Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well. As we delve into another edition of our e-news, I’m thrilled to share some remarkable stories from District 27, legislative updates and upcoming events that are shaping our community and the state of Michigan. So, grab a cup of your favorite fall beverage and let’s dive in!
I appreciate your important role in our community, and I’m looking forward to our ongoing work together. If you ever have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me at (517) 373-0142 or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov.
Working for you,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Community Updates
Revitalizing Michigan’s Waters: Sturgeon Release Event in the Flint River
Last Saturday, my office had the privilege of participating in a lake sturgeon release into the Flint River. These events are pivotal in enhancing the health of our river systems, particularly the Saginaw Bay Watershed, of which the Flint River is a tributary.
Lake sturgeons — ancient creatures predating even the dinosaurs — have faced severe population declines in Michigan due to overfishing and habitat loss. Fortunately, numerous partnerships and projects are dedicated to restoring their populations in our state. This year, a significant milestone was reached: 5,000 lake sturgeon were released into the river system!
I am grateful that my office was included in this year’s release event, contributing to the overall well-being of our water systems. If you’re interested, you can find more information about the ongoing lake sturgeon restoration efforts in the Saginaw Bay region here.
Mott Community College Celebrates its 100-Year Journey
Also on Saturday, we celebrated a remarkable milestone — the 100th anniversary of Mott Community College. It was an honor for me to speak at this momentous occasion and pay tribute to the exceptional faculty and staff, past and present, who have devoted themselves to nurturing and guiding countless students toward a brighter future. The dedication and hard work of these individuals have been instrumental in shaping countless lives.
Here’s to celebrating another 100 years of educational achievement, community engagement and the enduring legacy of Mott Community College.
Legislative Update
I’m excited to share that Senate Bill 31, a piece of legislation I introduced earlier this year, has made its way to the Governor’s desk for final approval. This legislation mandates universal lead testing at 12 and 24 months of age, with additional testing requirements for high-risk areas and specific household conditions.
We are acutely aware of the urgent issue of childhood lead exposure in our state, particularly in Flint. Senate Bill 31, developed in collaboration with pediatricians statewide, establishes a robust framework to ensure that all children, regardless of their insurance coverage, receive the necessary testing to detect lead exposure early. This proactive approach empowers parents to safeguard their children’s well-being and mitigate further harm.
Upcoming Events
I would like to invite you to a coffee hour at the Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center on Friday, October 20.
These events are a great opportunity for me to connect and engage with you all and offer a chance for you to ask any questions, share your thoughts and receive updates on the latest news in Lansing and our district. I hope to see you there!
WHEN: Friday, October 20, 2023, from 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center, 3478 Mundy Avenue, Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Helpful Resources
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans in the United States. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
First established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, it was later expanded to a full thirty days by the Reagan administration and became law on August 17, 1988. Throughout history, Latinos have continued to progress and greatly contribute to society. To learn more about the positive impact of Latinos in the Michigan Legislature, read the full news story here.
Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarships to up to 2,500 future educators every year. It is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!
To be eligible, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working on their initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program.
- Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility.
For more information on the MI Future Educator Fellowship, visit here.
FEMA and FCC Nationwide Emergency Alert Test
Lastly, don’t forget that on October 4, 2023, at 2:20 p.m., FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide emergency communication test. Phones, TVs, and radios will activate to display a test message with no required action. This assessment aims to gauge emergency messaging effectiveness and accessibility. For more information, please visit FEMA.gov.