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

Session

To see what the Legislature voted on during our most recent session, please click here.

Constituent Resources

MI Home Loan

The MI Home Loan program is a mortgage product that is available to first-time homebuyers state-wide and repeat homebuyers in targeted areas. All homebuyers work directly with a participating lender.

To determine eligibility, please contact an Experienced Participating Lender.

Program Description:

  • Available to first-time homebuyers (have not owned a home in the previous three years) statewide and repeat homebuyers in targeted areas.
  • Household income limits apply and can vary depending on family size and property location.
  • Sales price limit: $224,500 statewide.
  • Minimum credit score of 640 required or 660 for multiple-section manufactured homes.

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) is also available:

Resources:

World Suicide Prevention Month

During World Suicide Prevention Month, I want to remind you that we all must do our part to protect loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling, please encourage them to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988.

For more information and resources, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Community Update

Refuse and Recycling in Livonia

My office has received some questions recently about recycling here in Livonia. I wanted to take this opportunity to share how you and your family can get started.

Refuse Information

There are several services to help residents dispose of their refuse:

Livonia residents have two options for recycling: the Curbside Recycling Program or the drop-off Recycle Center. For refuse or yard waste collection, please see the Refuse Information or Brush Pickup pages.

Curbside Recycling Program

For curbside recycling, place items curbside in the recycling bin separated from your refuse on your scheduled collection day. If you need a recycling bin replacement or a second bin, you may pick one up from Sanitation located in the City Hall Annex or the Department of Public Works Yard located at 12973 Farmington Road in Livonia.

If you’re interested in purchasing a recycling cart on wheels, contact GFL at (844) 464-3587.

Items Accepted

  • Boxboard, paperboard (cereal and shoe boxes) and clean pizza boxes.
  • Brown paper grocery bags.
  • Clear, green and brown glass bottles and jars.
  • Corrugated cardboard and boxes must be cut down to 2 feet by 2 feet and bundled.
  • Garden plastics (clean).
  • Glossy magazines, catalogs, newspapers, inserts and telephone books.
  • Manila folders and junk mail (including envelopes with windows).
  • Office, computer and loose-leaf paper (any color).
  • Paperback books (or donate to the library for the book sale).
  • Plastic bottles and containers marked on the bottom with the recycle symbol 1 through 7.
  • Small scrap metal items.
  • Pot, pans and license plates are acceptable.
  • Tin, aluminum and empty aerosol cans.

Be sure to empty and rinse containers and make sure cardboard boxes are flattened. Leave caps on plastic bottles. It is okay to leave staples, clips, labels, stamps, spiral bindings and metal fasteners on paper materials.

Items Not Accepted

  • Batteries (accepted at the Drop-Off Center).
  • Ceramics, dishware or drinking glasses.
  • Electronic and hazardous waste (accepted at Household Hazard Waste Drop-Off).
  • Foam containers (Styrofoam).
  • Needles or syringes.
  • Organic material and food waste.
  • Paint, pesticides, oil or antifreeze (accepted at the Household Hazard Waste Drop-Off).
  • Plastic bags.
  • Waxed cardboard.
  • Window panes and mirrors.
  • Wire hangers.

If you still have additional questions, mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for Toss or Turn: Recycling and Sustainability at the Livonia Public Library! Learn how to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” from the Community Education Coordinator for GFL Environmental. She will discuss practical ways to live more sustainably, including the basics of recycling: what can be placed in your cart at the curb, what condition items must be in, and what can be recycled but not put in the cart. Bring your questions, as well as any items you have questions about recycling. Registration is required.

Livonia’s Paper Shredding and Tire Recycling Day is this Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works yard, 12973 Farmington Road. 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.

Events

Coffee Hours

Coffee Hours

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. Please note that my virtual coffee hour on Monday, Sept. 19, will be starting at 5 p.m. this month.

Virtual: Monday, Sept. 19, from 5-6 p.m.

In-Person: Sunday, Oct. 2, 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