Hello friends,
With spring around the corner, it has been wonderful to spend more time outdoors – even if it’s mostly on the Capitol lawn between committee meetings and legislative session. Having these chances to appreciate nature reminds me of how important protecting our state’s natural resources is to my work in the House of Representatives.
As Democratic vice chair on the Energy Committee, I am always looking for ways that we can source renewable energy and protect our environment. I’m glad to see high standards for clean energy systems proposed in our Energy Committee meetings. Moving forward, I will be working across the aisle to ensure that we can protect our natural resources unique to Michigan.
My office is reachable by phone at (517) 373-0828, by email at DonnaLasinski@house.mi.gov or by coming to one of our district events. Upcoming coffee hours, celebrations and town halls are listed below and I would love to see you there.
Sincerely,
Donna Lasinski
State Representative
District 52
Legislative Updates
Gearing Up for Auto Insurance Reform
The Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates has been hearing testimony from groups across all industries that intersect with car insurance. From insurance companies to medical care providers, to our own Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), all sectors have been sharing ideas about how to best reform our system. This past week, we heard presentations from the Michigan Association for Justice and the Negligence Law Section of the Michigan State Bar about how the rush to file auto no-fault claims within one year can put an extra cost on our system. I look forward to addressing this and other issues as we generate solutions.
Opportunity for All
This week the state House and Senate introduced bipartisan bills that would ensure community college or the skilled trades training for every Michigan resident. These are the Michigan Opportunity Scholarship and the Michigan Reconnect bills. Together these programs provide education and retraining to workers by guaranteeing up to three years of community college or access to trade schools. Michigan currently ranks 36th in the country in postsecondary education attainment with only 43.7% of adults having at least an associates degree. 60% attainment by 2030 is an aggressive goal, but it’s what we need to achieve to not only help our communities succeed, but to thrive. I am proud to say that these programs have been endorsed by our small business community as a key source of opportunity for residents throughout our state.
A Home for Every Child
I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will make it easier for Michigan’s foster youth to find lifelong homes. Alongside Rep. Tim Sneller and other colleagues, I supported legislation that would repeal Public Acts 53-55 of 2015 and prohibit child placing agencies from discriminating against parents because of who they are or who they love. By enabling more families to be considered as candidates for adoption, we are moving towards a future where every child grows up in a happy, healthy home.
Upcoming Time With Donna
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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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Budget Bootcamp Town Hall
When: Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Dexter District Library
3255 Alpine in Dexter
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Coffee Hour at Carrigan Cafe
When: Friday, May 17, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Carrigan Cafe
101 S. Ann Arbor St. #107 in Saline
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District Spotlight
This past week I was able to sit down with Rep. Rebekah Warren and Lean In, a student group at the University of Michigan, to discuss the role of women in politics. It is always fun to share insights with future leaders!
What to Do in 52
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Film Screening: Essential Arrival
Come watch this new film by University of Michigan-Dearborn sociology lecturer, Arifa Javed. Her film provides an in-depth look at the immigrant experience to the U.S. for Indian immigrants through interviews with Michigan families and experts in law, sociology and public policy.
When: Monday, April 22, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road in Saline
Author Event: Joe Grimm and The Faygo Book
Meet Joe Grimm, author of The Faygo Book, at Dexter District Library. The Faygo Book tells the a narrative of a bond behind a family and their city through Detroit’s beloved soda pop and how it has remained the last bottler standing in “pop alley”.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. in Dexter
11th Annual Midwest Literary March
Come engage with nationally acclaimed authors and poets right in downtown Chelsea!
When: Saturday, April 27, 1–5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Chelsea
Line Up:
1 p.m. – Min Jin Lee – Main Street Church, 320 N. Main St.
2:30 p.m. – Luis J. Rodriguez – Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St.
4 p.m. – Anissa Gray – Chelsea First Congregational Church, 121 E. Middle St.
Saline Outdoor (Summer) Farmers’ Market
Grab some great produce or visit artisan shops and celebrate the warmth at the first outdoor Saline Farmers’ Market of the season.
When: Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. – noon
Where: Downtown on S. Ann Arbor Street, ½ Block South of Michigan Ave. in Saline
Resources
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Housing Assessment and Resource Agency Services
If you or someone you love is at risk of losing their home, there are programs in our community to keep that from happening. Within Washtenaw County, the Salvation Army is able to provide the most current information on resources available for households that are homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless. They can be contacted at (734) 961-1999 from Monday to Friday 9 – 5 p.m.
Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Do you have questions about state or federal level health insurance? The Department of Insurance and Financial Services is available to answer and questions or concerns you may have about your health insurance. The Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP) breaks down health insurance at the state and federal level. You can call toll-free at (877) 999-6442.
Resources for Veterans
For the veterans in your life and our community, there are many resources available to help make the transition home easier. The groups below are dedicated to assisting veterans and providing for their needs. After serving our country, it is our turn to serve them.
- McKesson Military Resource Group (MMRG) – This group provides networking opportunities, helps our talent acquisition team hire more veterans and actively supports non-profits that aid veterans and active duty military.
- Fisher House Foundation – Supports a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment. They can be reached by phone at (888) 294-8560.
- Stand Down – A Veteran Administration program which helps homeless veterans with food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and other necessities. For a list of their events, you can visit their website.
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I hope that this information has been helpful and that I will see you at future events.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Donna Lasinski