Hello friends,
Over these past two weeks, I have been meeting with families in our community and working with experts to pull together policy and strategies pertaining to the issues you care about most. It is encouraging to see further action being taken by the governor’s office and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on setting a PFAS standard for Michigan’s drinking water. I am looking forward to the new research being developed, and I am confident this will improve the quality of our water.
As always, my office is reachable by phone at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov, or by attending one of our in-district events. Upcoming coffee hours, celebrations and town halls are listed below, and I would love to see you there.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
Legislative Updates
Equal Pay Day
This past Tuesday, April 2, marked the first day in the calendar year that a woman’s earnings on average catch up with what men earned in 2018. This day falls more than three months into the new year, but for specific groups of women it can be even later. For instance, Equal Pay Day is recognized for Black women on August 22, Native American women on September 23 and Latina women on November 20. I believe equal pay for equal work benefits everyone in Michigan. Our families and communities thrive when everyone is paid fairly for their work and I am committed to working towards this goal.
Governor’s Budget Survey
Michigan is at a crossroads as we choose how to address the education and infrastructure crises facing our state. While we could continue with the status quo, I believe we need bold new solutions to address these issues, as well as other priorities such as mental health and clean water. I want to hear your input during the ongoing budget negotiation process. I’ve added a budget survey to my legislative website to listen to your priorities for our community. If you’d like to take this survey, please follow this link to submit your response.
Upcoming Time with Donna
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Coffee Hour at Northfield Township Senior Center
When: Saturday, April 13, from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Northfield Township Senior Center, 9101 Main St. in Whitmore Lake
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Drafts with Donna at Chelsea Alehouse
When: Monday, April 29, from 6- 7 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Alehouse, 115 S. Main St. in Chelsea
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Coffee Hour at Carrigan Cafe
When: Friday, May 17, from 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
Where: Carrigan Café, 101 S. Ann Arbor St #107 in Saline
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What to Do in 52
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Spring Clean for M-52
A portion of M-52 between Chelsea and Manchester is due for its spring clean up. Spend the day making our community more beautiful, getting exercise and meeting new people when you show up to help clean up M-52.
When: Sunday, April 14, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: Corner of Scio Church Road and M-52
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Coloring Zone at Manchester Library
Ready to get in the coloring zone and set your artistic mind to work? Manchester Library hosts a coloring group for artists of all ages on Thursdays at 4 p.m.
When: Thursdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Manchester District Library, 912 City Road in Manchester
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Saline Stone & Thistle Garden Club
Love to garden but having trouble staying physically active enough to plant? The Saline Garden Club has an answer for that! Come dressed to move to gentle, limbering exercises and get tips from trained exercise instructors on how they manage to maintain the strength and mobility needed when gardening.
When: Monday, April 15, from 6:45 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: 440 W. Russell St. in Saline
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WalkRight – Deliberate Walking Instruction Class
Looking for a fun, low impact way to stay fit? Join the Mindful Orthopedic Institute of Chelsea for one of their free Deliberate Walking Classes. With the weather getting nicer, it’s a wonderful chance to get outdoors!
When: Wednesday, April 10, from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
(other dates and times available)
Where: Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1001 S. Main St. in Chelsea
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Resources
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Expanding Mental Health Services
Beginning May 1, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) will be expanding its services as a direct result of the Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage. This is a huge benefit for our community and enables more people to access vital, life-saving resources. Starting in May, WCCMH will serve all county residents, regardless of insurance type, location or ability to pay for services like group therapy, counseling or substance use rehabilitation. Additionally, the 24/7 mobile crisis response team, CARES, will be expanding their outreach. To read the full press release, please see this article.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, call Washtenaw Community Mental Health 24/7 at (734) 544-3050 or (800) 440-7548.
Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is NOT expiring
Because of increased misinformation being shared on social media, the Michigan Department of Treasury has released a statement clarifying that the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on a homeowner’s taxes does not expire. Homeowners who have claimed a PRE in the past do not have to refile. For more information, the Department of Treasury has information on their website about the PRE here.
Hidden E-Filing Fees
While the Michigan Department of Treasury does not charge taxpayers to file taxes online, it could be that your tax preparer software tries to sneak in an extra charge for e-filing. If you are a senior or already qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, then you might be eligible for a free e-filing service through some of the most common tax preparation resources.
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I hope this information has been helpful and that we see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Donna Lasinski