| Hello Friend,
Thank you for all you have been doing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and handling this challenging time as best as you can. I know that the adjustments to our lives have not been easy.
Even though we remain separated, I know that we are all together in this.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly, avoid direct contact with others and if you feel ill, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
During this time, my staff and I will not be in our Lansing office regularly. We will be in the 52nd House District working to assist you and to advocate for our community’s needs. To reach out, please email me at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Information is changing rapidly. 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 all official information will first be shared.
Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued her “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives” Executive Order effective as of this past Tuesday for at least 3 weeks. As of the latest reports, cases of the COVID 19 virus are on a rapid rise with over 2,800 reported cases in Michigan and nearly 100 in Washtenaw County as of yesterday evening. New numbers and increased cases are likely to be reported today.
The easiest summary of the Stay Home – Stay Safe order is this list created by the Governor’s office and featured below. Remember, the most up to date state information can be found at Michigan.gov/coronavirus
Keeping physical distance from people is critical. Keeping close social relationships with phone calls and video chats is also critical. We must ensure we keep sharing information, laughs, and caring during this crisis.
This order has created many questions about what an essential business is and who are essential workers.
The Attorney General’s Office has created a website to explain and answer many of these questions. Click here.
Unemployment Benefits
As you may know, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been under an unprecedented amount of stress due to the dramatic rise in unemployment.
If you are having trouble filing a claim or accessing your account, please be patient and be persistent. The UIA staff are working around the clock to ensure that the system will be able to handle the unprecedented number of claims being filed.
Please go to this guide for a list of places to reach out to for help. Click here for information and click here for a “How To” guide.
For more information or to apply for unemployment benefits, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866) 500-0017.
Meals Available for School Age Students
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Breakfast and lunch packages are available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays with the exception of Friday, April 3. Meals will be available Thursday, April 2 instead. If you can’t make the pick-ups or have food allergy concerns, call the AAPS Food Service Hotline at 734-994-2265. For more information, including pickup locations, visit here.
Chelsea School District
Food Service is providing sack breakfast and lunch meals for students from 10 a.m. to noon on select days at the Chelsea High School commons entrance. For more information or transportation needs, contact the district at 734-433-2208 ext. 6082.
Dexter Community Schools
Drive-up pickup takes place in the Mill Creek Parking Lot from 8:00-9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Each pickup will include breakfast and lunch for 5 days per child. For families who cannot come in to pick up food or have special dietary needs, call 734-424-4186.
Manchester Community Schools
For Manchester Schools food distribution services, please visit their website and fill out the school closure meals form.
Visit michigan.gov.meetupeatup for all of the school locations providing meals. These meals are available to all children ages 0-18 at no cost.
Small Business Support is Available
Washtenaw small businesses can apply for a working capital grant of up to $2,500 through the Washtenaw Small Business Resiliency Fund. Click here.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has submitted our state’s application for Disaster Relief Loans from the Small Business Administration and the application has been accepted. Michigan small businesses can apply for SBA Disaster Loans. Click here.
Michigan’s small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 virus can now apply for grants and loans through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program. Information on how to apply, as well as eligibility criteria, is available. Click here.
52nd District Resources
My office has created a Google Drive of resources and information regarding COVID-19 for individuals, employers and employees. Click here to access the entire drive.
Below are the individual links to our resource guides:
A Message from Rep. Donna Lasinski
How to Get Tested
Economic Crisis Guide
Meals for Students
Small Business Assistance
Washtenaw County Resources
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
You can receive continual updates from the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) by clicking here.
MDHHS has set up a site with valuable information and resources.
Upcoming Time With Donna
Facebook Live Townhalls
In following Governor Whitmer’s executive orders, there will be no in-person coffee hours or townhalls until further notice. I will now be hosting Facebook Live Coffee Hours/Townhalls and will be sure to keep you updated for my next one.
If you were not able to join my first Facebook Live Townhall, click here to watch a recording.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
State Representative, 52nd House District |
