Hello Friend,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! As you may have heard, the Michigan House and Senate passed a state budget this month. Keep reading to find my legislative update on the budget, in addition to resources and event info!

As always, please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, concerns or ideas about legislation. You can contact me and my staff at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by visiting my website at RepLasinski.com.

I hope you had a safe and happy Independence Day!

Coffee Hours

Thank you to those who attended my Parks and Rec Town Hall on Monday! It was great discussing the myriad recreational opportunities in and around HD 52 and how our parks and trails impact our community.

I am looking forward to my upcoming coffee hours to discuss other issues affecting Washtenaw County and our state:

Saturday, July 8, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Village Room, Manchester Village Offices

912 City Road

Manchester

Thursday, July 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Northfield Township Area Library

125 Barker Road

Whitmore Lake 

What To Do In HD 52

Saline Celtic Festival

Later this month, don’t miss the Saline Celtic Festival! Kicking off on Thursday, July 13, the festival celebrates Saline’s sister city relationship with Brecon, Wales and offers jousting, sheep herding, dancing, food and drink, and activities for children as well.

Legislative Update

Budget Process

After months of negotiations, the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives agreed on the final budget bills for the state of Michigan. I voted against the general budget for a few reasons – namely, it doesn’t do enough to fix our roads and infrastructure.

Despite, some concerns, I did vote in favor of the education budget bill, as it will increase per pupil funding for our students.

These bills are now awaiting Governor Snyder’s signature.

Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Our Great Lakes

This month I signed onto a letter with my fellow members of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus requesting swift federal action to help to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. More specifically, the letter addresses the administration’s decision to delay the release of the Brandon Road Project Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP), part of an ongoing undertaking to prevent the spread of invasive species between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. I was proud to call on the President to publish the TSP and further our efforts to prevent the spread of harmful species like the Asian carp into our precious waters.

Helpful Resources

ICYMI: #GoBlueGuarantee

In case you missed it, the University of Michigan recently announced the “Go Blue Guarantee,” a financial aid program that provides 4 years of free tuition to eligible in-state students whose families make less than $65,000 per year. As a Wolverine and staunch supporter of increased access to higher education for all, I’m very excited about this commitment by UM to working families and students. To learn more about the program and if you or a loved one qualify, check out: GoBlueGuarantee.UMich.edu