Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you well as we embrace the spring season in our state.
In this edition of our bi-weekly newsletter, you’ll find updates on recent news, community happenings, legislative actions, and helpful resources. Here’s a quick glimpse:
- In recent news, Attorney General Nessel warns about real estate scams, and we celebrate March as Reading Month.
- Community updates include highlights from recent events and upcoming opportunities to connect.
- Legislative updates cover significant bills passed and ongoing efforts in the Michigan Senate.
- Lastly, we share some helpful resources ranging from tax assistance to MDOT’s tips for navigating construction season.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can contact me at 517-373-0142 (Lansing office), 810-233-9788 (District office), or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
In Recent News
AG Nessel Warns Renters, Homebuyers of Fraudulent Real Estate Ads, Zillow Scams in New Alert
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a new consumer alert, Real Estate Scams – How to Avoid Being Taken in by Fake Listings, to educate renters and homebuyers on how to avoid property scams, spurred by recent reports. Fraudulent real estate listings often advertise properties that don’t exist, are not for sale or rent, or are not what they appear to be.
Nessel’s alert cites Zillow’s advice on the red flags homebuyers should look out for:
- Requests to wire funds.
- Long-distance solicitations.
- Requests for verification codes.
- Requests for personal or financial information.
- Grammar/spelling errors and sob stories.
The red flags for rental listing scams are similar to those that exist in homebuying fraud schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, using the following strategies can help you avoid being a victim of a rental scam:
- Conduct an online search.
- Examine the price of similar units.
- Look carefully at the property before you sign or pay.
- Never provide personal or financial information.
- Don’t pay with cash.
If you believe you have been the victim of a rental scam or real estate scam, report it to:
- Your local law enforcement agency;
- The FTC; and,
- The website where the ad was posted.
You can also file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Community Updates
March is Reading Month
March is a special time for celebrating the joy of reading! It’s heartwarming to witness schools, libraries, and communities unite to promote literacy and encourage everyone to embrace the wonderful world of books. From exciting reading challenges to inspiring author visits, there are endless opportunities to dive into the magic of storytelling.
As a legislator, March holds a special place in my heart because it’s when I have the privilege of visiting schools throughout my district as a guest reader for students. Last week at Woodland Park Academy, the warm welcome I received from the students filled me with joy. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.
Let’s make March memorable by immersing ourselves in books! Whether it’s “The Book with No Pictures” or another beloved story, find a cozy spot, grab a book, and let your imagination soar. Together, let’s celebrate the joy of reading!
Community Conversations
I’ve always believed in the power of open dialogue and community engagement. In recent months, we’ve been fortunate to host several meaningful community conversations, and your active involvement has been incredibly valuable.
In today’s world, where technology often dominates, face-to-face interactions are invaluable. These gatherings provide a genuine opportunity for us to connect, share thoughts, and work together on issues that matter most to our community.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has participated in our recent community and kitchen conversations. Your insights have been instrumental in shaping our efforts, and I’m truly grateful for your input.
Looking forward, I’m eager to continue these conversations at upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
Your participation is essential as we tackle both the challenges and opportunities in our community. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
E-Cigarette Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, April 4, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Carman-Ainsworth High School, 1300 N Linden Rd, Flint, MI 48532
Flushing Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 26, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Flushing Area Senior Center, 106 Elm St, Flushing, MI 48433
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Pass the Fertility Health Care Act
Just weeks after the shocking Alabama court ruling that declared that frozen embryos have equal legal rights as children, jeopardizing fertility treatments such as IVF, Michigan Senate Democrats voted on the final passage of House Bills 5207–5215, which eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care and allows Michiganders more ways to grow their families.
Currently in Michigan, children born through assisted reproduction, such as IVF and surrogacy, have no clear legal link to their parents. Additionally, Michigan is the only state that criminalizes paid surrogacy which leaves many children in Michigan born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy without clear legal protection and vulnerable uncertainty regarding their legal status. This legislation will address these concerns to help keep families together, including same sex couples and those who choose IVF or surrogacy.
While reproductive rights face threats across the country, Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to dismantling barriers to ensure that those who want to start a family can.
These bills now head to the governor’s desk for signature.
Senate Passes Bipartisan Government Transparency Bills Out of Committee
This year, the Michigan Senate is taking significant steps to shine light on state government by advancing two bipartisan bills from the Senate Oversight Committee.
These bills, Senate Bills 669 and 670, would bring both the Michigan Legislature and the governor’s office under the Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In other words, these measures would require compliance with the state’s existing FOIA regulations.
Senate Bills 669 and 670 represent a departure from past efforts by integrating the Legislature into Michigan’s FOIA, a response to years of Senate inaction, and aim to address the state’s poor government integrity ranking due to the exclusion of state lawmakers and the governor’s office from records requests.
This FOIA legislation would set a new precedent in Michigan government, changing the political landscape.
Helpful Resources
Tax Help and Resources
It’s tax season! Remember that the deadline to file state and federal taxes is April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here.
Many Michiganders who are working hard but earning the least will now be able to keep more in their wallets thanks to the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit, championed by legislative Democrats last year. Those who qualify began receiving supplemental checks earlier this month. If you are a qualified recipient and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Center may be able to provide additional help.
MDOT Urges Drivers to Utilize Zipper Merging to Reduce Construction Delays
Every Michigander’s favorite season — construction season — is almost upon us, which means it’s time to gear up for the usual lane closures, traffic shuffles and detours ahead. Amidst these changes, it’s important to stay focused on the road and stay tuned in to updates, changes, or any potential delays.
To help ease the flow of traffic and minimize headaches, the Michigan Dept. of Tranportation (MDOT) is urging Michigan drivers to embrace the “zipper merge” technique when navigating through construction zones. Like the zipper on your coat, this method encourages utilizing both lanes until the merger point, allowing vehicles to take turns merging politely and orderly. MDOT says that by employing this approach, we can cut down on delays from two miles to just one mile, making the journey smoother for everyone. See how the zipper merge works here.