Hello Friend, 

As the leaves are changing color, things are ramping up in Lansing. It’s good to be back in the Capitol serving the folks of the 52nd House District. Below you’ll find more about what’s happening there as well as fun activities and helpful resources here in our community. 

Please know that you can always 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.

Coffee Hours

As I mentioned in my quick email last week, I’m pleased to invite you to my "Protect MI Health Care Town Hall." This event will be an opportunity to discuss ways to make sure that all Michiganders have access to quality, affordable healthcare.  We will be joined by health care experts and I am looking forward to hearing your ideas, concerns and priorities. 

Protect MI Health Care Town Hall

Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Mill Creek Middle School Cafeteria

7305 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road

Dexter

 

For an update from Lansing after our first month back in legislative session, please come to my next scheduled coffee hour:

Monday, Oct. 2, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.                                                         

Chelsea Senior Center

512 Washington St.

Chelsea

 

Legislative Update

 

Auto No-Fault Insurance

 

As I mentioned in my previous e-newsletter, I believe it is critical for the Michigan Legislature to be working to help reduce the incredibly high auto insurance rates we pay here in Michigan. At the same time, we need to ensure that auto accident victims receive the care they need to lead productive lives.

 

That’s why I was proud to come together with colleagues from both sides of the aisle last week to introduce a fair and affordable auto insurance reform plan. Our bipartisan plan would protect those who are survivors of auto accidents while reducing costs for Michigan drivers. My bill in the package deals with better coordinating auto and health insurance policies to reduce duplicative costs for drivers. I am proud to be part of this collaborative plan to make our no-fault system better for everyone.

 

“Citizens United on Steroids”

 

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives took up Senate Bills 335 and 336. Known as “Citizens United on Steroids,” these bills allow candidates to solicit unlimited amounts of donations for super PACs that would in turn benefit themselves.

 

At a time when people want more transparency and accountability in their government, allowing more money to be poured into our election system makes no sense. The first bill I introduced when I assumed office was part of a package to subject the Michigan Legislature and governor’s office to Freedom of Information Act requests, and you can be sure that I didn’t vote to give special interests even more control over certain representatives and senators this week.

 

To view my floor speech explaining my “no” vote, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpcEIHF4q8A.*

 

 

What To Do In HD 52

 

Saline Oktoberfest

 

It’s that time of year! Saline Oktoberfest will offer some traditional German food, beer and music, as well as fun activities like a kids’ play area, a bean bag toss tournament and music from Fifty Amp Fuse. Stop by Friday, Sept. 22, from 5-11 p.m. and/or Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. in downtown Saline. 

 

Apple Daze Festival

 

Mark your calendars for Oct. 7 for the Apple Daze Festival in downtown Dexter. The festival will offer fall staples such as hay rides, cider and doughnuts, as well as an apple pie eating contest!

 

 

Helpful Resources:

 

Maintaining Your Septic System

 

It’s estimated that there are more than 130,000 failing septic systems in the state of Michigan. Failing systems threaten not only the health of your family, but also our waters and public health. Maintaining your septic system properly can not only prevent such issues, but also save you money in the long run by not having to replace your system. Find out how to maintain yours here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/environmental_health/wells_septic/eh_septicmaintenance.html

 

Auto Insurance Tips 

        

Though I’m working with my colleagues toward meaningful policies that will serve to reduce auto insurance rates, in the meantime, I encourage you to explore the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services website when shopping for new rates. They have tips for navigating the process to find better rates. Read them here: http://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-13648_60666_77183—,00.html

 

I hope you have found this information useful. Please contact my office if we can be of any assistance.

 

* The Michigan House of Representatives is responsible only for content submitted with House resources and in accordance with the law and House policy. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.