Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is and continues to be 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 is 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) 373-1530, or email me at [email protected]. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Vote Post
Follow this link to see what we have been voting on. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-1530.
Constituent Resources
MiABLE Age Expansion
In a historic expansion of the state’s disability savings program, Michigan has invited up to one million people with disabilities — along with families and caregivers who support them — to explore MiABLE, extending eligibility to individuals whose disability began before age 46.
The change follows recent federal updates to ABLE eligibility rules, allowing states like Michigan to expand access to more working-age adults with disabilities.
MiABLE allows eligible individuals to save and invest for qualified disability-related expenses — including housing modifications, assistive technology, transportation, education and employment supports — without jeopardizing eligibility for critical benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
Opening a MiABLE account is as simple as opening a bank account and can be accomplished within minutes. For more information or to open an account, visit Michigan.gov/MiABLE.
Community Update
Lifeline H2O
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has developed a new income-based water affordability plan — Lifeline H2O Program. Eligible households can get a fixed $34 monthly bill covering water, sewer and drainage up to 6 CCFs per month.
In order to apply, you’ll need to provide proof of one of the following:
- All income earned in the past month for everyone in your household OR
- A current award letter from one of the following programs: SNAP, Medicaid, MEAP, TANF, FIP, SER or SSI.
For additional details on documentation requirements, click here.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a household income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Be a DWSD account holder.
- Use the service address as your primary residence.
- Have a fully functioning water meter.
You can review the full program rules and eligibility guidelines here and frequently asked questions here.
State of the State 2026
Last week, I had the honor of attending State of the State with Redford Township Supervisor Pat McRae, a true leader and public servant. It was a great night with even better company.
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. April’s in-person coffee hour will be in Redford at the Redford Township District Library (25320 W. Six Mile Road, Redford, MI 48240).
You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
Virtual: Monday, March 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
In-Person: Saturday, April 11, 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
17th House District