Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is a privilege to represent Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit, 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) 373-1530 or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Constituent Resources
MiAble Account Match Opportunity
As the end of August approaches, just a few more days remain for people with disabilities and their families to take advantage of a limited-time bonus of up to a $100 match by being among the first 200 people to open an eligible MiABLE disability savings account.
The first 200 people to enroll during August will each receive up to a $100 match, and there is still time to earn the bonus.
For more information or to open a MiABLE account, click here.
New UIA Claimant Roadmap
Workers have a new resource from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) that explains in six easy-to-follow steps everything they need to know about filing for and receiving jobless benefits while they search for work. The UIA’s new Claimant Roadmap applies user-focused design principles and clear language to create a useful online tool to ease the filing process.
The roadmap – available on Michigan.gov/UIA – answers questions, clarifies instructions and eliminates confusion. Its steps guide users through benefits eligibility, how to apply, correspondence from the UIA, and how to certify for benefits while claimants search for work.
The UIA worked with Detroit-based Civilla, a nonprofit design studio, to apply field-tested design principles in conjunction with input from claimants and jobless navigators to create a step-by-step walkthrough of the unemployment process.
The Claimant Roadmap is a cornerstone of UIA’s modernization reforms, which include installing a new computer system, providing exemplary customer service, aggressively fighting fraud, and launching an equity initiative to reach workers who traditionally have had difficulty applying for jobless benefits.
Accessible Parking Placard Renewals
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that Michigan residents can now conduct some accessible parking placard transactions online, saving time and even a trip to a branch office.
Those needing to renew a permanent disability placard can do so at Michigan.gov/SOS in minutes. Renewals can also be requested by mail or by scheduling a visit to a Secretary of State office. Temporary disability placards still require a person who needs an extension to submit a new application by mail or in person at a branch office.
In another improvement for Michiganders, replacing a permanent or temporary disability placard that has been lost, stolen or destroyed can now also be done online. Previously, this could only be done by mailing or faxing in a request to the Department of State or by visiting an office in person.
Additionally, organizations that have permanent disability parking placards for their transport vehicles, such as rehabilitation centers/homes, home care services, and senior service programs, can now renew or replace them online.
Community Update
Children’s Behavioral Health Town Hall
Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make it out to the Children’s Behavioral Health Town Hall last week! It was a great conversation about the challenges our children are facing, resources available for families, and what my colleagues and I can do to be part of the solution.
Livonia Paper Shredding and Tire Recycling Day
The city of Livonia’s annual Paper Shredding and Tire Recycling Day is Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works yard, 12973 Farmington Road. Enter the event through the employee parking at the DPW headquarters and proceed west to the trucks.
Residents can dispose of up to 10 tires and up to five recycling bin boxes of documents. This event is free and for Livonia residents only.
Detroit Water and Sewage Department Update
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department reminds everyone to keep the area near catch basins clean and cleared of debris, which can reduce street flooding.
Crews are cleaning basins in flood-prone areas, and city employee and contractor crews will be prepared to respond to potential flooding.
Customers should follow these simple steps:
- Avoid flooded streets and downed power lines.
- Move valuables up off floors in your basement, especially if you live in a low-lying area.
- During heavy rain, please avoid using a dishwasher and laundry washer to reduce flow into the sewer system.
- If your basement floods, do not enter if the water is above electrical outlets and/or the fuse box.
- If you have a backwater valve installed at your house, in order for it to work properly during a rainstorm occupants should avoid using toilets, drains and washers, and taking baths or showers.
For a helpful resource, download the Basement Backup & Flooding Handbook at detroitmi.gov/basementprotection.
Report flooded streets and basement backups using the Improve Detroit app or call (313) 267-8000.
Events
Coffee Hours
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. I host two coffee hours a month, one in-person and one virtual. The location for in-person coffee hours will rotate throughout the year between Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit. Please be advised that due to the holiday weekend, my in-person coffee hour for September has been canceled. My in-person October Coffee Hour will be in Livonia at the Biggby Coffee on Seven Mile Road and Farmington Road (33443 W. Seven Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
Virtual: Monday, Sept. 18, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
In-Person: Sunday, Oct. 1, 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
Speaker Pro Tempore
17th House District