistant Majority Floor Leader: state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt).
  • Assistant Majority Floor Leader: state Rep.-elect Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti).
  • Assistant Majority Floor Leader: state Rep.-elect Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City).
  • Majority Whip: state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton).
  • Deputy Whip: state Rep.-elect Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor).
  • Deputy Whip: state Rep.-elect Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn).
  • Caucus Chair: state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw).
  • Caucus Vice Chair: state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit).
  • Caucus Vice Chair: state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac).
  • Caucus Vice Chair: state Rep.-elect Jasper Martus (D-Flushing).

Going into the 102nd Legislature, it is vital we have a leadership team that reflects the diversity of our state and is led by public servants who voice the issues that matter most to the people of Michigan. Speaker-elect Tate will make history as the first Black Speaker of the House, and that commitment to record-breaking diversity and unprecedented community representation continues in his nominations for this leadership team. Our agenda, one that works for all Michiganders, is in strong and passionate hands. I am excited and humbled to be a part of it.

Session

To see what the Legislature voted on during our most recent session day, please click here. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-3920 or lauriepohutsky@house.mi.gov.

Constituent Resources

Treasury Provides Special Benefits to Military Members and Veterans

The state of Michigan extends its gratitude to current and former military members by reminding them of the special benefits they may be entitled to receive through the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Current and former military members may be eligible to receive:

  • Military Pay Tax Exemption: Military pay is exempt from Michigan tax, including military retirement benefits and exit and separation pay.
  • Children of Veterans Tuition Grant: This program provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of Michigan veterans who were totally and permanently disabled, missing in action or died while serving. Students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four-academic years for a total of up to $11,200.
  • Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: A property tax exemption for real property used and owned as a homestead as outlined in state law.
  • Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) for Active-Duty Military Personnel: Property owners can retain a PRE while on active duty if their property is rented or leased.
  • Property Tax Relief during Active Military Service: Property owned by a serviceperson cannot be sold to pay delinquent property taxes during a tour of active duty.
  • Summer Property Tax Deferment: A service member, veteran or widow/widower whose income outside of military compensation is no more than $7,500 per year may be eligible for a summer property tax deferment.
  • Federal Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: The spouse of an individual in the military may not be subject to the state’s taxation if they are a nonresident of the state, the service member is present in the state due to military orders, the spouse is solely in the state to accompany the service member and the spouse maintains a permanent home in another state. This act was amended in December 2018 to allow military spouses to elect the same state of domicile as their service member spouse, even if they are not present in that state.

Community Update

City of Livonia Bulk Leaf Pick-Up Going on Through Dec. 10

Livonia’s Department of Public Works Leaf Teams are currently a little behind on leaf pickup. Residents should still have their leaves to the curb on their regularly scheduled week. This will NOT affect how many pickups you receive. Crews are working 10-hour days and Saturdays to catch up. Please refer to the Daily Updated Bulk Leaf Pickup Map for the status of your neighborhood.

Events

Coffee Hours

Coffee Hour

I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming in-person and virtual coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. In-person coffee hours are held at Coffee + Cream here in Livonia. You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.

Virtual: Monday, Nov. 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

In-Person: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2-3 p.m.

Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,

Laurie Pohutsky

State Representative

19th House District