Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you all doing well. It’s a pleasure to connect with you through this e-newsletter once again. As your State Senator, I’m excited to bring you the latest news, updates and insights from our vibrant community. Our commitment to serving District 27 remains unwavering, and I’m eager to highlight the incredible strides we’ve made together.
Thank you again for your time, and for being an integral part of our community. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all residents of our district. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at (517) 373-0142 or SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov with questions or concerns.
Working for you,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in this newsletter
- Community Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Community Updates
This week, I had the honor of joining the YMCA of Greater Flint in a momentous announcement. Thanks to the funds we secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, they have achieved their capital campaign goal for the construction of a new facility in Downtown Flint. This impressive 50,000 square foot facility, situated at the corner of 3rd and Harrison Street in Downtown Flint, will not only be a hub of health and wellness but will also include 50 apartment units, the Hurley Physical Therapy Clinic and the Crim Fitness Foundation. It’s a step towards a healthier future for our community, and you can learn more about the Flint YMCA and this exciting project at FlintYMCA.com
I was delighted to welcome Governor Whitmer to Flint earlier this week to celebrate significant investments in our community. We showcased investments in bilingual early education at the Latinx Technology and Community Center on Flint’s eastside. Moreover, we visited Beecher Community Schools, where $2.5 million in state funding will be used to renovate and repair the old high school, ensuring a better learning environment for our students.
Finally, I had the privilege of joining the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Department of Education and my colleagues from the Michigan House of Representatives for a tour of the Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) right here in Flint. MSD is a beacon for educating Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children from all over Michigan. Thanks to the $40 million secured in the 2024 budget, MSD students will soon have brand new dormitories to replace the aging structures they currently reside in. Learn more about the remarkable work at MSD by visiting MichiganSchoolForTheDeaf.org
I invite you to join me at one of my upcoming Coffee & Conversation events in September. These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity for you to share your questions and ideas with me while staying updated on the legislative work my colleagues and I have been undertaking in the Michigan Legislature.
WHEN: Monday, September 11 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Blanc Senior Center, 12632 Pagels Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Learn more here or on Facebook here.
Helpful Resources
Severe Weather Resources
In response to recent severe weather across the state, our first responders and officials are working hard to ensure there is a swift delivery of resources to affected areas. We applaud this effort and our dedicated first responders, who have been working tirelessly around the clock. Please continue to exercise caution as some areas are still being cleared and assessed for damage. If you need help or see something to report, use the following links.
To report downed power lines:
🔌 DTE: outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
🔌 Consumers Energy: Call 1-888-535-9003
To report flooding or flood damage, visit Michigan.gov/difs/consumers/disaster-prep/flood.
For additional safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
UIA Offers New Coaching Sessions for First-Time Filers
Workers in Michigan applying for jobless benefits now can receive online guidance from trained instructors at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). These coaching sessions can be accessed through the UIA website. It’s important to note that participating in an orientation session is not mandatory to qualify for benefits.
During these sessions, UIA staff will provide guidance on the UIA’s new online Claimant Roadmap, a user-friendly tool designed to simplify the application process and enhance understanding of benefits. Here’s the specific information you need to know:
- Sessions are available on specific days and times:
-
- 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays
- 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
- 1-3 p.m. Fridays
- After signing up, users will receive an email with a link to use during their selected session.
- Reminder emails will be sent one day and one hour before the session begins.
- These sessions are not for individuals with current claims.
- Those with current claims can seek assistance through other channels:
-
- Call UIA’s Customer Service line at 1-866-500-0017
- Visit Michigan.gov/UIA to schedule an in-person, phone or virtual appointment
- Use the website’s Ask Ava chat feature for answers to questions
Safety Precautions During Yellowjacket and Hornet Peak Seasons
As we transition into the late summer and early fall, it’s important to be aware that August and September mark the peak seasons for yellowjackets and hornets. These stinging insects become more active during this time, making it crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Locate the nest and treat it with a registered insecticide.
- Check your property for potential harborage points, like open spots in the ground, hollow tree stumps or openings between the walls.
- Cover eating containers as much as possible, especially when eating outdoors.
- Be sure to add natural wasp-repellent plants like eucalyptus, spearmint or thyme around your surrounding property.
- Contact pest control for removal service and related information:
-
- To contact the State of Michigan’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD), call 1-800-292-3939.
- To utilize free yellow jacket and hornet removal, contact mihornetremoval.com. They are willing to travel 40 miles from Perry, Michigan or further based on order status. In the event they cannot make it to your area, they will be able to provide solid referrals to other free removal services.
By staying informed and implementing effective measures, we can minimize the risk of encountering these pests and enjoy the remaining warm days of the season with peace of mind.