Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we approach the holiday season and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you are taking time to rest and gather with loved ones. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude in our lives — and I am incredibly thankful to serve and represent you in District 27.
In this legislative year alone, the Democratic Senate Majority has passed critical legislation to address the issues and challenges facing our state. I am pleased that our caucus accomplished this by listening and engaging in real conversations with constituents. I look forward to our continued progress in the new year.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, my office will be closed on Thursday, November 23, 2023, and Friday, November 24, 2023. With that in view, I will continue to ensure that all District 27 concerns are heard and addressed accordingly.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 517-373-0142 (Lansing office), 810-233-9788 (District office) or SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov with questions or concerns.
Working for you,
John CherryState SenatorDistrict 27
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Community Updates
The key to the success of our youth is to recognize and uplift; that is why I am taking this time to congratulate the graduating cohort group of the Peckham Inc. Flint Growth Opportunities Program. These young individuals have committed themselves to a brighter future, spending six (6) weeks undergoing both violence prevention training and employment readiness training to help them chart a path to success. I thank Peckham Inc. for welcoming my office to share in this moment, and I cannot wait to see the positive impact our young professionals will have on the community.
Small Business Saturday is November 25
Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been observed on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. In contrast to Black Friday and Cyber Monday — which cater to big box retailers and e-commerce sites — Small Business Saturday encourages supporting local brick-and-mortar stores.
By highlighting small and local businesses, Small Business Saturday fosters a sense of community and allows the individuality of the small businesses throughout our communities and state to shine. With how many amazing shops there are across the state, highlighting just one is not an easy task; however, in celebration of the day, Michigan Senate Democrats want to give a shoutout to just some great examples of small businesses across Michigan.
One of the many great small businesses here in District 27 is Almar Orchards, a fifth generation, family-owned and operated orchard dedicated to sustainable agriculture. After selling apples out of his garage and the Flint City Market, Albert Koan Jr. opened a small store in 1955 that would become the Almar farm store. Visiting Almar Orchard in Flushing with my family is an absolute joy for me. From expansive apple and pear orchards to pasture-raised pigs and chickens, pollinator meadow, farm store and playground, Almar is a great place for quality family time.
My daughter, Diana, at Almar Orchards earlier this year.
Michigan Senate Democrats gave a shoutout to other great examples of small businesses across Michigan; read the full story here.
Legislative Updates
Financial Disclosure
For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. After extensive input from stakeholders and lawmakers, bipartisan financial disclosure Senate Bills 613–616, which I co-sponsored, passed the Senate nearly unanimously and are now one step closer to helping improve government transparency and codify Proposal 1 of 2022 — which was supported by 2.8 million Michigan voters just last year.
Per Proposal 1 of 2022, and going beyond it, the legislation passed would ensure that starting next year on April 15th, each lawmaker must disclose:
- Every source of income;
- Assets held for investment or production of income;
- Significant liabilities;
- Positions held in organizations;
- Future employment agreements;
- Spouse’s occupation and more.
The Senate bills also extend this disclosure to candidates for office so that voters can vet these potential conflicts as they decide on who they want to represent them.
I’m excited to invite you to join me for a Coffee & Conversation event on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. We’ll be gathering at the Brennan Senior Center, located at 1301 Pingree Ave, Flint, MI 48503.
These talks are great opportunities for you and me to discuss and dive into what matters in our district; also, I will use this event to update the community on what is happening in Lansing. No need to be shy; let us come together to move District 27 forward!
WHEN: Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Brennan Senior Center, 1301 Pingree Ave, Flint, MI 48503
Helpful Resources
Michigan’s Firearm Deer Season Continues Through November 30
As I gear up for another exciting season of deer hunting in Michigan, I can’t help but think about the significance of our hunting heritage. The firearm deer hunting season runs through November 30, 2023, and it’s not just a pastime — it’s a tradition that holds the key to protecting our communities, preserving our natural spaces and keeping our state economy thriving.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has our backs, providing a helpful resource page with all the info we need on licenses, rules and maps. But there’s a bigger challenge at hand. Climate change is making winters milder, and the deer population is booming. Yet, here’s the hitch — the older hunters, the seasoned pros, aren’t hitting the woods as much, and the younger generation isn’t filling their boots. In the last twenty years, we’ve seen about 250,000 fewer hunters, putting our hunting legacy at risk.
Last year, the DNR introduced an online reporting requirement to collect more accurate data on deer populations. Now, as someone who loves being out there in the field, I understand that folks in rural hunting areas might struggle with internet connections. So, when I heard my fellow hunters voicing their concerns, I decided it was time to take action. I played my part by introducing Senate Bill 52, which is now law. It eases up on the penalties for not reporting, shifting them from misdemeanors to civil infractions, with a max fine of $150. It’s about finding a balance, making sure we do our part without feeling like we’re being slapped with heavy consequences.
Now, here’s something that motorists can relate to — Michigan is the second state with the most car-deer accidents in the U.S., just behind Pennsylvania. Since 2012, these accidents have gone up by 6.6%, causing injuries in 115 cases. And it’s not just drivers; farmers and orchard owners are feeling the squeeze too, with a whopping 60% increase in special deer permits issued by the DNR from 2014 to 2020.
The deer population explosion isn’t just impacting our roads; it’s wreaking havoc on our natural spaces. They’re munching on young trees, wildflowers and plants, making room for those pesky invasive species. To top it off, there are two diseases, bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease, spreading among deer herds. It’s a real concern, especially as the deer population keeps growing.
With about two million deer now in Michigan, up by 300,000 in the past ten years, the DNR is hustling to manage this surge. Hunting is a big part of their plan, not just for the thrill of it, but to keep our ecosystem in check and support our local economy.
So, as we head out into the woods this season, let’s remember — our hunting tradition isn’t just about bagging a buck. It’s about being stewards of our land, protecting our neighbors from accidents and ensuring Michigan stays the vibrant, thriving state we all love. Here’s to another season of preserving our hunting heritage and making memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Read more here about the work we’re doing in the Senate to support Michigan hunters and our environment.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
As the fall season begins, immunizations and testing continue to be critical tools in managing the spread of COVID-19. To help keep yourself and your community healthy, I encourage you to take advantage of the free vaccine and testing options available to you.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants.
Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine.
For more information, click here.
Testing Options: At-Home and In-Person
As of September 25, 2023, all U.S. residents are able to go to COVIDTests.gov and sign up to receive up to four free at-home tests per household delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries.
For Michiganders who are thinking about plans for in-person testing, Michigan.gov/COVIDTest remains in place to assist in locating a testing site.