Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone had a great week since we last spoke! The past few weeks have been busy in the House of Representatives, as we have been working on passing a variety of legislation that supports all Michiganders. I look forward to seeing many of you at my upcoming district events in the next few months.
As always, you can contact my staff and 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.
Executive Update
Gov. Whitmer Kicks Off $1.5 Million Tuition Giveaway to Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Michigan Education Trust
On Thursday, May 26, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the Michigan Education Trust (MET) 35th Anniversary $1.5 Million Giveaway. The giveaway is a random, statewide drawing that friends and family can enter on behalf of a child for a chance to win one of 100 $15,000 prepaid tuition prizes.
Under the MET’s giveaway, Michigan residents that are 18 years of age or older on Aug. 31, 2022, are eligible to enter on behalf of beneficiaries ages birth to 5 by the same date for a chance to win $15,000 in prepaid tuition. A person may enter only once, but multiple people may enter on behalf of the same child. The prepaid tuition prize may be used to pay for future tuition and mandatory fees at a community college, college, university or trade school in accordance with MET terms and conditions.
Giveaway entry began on May 26 and ends on Aug. 31. Winners will be announced in a series of drawings beginning Sept. 12. Michiganders can enter the giveaway and review the rules and eligibility criteria at www.METgiveaway.com.
Caring For MI Future Plan
On Monday, May 16, Gov. Whitmer announced the Caring for Michigan’s Future plan, which hopes to open 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024. This will dramatically increase access to programs across the state. As part of the plan, existing child care businesses will receive grants to update their facilities to meet standards, new child care facilities will receive grants to support themselves and hire staff to expand their business, and child care facilities will also receive business development tools to create business plans.
If you would like to review Governor Whitmer’s press release on the plan click here.
Legislative Update
Filling Prescriptions From APRNs
A few weeks ago, I voted YES on Senate Bill 166, which would allow pharmacists to dispense prescriptions written by advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and physician assistants (PA). I voted YES because it allows pharmacists to fill prescriptions from licensed, out-of-state APRNs and PAs. This helps patients continue to receive their routine medications and avoid potential disruptions if their prescription was written by a non-Michigan, licensed APRN or PA. This bill passed in the House with 103-0 and the Senate with 33-0. Gov. Whitmer signed SB 166 into law on May 24. I hope you support me and my decision to vote YES on SB 166.
You may wish to sign up for committee notices in order to receive the most up-to-date information on bills. By doing so, you will receive notifications as soon as the committee chairs post the next meeting’s date and time, making you among the first to know when committees will be meeting and what legislation is placed on the agenda for debate. For your convenience, here is the link to the sign-up page.
Information continues to change rapidly, and we are working hard to share updates and information as quickly as possible on social media. Please take a moment to like and follow me on Facebook, as this is where information will first be shared.
District Programs
Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority The Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority (WWRA) is partnering with the DART Container Corporation to host a recycling event this weekend, June 3-5. The WWRA is a partnership of five municipalities working together to find other ways to handle waste and keep our environment clean.
The event is centered around learning about and recycling any #6 foam products you may have. There will be trailers at the WWRA Chelsea/Manchester Road bin sites where you can work with staff and volunteers stationed throughout the area to identify and recycle your #6 foam products. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have.
Where: WWRA Bin Site on Chelsea/Manchester Road, 8025 Werkner Road in Chelsea When: Friday, June 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The WWRA also provides weekly curbside recycling services in Chelsea and has drop-off bins located throughout their service area. For more information about the WWRA, check out https://wwrarecycles.org.
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Upcoming Time with Donna
Join me virtually at my next coffee hour this month. We’ll talk about upcoming legislation and answer any questions you have on topics most important to you.
When: Friday, June 17, from 8 to 9 a.m.
Where: TBD
What to Do in House District 52
Saline’s Salty Summer Sounds Concert Series
Come to downtown Saline every Thursday night for live music and dancing over the yellow lines! Opening night for the 2022 Salty Summer Sounds Concert Series is June 16, in the heart of downtown Saline. The concerts are presented by Saline Main Street and the Ann Arbor-Saline Music Center.
When: Every Thursday night through August, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Saline, North Ann Arbor Street
Follow the link to learn more information and see the lineup.
Helpful Resources
Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washtenaw County
The Washtenaw County Health Department hosts a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at their offices in Ypsilanti. All three FDA-approved vaccines and boosters are available. Please note that you must now schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, the clinic is no longer providing walk-ins. If you would like to also receive the flu shot, you can request it at the same time. You can find more information here.
Where: Washtenaw County Health Department, 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti.
When: Please sign up for a timeslot here; if no times are available, please check back as appointment slots are updated regularly.
The Washtenaw County Health Department’s website has a list of locations in Washtenaw County where you can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This list gives the location and any links needed to schedule your vaccine appointment. Find the list here.
Additionally, if you need assistance getting to a COVID-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County, you can book a FREE door-to-door ride through the AARP Ride@50+ Program. This program can be used by any person of any age in Washtenaw County.
Phone Number: (844) 900-4892 Code: Vaccinate Washtenaw. If this number is busy, call (734) 773-0907.
We will continue to provide information for vaccination clinics throughout the district as they get scheduled.
Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order 4 free at home COVID-19 tests and are estimated to ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests here and have them when you need them.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
Washtenaw Community Mental Health (CMH)
A 24-hour crisis services and mobile crisis team that can assistance navigating mental health care services. You can call or text the CARES team at (734) 544-3050.
I Want to Hear from You
During this challenging time, I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can we help you? Please, reach out to me at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
State Representative, House District 52