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. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Constituent Resources
Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Revamps Webpage Detailing Common Mistakes Claimants Should Avoid
Oftentimes, those filing for state unemployment benefits will inadvertently make a mistake when applying for aid or certifying that they are out of work. The mistakes can delay or interrupt receiving benefits at a time when individuals need help the most.
Before claimants file or certify, they should carefully read the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s updated Common Mistakes and Helpful Hints webpage.
Common mistakes made when filing for benefits:
- Not accurately reporting the reason you are unemployed.
- Entering incorrect information, such as bank routing or Social Security numbers.
- Not being available for work.
- Not registering for work.
Common mistakes made when certifying for benefits:
- Not reporting wages you have received.
- Certifying late or at the wrong time.
- Failing to reopen a claim after waiving weeks.
Learning how to avoid these oversights will facilitate the accurate and timely processing of a jobless claim.
For more answers concerning filing for unemployment, be sure to see:
A copy of the handbook for claimants, which has all the information needed when filing and certifying for benefits, can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA by searching for UIA 1901 Unemployment Benefits in Michigan.
Community Update
DTE Proposed Rate Increase
Last week, I spoke at a public hearing hosted by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in Detroit to give residents an opportunity to voice their concerns regarding DTE’s proposed $388 million rate increase.
My office heard from more than 100 Livonia residents who lost power, some over a dozen times over the course of just five weeks last summer. We had constituents whose health was at risk because they need electricity to power their oxygen supply and other critical medical equipment. Families lost hundreds of dollars in groceries and other essentials. It is unacceptable for DTE to be asking people to pay more for a system they cannot rely on.
If this week’s storms left you without power, the Jack Kirksey Livonia Community Recreation Center is prepared to provide a temporary place to stay for Livonia residents. The rec center has cots, showers and other facilities that can provide short-term refuge for those who may need it. There are also WiFi access and televisions available, along with plugs for cell phone chargers.
Residents may use the facility as a cooling center during operating hours. Current summer hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Those who need emergency shelter or overnight accommodations must call at least two hours before closing in order to arrange for staffing. Please call (734) 466-2900.
Livonia Cares Resource Fair
Livonia Cares will be hosting its first Resource Fair on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Library. This is an opportunity for you to connect with agencies/organizations that support and serve the Livonia community. The FedUp Food Truck will be onsite for your lunch selection.
Events
Coffee Hours
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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.
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