Dear Neighbor,
Summer is officially upon us this week, bringing high temperatures to kick off the season. Stay cool, stay hydrated and, as always, stay safe.
Also, this week is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, in its first year as an official state holiday. While our country has certainly made significant progress in its pursuit of social justice and freedom for all, there is more work to be done so that all Michiganders — regardless of what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or what zip code they call home — can thrive.
To that end, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to building up Michigan in one of the most impactful ways we can: by soon passing a bold state budget that prioritizes the very people and communities we live, work, and grow in. Stay tuned as we continue to work with the House on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget before sending it to the governor to sign.
As always, 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 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 Updates
- Community Events
- Resources
In Recent News
Rx Kids Holds Inaugural Baby Parade
It was great to be out in the community last week for the inaugural Rx Kids baby parade, an event put on to uplift Flint’s children and celebrate the success of this new, innovative program. Launched earlier this year, Flint Rx Kids has steadily and effectively been enhancing the lives of numerous families in the community by providing no-strings-attached cash to expectant parents during pregnancy and throughout the baby’s first year. To date, more than 700 families in Flint have been direct beneficiaries of more than $1 million provided by the Rx Kids program. Unconditional cash programs such as this have shown to be life-changing, providing parents more financial freedom to support the health and well-being of their families in the ways they know best.
2024 Douglas A. Bennett Legislator of the Year Award
I’m honored to have received the 2024 Douglas A. Bennett Legislator of the Year Award from the Michigan Pipe Trades Assocation last week.
Enforcing building codes across Michigan is essential for safety and well-being. These standards protect lives, property, and the environment while preventing costly repairs. Leaders must prioritize these codes for safer, more resilient communities. I pledge to continue working in the Michigan Senate to improve building code enforcement and protect the rights of skilled trades to collectively bargain.
Thank you to all the trades folks in Michigan and across the country. Your work is greatly appreciated.
Recognizing Juneteenth
Happy Juneteenth! Observed on June 19 every year, Juneteenth commemorates the day that the last people who were enslaved in the U.S. learned of their freedom — June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation.
The significance of Juneteenth extends beyond its historical roots. It symbolizes triumph over the injustices of slavery and stands as a testament to the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true freedom and equality for all.
As we celebrate this day, please know that I remain steadfast in the fight for equity and justice so that all Michiganders are not only free but can live their lives in happiness and health.
There are many Juneteenth celebrations happening throughout the state — I hope you can attend!
Check out our recent story, Celebrating Juneteenth & Black Excellence in the Michigan Legislature, to learn all the ways the Senate’s three Michigan Legislative Black Caucus members are making waves at the Capitol and for the people of Michigan.
Legislative Update
Movement on Bill Package to Protect Mobile Homes & Renters
Since taking office, I have heard from mobile home owners and renters about their struggles with issues related to their living situations, from unfair rent hikes to unsafe drinking water. To address these and other concerns, I joined several fellow Democratic Senate colleagues in introducing Senate Bills 486–490 last year. This crucial legislation establishes protections for residents of manufactured housing communities.
I’m excited to report that as of last week, the Housing and Human Services Committee favorably reported our bill package to the Senate floor for a vote. Stay tuned!
Working to Deliver Innovative “Building up Michigan” State Budget
Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities. This comprehensive budget, encompassing various offices, departments, initiatives, projects, and programs, follows an annual funding cycle, necessitating the State Legislature to craft a new budget each year.
Crafting this state budget is a collaborative effort involving negotiations between both legislative branches and the governor, resulting in a new state budget being signed into law each year to distribute funding to residents, schools, communities, businesses, local governments, and more.
Currently, we’re in an exciting moment with our budget process, continuing the transformative investments of the previous year and taking an innovative approach to addressing the needs of all Michiganders. Highlights of our “Building Up Michigan” budget proposal include record school funding, increased access to community college for students, significant funding for local communities and efforts to lower costs for state residents.
As we work to deliver a final budget by the end of June, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the investments we’re looking to make to support communities across Michigan — read more here.
Community Events
Flint Pride in the Park
In honor of Pride Month, the vibrant city of Flint will be hosting its 14th annual Flint Pride in the Park event on June 29 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the scenic Riverbank Park downtown. It promises to be a joyful and inclusive celebration of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. More information can be found here.
Resources
Stay Safe During Forecasted Heat Wave
With the projected high temperatures and humidity projected this week, Gov. Whitmer and several state departments have provided guidance for how you can stay safe.
When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death.
Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter. High temperatures plus high humidity are more dangerous because these conditions make it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself down. In addition to the daily temperature, residents should pay attention to the daily heat index, which gives a more accurate picture of how hot it feels outside.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Get Help Completing Your FAFSA
Preparing for college can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to sorting out finances. Join MiLEAP at an upcoming “FAFSA Fill-In Day” event to get one-on-one assistance from financial experts. Free computer and Wi-Fi access will be provided at their self-service stations, where they can help you submit the FAFSA form and see how you can access thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships, loans and work-student funds. They can also provide more information on the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (up to $27,500 in free money for college!).
WHEN: Thursday, June 27, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bountiful Love Church, 3432 Pasadena Ave., Flint, MI 48504
Note: Before you attend, you’ll need to create your FSA IDs as FSA IDs for all contributors (including student and parent) are needed before you can complete the FAFSA. It takes three-five days for FSA IDs to be activated.)