Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is and continues to be 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 is 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 [email protected]. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Vote Post
Follow this link to see what we have been voting on. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-1530.
Constituent Resources
MI Individual Income Tax Filing Season Begins
The Michigan Department of Treasury has announced that the official 2026 filing season has begun and is processing individual income tax returns.
Individuals can file their state income tax return online for free, e-filed with tax preparation software or mail a paper form with documentation. All state of Michigan individual income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 15.
For the convenience of taxpayers, the start of the state’s individual income tax filing season is the same date set by the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxpayers who file without all required documents — such as W-2 or 1099 forms — may need to submit an amended return later. Missing paperwork can delay processing and push back refunds.
Individuals with low to moderate income, disabilities or who are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For more information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1.
Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
Community Update
Wayne State University Expungement Fair
On Friday, Feb. 13, Wayne State University Law School (471 Palmer Ave., Detroit, MI 48202) will be hosting an expungement fair from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free expungement legal services will be available to all Michigan residents for State of Michigan convictions. Examples of services provided include:
- Free ICHAT
- Free fingerprinting
- Assistance with expungement application
- Guidance on next steps
- Attorneys and law students on site to assist
Questions and concerns can be directed to Jaelle Richardson at [email protected].
Events
Know Your Rights Town Hall
On Monday, Feb. 9 I will be joined by special guests Jessica Ayoub from the ACLU of Michigan and Yevgeniya Gazman from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Council for a “Know Your Rights Town Hall.” We’ll be talking about how to navigate your constitutional rights and answering any questions you may have on the topic.
The event will be held at the Redford Township District Library (25320 Six Mile Road, Redford Township, MI 48240) North/South Meeting Room from 5:30-7 p.m. We will also have a virtual option available.
Please RSVP at this link. To register for the virtual Zoom option, click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. Hope to see you there!
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. February’s in-person coffee hour will be in Detroit at Motor City Java House (17336 Lahser Road, Detroit, MI 48219). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-Person: Saturday, Feb. 7 from 2-3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, Feb. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky
State Representative
17th House District