Dear Neighbor,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits as we kick off the month of April. I also hope you had a wonderful spring break with your family, creating lasting memories and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.
Remember, the deadline to file state and federal taxes is this Monday, April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here. 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.
As always, I hope this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 27.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenJCherry@senate.micigan.gov or call us in Flint at (810) 233-9853 or Lansing at (517) 373-0142.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in This Newsletter
- In Recent News
- Legislative Updates
- Community Events
- Resources
In Recent News
I’m honored to share that Ducks Unlimited has awarded me their 2024 National Wetland Conservation Achievement Award. As a proud member of Ducks Unlimited, it’s humbling to receive this recognition for my dedication to protecting our natural resources and preserving our sporting traditions here in Michigan. Working alongside organizations like Ducks Unlimited has been a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to wetland conservation efforts.
In my role as a lawmaker, I’ve been committed to safeguarding our state’s environment. I’m particularly proud of securing funding for wetland conservation in both the Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 budgets. Notably, in the FY2024 budget, we achieved ongoing general fund support for wetlands restoration, a historic milestone for Michigan. This funding will play a crucial role in preserving our wetlands for generations to come.
Ducks Unlimited has been at the forefront of habitat conservation since 1937, and I’m proud to stand alongside them in this important work. Together, we’re ensuring that Michigan remains a leader in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. For more information about Ducks Unlimited and their impactful conservation efforts, please visit their website.
Legislative Updates
As we resume our legislative session post-spring break, our agenda is packed with significant initiatives, including the following bills of which I’m a proud sponsor:
- SB803 is all about sustaining habitat restoration efforts and safeguarding pheasant populations across Michigan. These birds are vital to our ecosystem and cherished by nature and sports enthusiasts alike. This bill ensures their habitats remain preserved for future generations.
- SB 813 aims to provide better protection for child victims. It allows children under 14 to give testimony via video-recorded statements, shielding them from the potentially overwhelming experience of court proceedings. This measure prioritizes their well-being and ensures their voices are heard effectively.
- SB 817, also known as the MNRTF Bill, allocates over $30 million from the Natural Resources Trust Fund to support 54 projects statewide. In our district, these projects include renovating a historic pedestrian bridge and improving access to recreational spaces like the Flint River and multi-use paths. These investments not only enhance recreational opportunities but also preserve Michigan’s scenic landscapes.
- Senate Bills 818–827, introduced by Sens. Erika Geiss, Stephanie Chang, Sarah Anthony, Mary Cavanagh, and Sylvia Santana, aim to enhance equity and accountability within Michigan’s maternal healthcare services. As a co-sponsor of the “MI Momnibus” legislation, I’m honored to support this multi-faceted approach. Our goal is to build upon existing community-driven programs and solutions, focusing on improvements in prenatal and maternal healthcare. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and stakeholders, we strive to bring about meaningful change in maternal care practices.
Community Events
It’s been a busy time with our community events, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights!
We hosted a successful e-cigarette town hall in Flint Township and had a heartfelt kitchen conversation led by Royce Stephens, with delicious food from Flint’s own Chef Nate. We also participated in the Swartz Creek Community Schools 2nd Annual Connections to Wellness in the Creek event. These gatherings provided great opportunities for meaningful discussions and strengthening community bonds.
I invite you to join us at one of these upcoming events as we work together to make a difference in our community. Your presence and support are crucial!
Dear Earth Literacy Event – Resource and Book Fair
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, 2142 N Genesee Rd, Burton, MI 48509
Flushing Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 26, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Flushing Area Senior Center, 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433
Resources
Get Ready for Fishing Season!
With spring upon us in the Great Lakes State, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers to purchase a new license for the 2024 fishing season.
The new fishing license and regulation season kicked off on Monday, April 1. The new 2024 fishing licenses will be valid through March 31, 2025. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, which you can download on your smartphone.
Here’s a rundown of key dates to remember this fishing season:
- Saturday, April 27 – Statewide trout and Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons open.
- Monday, May 15 – Upper Peninsula walleye and northern pike seasons open.
- Saturday, May 25 – Season opens for largemouth and smallmouth bass possession, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open Saturday, June 15. (Note: Catch-and-immediate-release for bass is open all year on most waters. Check the 2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics.)
- Saturday, June 1 – Season opens for muskellunge possession on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers. (Note: Catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year.)
For additional information about 2024 fishing license, contact DNR eLicense at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-6057.
The DNR is also providing helpful tips for Michigan anglers to help combat the spread of invasive species.
- Start with a clean boat and clean gear.
- End by draining live wells and bilges.
- End by cleaning debris and plant material from boats.
- Decontaminate waders and gear with safe chemical disinfectants after each use.
- Dispose of leftover bait in the trash to prevent the spread of fish diseases.
Financial Literacy Month
Talking about all things money related can be nothing short of stressful, but with the right tools in your toolbox, it doesn’t have to be. And with the Senate passing Senate Resolution 102 recognizing April as Financial Literacy Month, there is no better time for us to share some important tips on things you can do to start building a brighter financial future.
One piece of advice emphasized by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is just how important it is for Michiganders to establish a relationship with a financial institution. By having an account with a bank or credit union, you can save money by avoiding fees related to check cashing, money orders and more. Thanks to the Michigan Open Account Coalition formed in 2022, low- or no-cost accounts — with no surprise fees — are available at participating banks and credit unions.
Attorney General Dana Nessel also offers up some additional financial education best practices this month by re-issuing her Overdraft Fee Rules alert. This is a great resource to help consumers become more informed on your bank’s overdraft policy, potentially avoiding the accumulation of large fees in your accounts without understanding how they get there.
New Website Available to Help Track Your Status of Benefits
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a brand new website MI Bridges to help Michiganders applying for assistance monitor their benefits status. The tool tracks five benefits programs: health care coverage, the food assistance program, cash assistance, child development and care, and state emergency relief.
Applicants can receive assistance through the MI Bridges virtual assistant chat or by calling the MI Bridges help desk at 844-799-9876. Visit newmibridges.michigan.govfor more information.