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 at the Capitol 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.
Legislative Update
Repealing the 1931 Abortion Ban
This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a two-bill package to finally repeal the unconstitutional ban on abortion care. I am the proud sponsor of House Bill 4006, which directly repeals the ban, and Rep. Stephanie Young sponsored HB 4032, which removes references to the law in the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Michigan voters sent a clear message in 2022 — they want the freedom to make reproductive health care decisions that work best for them, and they want elected officials who will work toward that end.
After years of working under an anti-choice majority, we are one step closer to getting this archaic, criminal ban off our books. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues as these bills continue to move through the legislative process.
House Judiciary Hearing on Gun Reform
This week, the House Judiciary Committee began hearings on a series of bills to encourage gun safety and help prevent acts of violence like the tragedy at Michigan State University. The 11 bills fall into three main categories: requiring universal background checks to close the private sale loophole; creating secure storage laws to keep legal firearms out of the hands of children and teens; and establishing extreme risk protection orders, which allow the courts to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a threat to themselves or others.
These pieces of legislation are commonsense reforms and incredibly overdue. While there is still much more work left to be done to address the public health crisis of gun violence, this package is a great start, and I am proud to be a co-sponsor.
Constituent Resources
Detroit Individual Income Taxpayer Update
The city of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Treasury are pleased to announce that taxpayers now have a new electronic option when paying city income tax balances for Detroit individual income taxes.
Effective immediately, city of Detroit individual income taxpayers can now pay — by eCheck or debit or credit card — their estimated payments, annual return payments, proposed tax due payments, 10-day demand payments, assessment payments, or audit payments.
To make a city of Detroit individual income tax payment, taxpayers can go to Michigan.gov/citytax and click on the “City of Detroit Individual Income Tax” button. Select “Sending Payments to Treasury,” review the available electronic payment options, and then select “Make e-Payment”.
The state’s eCheck system does not accept payments for Detroit property taxes and other fines. Those looking to pay property taxes can continue to do so in-person, by mail or online.
Taxpayers have the option to pay using eCheck for free, or pay using a debit or credit card for a fee. Payments will typically clear taxpayers’ bank accounts within a couple days and update on statements after a couple of weeks. Payment of city income taxes by eCheck or with a debit or credit card must be made by the due date.
Federal, state and city individual income tax returns and payments for the 2022 tax year are due on April 18, 2023.
Tax returns can be e-filed or completed using paper forms and mailed through the U.S. Postal Service. If not paid by that date in-person, by eCheck, or with a debit or credit card on or before that date, payment by check will only be timely if included in the forms mailed and postmarked on or before April 18, 2023.
To learn more about city of Detroit income taxes, go to Michigan.gov/citytax.
Livonia Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off has resumed for the 2023 season. There is a $5 fee for each drop-off up to 100 pounds. Residents will pay 75 cents per pound over 100 pounds.
Livonia residents can drop off their Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste (E-Waste) from March 1 to Sept. 29 at ERG Environmental Services (ERG),13040 Merriman Road, located on the east side of the street, just north of Industrial Drive.
Residents can deliver their HHW and E-Waste items to ERG during the following times:
- Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents delivering waste items will be asked to verify city of Livonia residency.
- Each drop-off is $5 up to 100 pounds. Residents will pay 75 cents per pound over 100 pounds.
For more information, please visit ERG or contact the city of Livonia Department of Public Works at (734) 466-2655. Visit our Household Hazardous Waste page for a list of items that are accepted.
Community Update
Celebrating Black History Month
Last week, I had the privilege of attending O’Hair Park’s Black History Month celebration. Being able to listen, learn and share a meal with everyone was an incredible experience that I’m deeply grateful for.
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. My in-person March coffee hour will be held at Motor City Java House in Detroit (17336 Lahser Road, Detroit, MI 48219). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
- In-Person: Saturday, March 4 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Virtual: Monday, March 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 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