Dear Neighbor,
As we enter the month of June and jump into the summer season, I hope you can spend time outside in the sun. Whether you enjoy gardening, barbequing, swimming, or taking a stroll around a local park — there are many ways to enjoy all our state has to offer this time of year.
The Michigan Senate and the House are continuing to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget that will be presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign. We are working hard, ensuring state dollars go toward our people and the communities in which we live, work, and grow. As always, this newsletter serves as a great update on what we’re accomplishing here in Lansing on your behalf.
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 contact me by sending an email to SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-0142 (Lansing office) or 810-233-9788 (District office).
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in This Newsletter
- In Recent News
- Legislative Update
- Community Events
- Resources
In Recent News
Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to cultivating true inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, our Majority for the People has worked to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect our LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It also will provide protection in educational facilities, housing and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate has passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349 — to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. Our caucus remains committed to putting forth legislation that will further advance our shared mission of equity and inclusion.
$20 Million Available for Michigan’s First-Ever Environmental Justice Impact Grants
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA) is launching a $20 million Environmental Justice Impact Grant program.
My Democratic colleagues and I secured funding for this program in our 2024 state budget to help reduce environmental health burdens in Michigan’s environmental justice communities.
Applications are now open for place-based, equity-focused projects.
Eligible projects include those that:
- Improve local public health
- Monitor pollution
- Remove blight
- Clean up contamination
- Enhance indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities
Federally recognized tribes, community-based nonprofits, local governments, schools, and childcare centers can apply for up to $500,000. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024, with funds awarded by early September 2024.
Legislative Update
Senate Bill 27 Ensuring Equal Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatments Becomes Law
Last week, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). This new law requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorder at the same level as physical health services. It aims to close existing loopholes and ensure that Michigan residents can access the necessary treatments.
Our Senate Majority remains committed to uplifting and supporting Michiganders in every facet of life and will work hard to ensure that our state’s residents have access to mental health care and resources.
Community Events
Free Fishing Weekend
This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan! Fishing license fees will be waived, and you won’t need a Recreation Passport to visit our state parks. I hope all Michiganders and our out-of-state visitors can enjoy one of our favorite pastimes. For more information, click here.
Free Dental Care June 14-15
The Michigan Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy event, which provides FREE dental care to those in need, will take place in Flint this month.
WHEN: June 14 – 15, 2024. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. sharp.
WHERE: Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503
Spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors! This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to receive essential dental services without any cost. Let’s ensure everyone knows about this incredible event. Learn more on their flier.
Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved individuals, making it a significant day in American history. Click here to find out ways to celebrate this momentous holiday.
Flint Pride
The flagship Pride event in Flint, Pride in the Park, will feature live musical performances, food trucks, booths, and more in an inclusive atmosphere at Riverbank Park in downtown Flint. The 14th annual Pride Festival will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 29th at the park located at 100 Saginaw St. For more information on this event, follow the Facebook event page or visit the host’s website.
Resources
Tips to Keep in Mind During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is participating in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week in support of nation-wide efforts to combat Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.
Fraud impacts Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress and health issues. It also costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from Medicare fraud. Everyone, however, can play a part in the fight against fraud. Take these steps during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and beyond:
- Medicare beneficiaries can monitor their insurance statements to make sure products and services received match what is on the statements. They can request free My Health Care Trackers from their local SMP.
- Caregivers can help by being on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (like boxes of knee braces) lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their or their doctor’s approval. They can remind their client or loved one to never give out their Medicare number or other personal information over the phone to prevent unauthorized purchases.
- Families can help by talking to their loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. Help loved ones create a Medicare.gov account to access Medicare statements online or remind them to open and review statements when they come in the mail. Beneficiaries can also register their phone number on “do not call” lists and visit Optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mailings.
- Partners and professionals can help by sharing SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to the SMP and inviting the SMP to speak during a shared event.
- Health care providers can help by talking to patients about health care scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes. Remind patients that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see. Needed medical items should never be ordered through TV ads or unsolicited calls.
- Community members can help by looking out for older neighbors. When in public, be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. Encourage older adults to talk to a trusted source about Medicare questions and tell neighbors about the most recent Medicare scams. Community members can also volunteer with a local SMP.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining SMP and their partners. Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week at Smpresource.org.
This month, we celebrate the contributions of women across various industries and throughout history. The women of the Michigan Senate Democratic Majority serve as trailblazers — asserting themselves and their voices, occupying more prominent positions and making a greater impact than ever before.
Their ability to shatter glass ceilings and hold the door open for other women is unparalleled. Take this month to acknowledge the women in your life — and continue to be a champion for gender equity. To learn more about the impact of women in the Michigan Legislature, click here.
March is Reading Month
Throughout March, we celebrate the joy of reading! Schools, libraries and communities come together to promote literacy and encourage everyone to pick up a book. From reading challenges to author visits, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books. So, grab a book, find a cozy spot and let your imagination soar this March!