Dear Neighbor,
As April showers subside and May flowers bloom, I’m energized to continue delivering results for our community and look forward to all we can accomplish together.
Both in Lansing and throughout District 27, our team has been keeping busy crafting a balanced budget, making progress on legislative priorities, and connecting with constituents. With this newsletter, I hope to provide an update on the many things we’ve been up to.
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
Featured in This Newsletter
- In Recent News
- Legislative Update
- Community Events
- Resources
In Recent News
Bills Pass to Bolster Michigan’s Natural Resources
Last week, with bipartisan support, the Michigan Senate passed three of my bills crucial to fortifying our state’s natural resources. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, I’m proud of our collaborative effort in preserving Michigan’s ecological treasures for future generations.
Senate Bill 758, aimed at funding the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), secured $6 million for the essential work carried out by Michigan’s conservation districts. Additionally, $2 million was earmarked for a Farm to Family Program, promoting regenerative farming practices and Michigan-produced food.
Senate Bill 759, focusing on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), proposes more than $17 million to support state parks and provide a deserved exemption for veterans, as well as vital wetland restoration initiatives. This bill also invests in nonprofits combatting hunger, including Sportsmen Against Hunger, whose pipelines of harvested deer serve families in need.
Senate Bill 817 appropriates $27.3 million for 53 recreation development projects across Michigan through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). Notably, these projects include crucial investments in Senate District 27, improving access to the Flint River and establishing shared-use paths.
My commitment to safeguarding Michigan’s natural resources extends beyond these bills. In the past, I’ve secured funding for wetland conservation and received recognition from Ducks Unlimited for my contributions. Moreover, I’ve advocated for initiatives supporting animal shelters, soil health education, and the development of a mass timber market to address climate change challenges facing Michigan’s forests.
Moving forward, I will continue championing the conservation of Michigan’s natural resources, ensuring they remain pristine and accessible for all.
National Kidney Foundation Award
I recently received a 2024 Champion of Hope Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. As a legislator, it is my privilege to serve our community and make a positive difference in people’s lives. I am humbled by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to serve my constituents. Through my role in the legislature, I have been able to contribute to policies and initiatives that aim to enhance the well-being of individuals and families in our community. This award is a reminder of the impact that our collective efforts can have, and I am committed to continuing to work toward creating a better future for all.
Legislative Update
Expanding Prevailing Wage to Clean Energy
Last week, Michigan Senate Democrats successfully passed my bill, Senate Bill 571, which would expand prevailing wage protections to essential wind and solar projects statewide. This legislation isn’t just about fair compensation; it’s about safeguarding the skills and safety of our workforce. Addressing the press in the Senate chamber, I underscored the pivotal role this bill plays in supporting our transition to clean energy while dispelling misconceptions surrounding prevailing wage policies. I take pride in contributing to this crucial effort alongside my colleagues, working together to build a more sustainable and just future for the state of Michigan and those who call it home.
Community Events
Face-to-face time with constituents is deeply important to me, and that’s why I make it a point to have regularly scheduled events out in the community. These are great opportunities to hear about issues important to you and answer any questions you may have. I will also be sharing legislative updates as to the many exciting things moving at our state Capitol. Find more information about my upcoming events below as well as on my website. I hope to see you there!
Grand Blanc Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, May 13, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Blanc Senior Center, 12632 Pagels Dr, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
WHEN: Monday, June 3, 2024 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: McCree Theatre, 4601 Clio Rd, Flint, MI 48504
Resources
Working to Keep Michigan Roads Safe: Senate Democrats Recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving accounts for about 25% of all crash fatalities, and in 2021, there were 6,543 motor vehicle crashes here in Michigan involving a distracted driver.
To help rectify this issue and keep our roads safe for Michiganders driving to work, school or anywhere in between, I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues last year to update our distracted driving laws. Before, texting while driving was a ticketable offense, but things like scrolling social media or taking a video were not. Senate Bills 239–241 made a much-needed update to our laws to ensure Michigan is truly a hands-free state and encourage people to focus on the most important task on the road: driving safely. These bills were signed into law and took effect on June 30, 2023.
As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:
- Make or answer a telephone or video call.
- Send or read a text or email message.
- Watch, record, or send a video.
- Access, read, or post to social media.
- Browse or use the Internet.
- Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.
In recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this past April, take a moment to learn more about these laws and how you can play your part in keeping our roads safe for yourself and your fellow Michiganders. To find more information, visit the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety website at Michigan.gov/DistractedDriving.
Essential Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
With one in five Americans and nearly 1.5 million Michiganders experiencing mental health issues each year, it’s important to remind ourselves to care for our mental and emotional health. If you find yourself emotionally struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources and remember — you matter!
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit their Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis line provides veterans and their family members with 24/7, confidential support. To connect, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
- Trevor Lifeline: The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face and are available for support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here to speak with a crisis counselor.
Locating Treatment Services
- Michigan 211: If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 or visit mi211.org to speak with a live person who can help. All conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and are available in 180 languages upon request.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.
- Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs: CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to children, adolescents and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.