Hello friends,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. 2019 is off and running as I and other representatives were sworn into the 100th Legislature on the House Floor this past Wednesday. I am glad to be returning for a second term as your representative and will continue fighting to ensure your voice is heard in Lansing.
It is your support and vested interest in our community that keeps things moving in our government. This is why I always look forward to hearing your opinions about ongoing state issues. If you’d like to talk, you can reach me at my office at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov, or by coming to one of our District events. Keep an eye out throughout the year for more coffee hours, celebrations, and town halls in our community. I would love to see you there.
All my best for the new year,
Donna Lasinski
Swearing In Ceremony for the 100th Legislature
Legislative Update
Transparent Government
I hold myself to a high standard of transparency and accessibility as your state representative. Therefore, I expect nothing less from our state government as a whole. However, Michigan is often ranked last among all 50 states for government transparency. In order to move us forward, I have re-introduced my bill to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) which would open up the legislative process to the public. This happened on the very same day I was sworn in.
As a part of a bipartisan 10-bill package, my House Bill 4009 is a single bill with a big impact. Where there is a mixture of exempt and non-exempt information, House Bill 4009 requires that the government separate the two and share non-exempt information with the public. This would make important information accessible to all Michigan citizens. I am excited to be working across the aisle to hold our government accountable to voters.
Rep. Lasinski signing HB 4009 to bring more transparency to government
Looking Forward
Last term, I served on three committees that were integral to the lives of Michiganders; Insurance, Energy Policy, and Communications and Technology. This term, our committee assignments will be announced at the end of January. I am continuously looking for ways to improve our beloved state and to involve your voice in government. Top priorities for me this term will be clean water, fixing the roads, and education improvement.
Upcoming Time with Donna
Drafts with Donna
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 6-7 p.m.
The Beer Grotto
8059 Main St. in Dexter
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Scio Township Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, March 16, from 5-6:30 p.m.
Scio Township Hall
827 N Zeeb Road in Ann Arbor
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As always, you can follow along with Donna on her Instagram (DonnaLasinski), Twitter (@DonnaLasinski) and Facebook (State Representative Donna Lasinski).
What to Do in District 52
Jazz at the Alehouse
Come along for a night of great music with fellow jazz-enthusiasts at this live performance. Tap your feet to music by Brian, Jed, and Wes alongside community members.
When: Sunday, Jan. 13, from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, 420 N. Main St. in Chelsea
More details can be found HERE.
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Manchester Ladies Society Chocolate Potluck
Join the Manchester Ladies Society in their 6th annual Chocolate Potluck for delectable chocolate treats and new spins on classic recipes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this event is for you because the dishes range from sweet to savory. Check out some inventive chocolate concoctions in Manchester.
When: Saturday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: The United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 501 Ann Arbor St. in Manchester
More details can be found HERE.
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Saline’s Indoor Famer’s Market
Get fresh fruits, vegetables, and more from local Michigan producers year round with the help of Saline’s Indoor Farmer’s Market. Not only will your food taste great, but you’ll have fun roaming the stalls, talking with vendors, and searching for that perfect addition to dinner.
When: Every Saturday January-April from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Liberty School, 7265 Saline-Ann Arbor Road in Saline
More details can be found HERE.
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Manchester Library Knit Night
Bring your latest knitting project to Manchester Library for their Drop-In Knit Night to meet other devoted knitters in your area. All levels are welcome – just don’t forget your supplies!
When: Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Manchester District Library, 912 City Road in Manchester
More details can be found HERE.
Resources
OK2SAY: Confidential Reporting System
OK2SAY is a confidential reporting system designed to allow Michigan students, parents, school personnel, community health service programs, and law enforcement to share and respond to safety threats. The purpose of OK2SAY is to stop harmful behavior before it occurs by encouraging anyone to report threatening behavior. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day and seven days a week using email, mobile app, telephone, text message, or the OK2SAY website.
OK2SAY’s confidential reporting mechanisms empower students and others to break the code of silence. In just a few years, OK2SAY has become Michigan’s most effective prevention based reporting mechanism. Since its launch in 2014, OK2SAY has logged nearly 12,000 tips. That’s 12,000 times someone reported threatening behavior.
Submit a tip by phone (855-565-2729) or on the OK2SAY website http://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/.
Are You a New Mom?
Within Washtenaw County, there are multiple resources available to new moms and babies. Resources include finding regular medical care for mother and child, assistance with breastfeeding, parenting help, affordable childcare, baby items, or legal resources. All the contact information is broken down by specific needs and/or resource here.
Credit Counseling
At the beginning of a new year, many of us make resolutions to get our finances in order. Credit scores, earning credit, and what it all means can make even the most knowledgeable among us feel uncertain. Thankfully, there are places that are here to help us. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC at nfcc.org) is recommended by the Federal Government and has online information about credit and debt. Their toll-free number to speak with an advocate is (800) 388-2227.
A word of caution about fraudulent programs as tax season is on the horizon. Unfortunately, there are many misleading or even predatory debt management services who would seek to take advantage. Always be vigilant when using financial services and look for those which are government approved. The U.S. Government has more information related to fraud here: https://www.usa.gov/debt
I hope that all of this information has been helpful and that your 2019 is off to a good start.
Sincerely,
State Representative Donna Lasinski