Hello friends,
Sunday is Father’s Day, and I am so grateful to have a father who has loved and supported my siblings and me through thick and thin. Thank you to all the fathers who love, laugh and provide for all of our children – both growing and grown!
Session has officially ended for the summer, and I am winding down my work in Lansing in preparation for the in-district work period. I am excited to have more time to spend with you in House District 52, and to tour some of our extraordinary businesses and community resources.
You can still contact me at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov, or by visiting my website at RepLasinski.com, with any questions, thoughts, or suggestions. You can also follow my Facebook page for more frequent legislative updates and events around the district.
Legislative Update
Establishing the Budget
Late Tuesday night, the House of Representative’s approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. I voted in favor of the general omnibus budget and was opposed to the school aid budget. I was proud that, due to the persistence of me and my Democratic colleagues, we saw a road funding increase resulting in an additional $300 million allocation compared to earlier version of the budget. However, many of the top priorities of Michigan residents are still not being heard and responded to as they should be. In the general budget, we saw reduced funding for those harmed by the Flint water crisis, and a decrease to the Department of Health and Human Services allotment for the foster care program. We saw mental health services cut, and education funding fail to keep pace with inflation yet again.
I have dedicated my life to being an advocate for education, working closely on school budgets as a school board treasurer, before coming to the Legislature. I understand all too well the negative impact that the continual underfunding of our schools has on our students. There are dangerous flaws with the School Aid budget that was passed — including taking $900 million from the School Aid Fund for traditionally General Fund programs, sending public school dollars to cyber and charter schools run by for-profit companies, continuing inadequate funding for classrooms, and the failure to fully fund our schools to meet 21st Century education needs.
You all count on me to be your voice at the Capitol, and I remain committed to voting in your best interest. I am tired of seeing necessary programs have their funding slashed. I am tired of accepting crumbs for our schools, or accepting pennies when we need dollars to fix what matters and provide opportunity for all. The bottom line is that I know we can do better for our schools, and I will make the voices of my constituents heard.
Upcoming Time with Donna
7th Annual Mayor’s Senior Conference
Join Mayor Brian Marl for the free 7th Annual Mayor’s Senior Conference, including continental breakfast sponsored by StoryPoint, informational breakout sessions about fitness, nutritious cooking, brain fitness and lunch sponsored by EHM Senior Solutions. I’ll be stopping by to greet and speak to attendees. Please pre-register as space is limited.
When: Friday, June 22, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Saline Area Senior Center, 7190 N. Maple Road, Saline
Dexter Coffee Hour
Join me for a Dexter Coffee Hour where we will have the opportunity to discuss legislative updates and what’s happening in Lansing and in Washtenaw County.
When: Friday, June 29, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Dexter Senior Center, 7720 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
What To Do In HD 52
Gazebo Concert
The Dexter Community Orchestra is hosting a family-friendly concert in Dexter’s Monument Park. Be sure to arrive early with blankets and lawn chairs in tow for a good spot!
When: Friday, June 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Dexter’s Monument Park, 8000-8558 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
Saline Summer Music Series – The Invasion
The Saline Summer Music Series is a free, outdoor concert series that transforms Downtown Saline into a live concert every Thursday from June to August. The Invasion, Detroit’s premium British Invasion cover band, will be playing this week.
When: Thursday, June 21, 7-9 p.m.
Where: South Ann Arbor Street, Downtown Saline
Family Night at Chelsea District Library
The Chelsea District Library is hosting Mat Emerick, who will present a fun-filled variety show full of comedy skits, juggling, mime, songs, and stories.
When: Tuesday, June 26, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea
Ice Cream Social
The Manchester District Library will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on the Library’s front lawn with ice cream, music, face painting, a photo booth, and much more! Join in on the summer fun.
When: Friday, June 29, 5-6 p.m.
Where: Manchester District Library, 912 City Road, Manchester
Helpful Resources
Glass Recycling Available
Did you know that the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority is now recycling glass again? Glass can be recycled at the drop off bin sites located throughout each of the WWRA communities. City of Chelsea residents must also drop off glass to the bin sites. A map of the drop off bin site locations can be found at the WWRA website. For more information about recycling in the township, call the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority at (734) 475-6160. I encourage everyone to do their part in making Michigan a cleaner, greener state!
Time for Summer Toys
Are you up to speed on your summer toys? As summer gets into full swing, golf carts, ATVs, boats and other summer toys all become a more common sighting. I encourage you to have fun while still remaining safe and legal. Visit the DNR’s website (www.michigan.gov/dnr/) to review the rules and regulations regarding boating and ATVs. Brushing up on these rules will ensure that everyone has a fun and safe summer!
I hope you have found this information helpful. As always, feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do for you.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski
52nd House District