Dear Neighbor,
Last week the Michigan Senate successfully finished negotiations with the House on the 2025 State Budget. My Democratic colleagues and I have diligently worked to design a budget that builds up our vibrant communities and supports our residents. Now, the budget is on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Find more information below on how our budget will build up Michigan.
This week is just as exciting with the Fourth of July approaching. I hope you enjoy a fun and safe holiday filled with friends, family, and fireworks! Remember, given the recent extreme heat, it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from heat exposure and sunburn. Additionally, in high-heat conditions, the risk of fire increases. Be sure to keep any firework shells or boxes outside overnight before disposing of them and consider hosing them down to prevent accidental fires.
Just a reminder, the office will be closed on July 4th, 2024, and July 5th, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. If you have any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me at 517-373-0142 for the Lansing office, 810-233-9853 for the 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
Happy Fourth of July from the Senate Democratic Majority
The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of our Declaration of Independence and the beginning of our great American experiment. The United States was founded on the belief that our nation should be a democracy where individual voices are not only heard but represented and respected in government and where every citizen can live freely and confidently.
My Democratic colleagues and I are celebrating the birth of our nation this Fourth of July while continuing to uphold America’s democratic foundations and principles. From expanding civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community and natural hairstyles to implementing common-sense gun laws, expanding access to the ballot box, and enshrining basic healthcare rights, such as abortion, in the state constitution, Senate Democrats are committed to the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and democratic state and nation.
Vision OPEN Challenge to Help Small Businesses and Start-ups Unlock $150 Million in Federal Funding
The Michigan Infrastructure Office has announced $10 million for the Vision OPEN Challenge, funded through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, to help start-ups and small businesses secure funding from the federal Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) ARPA-E Vision OPEN 2024 grant. This challenge will provide matching grants to bring advanced clean energy and innovative technologies from the lab to the market. The DOE is offering up to $150 million in federal grants, with the Vision OPEN Challenge covering half of the required 10% match.
Initial applications to the Competitiveness Fund are due by July 15, 2024, to meet the DOE’s concept paper deadline of July 16, 2024.
These grants support the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and position Michigan as a leader in clean energy innovation and research. The investments will not only grow Michigan’s clean energy job sector, which added over 5,400 jobs in 2022 and now employs 123,983 people, but also have the potential to significantly boost the state’s economy. The World Resource Institute projects that by 2040, Michigan could create 41,000 new jobs in electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy, offering a promising future for the state’s workforce.
For more information, visit the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund website.
Brownfield Investments: Revitalizing Blighted Buildings to Strengthen Communities, Create Jobs, and Protect the Environment
Across the state, blighted and contaminated sites have the potential to be revitalized into thriving community centers. This is where the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Brownfield Program comes into the picture. Since 2019, EGLE has provided more than $151 million in brownfield grants, loans, and incentives to 359 sites across 50 communities, supporting over 19,229 jobs and $7.3 billion in private investments.
Brownfield investments revitalize local areas, create jobs, foster small businesses and provide vibrant community spaces for residents and tourists to gather and enjoy.
Last year, a bipartisan majority of the Michigan Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 289 and expand the Transformational Brownfield Plan program to assist Michigan communities in transforming obsolete and vacant properties into thriving mixed-use developments.
EGLE’s Brownfield Program collaborates with communities and developers to create economic opportunity by putting contaminated properties back into productive use while protecting human health and the environment. The program provides technical guidance and financial incentives to evaluate and mitigate environmental risks, relying on scientific data to ensure the best long-term outcomes and stewardship of tax dollars. To learn more, please visit the Brownfield Program website.
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Pass State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan
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.
Last week, my Democratic colleagues and I successfully concluded negotiations with the House on the state budget. The Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget continues to build on last year’s transformative budget by investing in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
This Democratic majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget — transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional — reflect the priorities established last year. Read more here.
Governor Whitmer Set to Sign Expansion of Prevailing Wage into Law
I am excited to announce that Senate Bill 571, a piece of legislation I introduced, has passed both the House and Senate chambers and is now on its way to Governor Whitmer for her signature. This bill extends prevailing wage protections to essential wind and solar projects statewide. It aims to ensure fair compensation and safeguard the skills and safety of our workforce. This legislation is crucial in supporting our transition to clean energy and addressing misconceptions surrounding prevailing wage policies.
I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to contribute to this important effort. Together, we are working towards building a more sustainable and just future for the state of Michigan! With this new law, Michigan will lead in ensuring our wind and solar projects are completed safely, and that workers receive appropriate wages for their essential contributions.
Senate Passes Legislation to Expand Freedom of Information Act to Include Governor, Legislature
The Senate took a historic vote in support of bipartisan legislation to expand the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Michigan Legislature and the governor’s office, a significant step forward to increase transparency within state government. Senate Bills 669 and 670 each passed with a 36-2 vote.
Enacted in 1976, Michigan’s FOIA law is one of the few in the nation that exempts state lawmakers and the governor’s office from records requests. This significant gap in the law contributed to Michigan receiving an F in government integrity from the national Center for Public Integrity’s 2015 report, where the state ranked last overall, failing in 10 out of 13 categories, including public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability.
The bills now move to the House.
Community Events
Fireworks Display in Downtown Flint
Mayor Sheldon Neeley, the City of Flint, and the Flint Downtown Development Authority cordially extend an invitation to attend a fireworks display on Thursday, July 4, in commemoration of the Independence Day holiday. The fireworks will be visible from the downtown area looking west toward Chevy Commons and will commence at dusk.
Resources
District Office Hours
Did you know that in addition to our Lansing office, we also have a district office in Downtown Flint? At this office, two dedicated staff members manage constituent inquiries, oversee developments within the city, and monitor its ongoing progress. We would be glad to meet with you to discuss any pertinent issues, especially those related to Flint.
You can reach our Flint district office at (810) 233-9853 or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov. Constituents are invited to schedule appointments with my district staff for assistance with state issues or to discuss important legislation. Appointments are typically available on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, please click here.
AG Nessel Issues Consumer Alert on Alternative Gas Suppliers
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is issuing a Consumer Alert regarding Alternative Gas Suppliers (AGSs) following numerous complaints about deceptive practices. Since the beginning of 2024, over 125 complaints have been filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) concerning AGSs.
AGSs are third-party companies authorized to sell natural gas to residents in the Consumers Energy, DTE, SEMCO, or Michigan Gas Utilities service territories. While these suppliers can offer competitive rates, AGS rates are not regulated by the MPSC, unlike rates from local utility companies.
All AGSs must be licensed by the MPSC. If a consumer encounters a company that is not licensed, the Attorney General advises them not to engage their services and to file a complaint with the MPSC.
Consumers interested in AGS services should:
- Ask AGS representatives to include details on how savings are calculated, the contract length, the per unit rate, and any associated fees;
- Understand the duration of any promotional pricing, the process, and fees for switching AGSs or returning to the local utility, and contract terms after promotional periods expire;
- Be aware of any cancellation fees and how the process works; and
- Check eligibility for budget plan customers and those with past due balances.
If a consumer believes an AGS has engaged in a misleading or deceptive promotion leading them to sign a contract, the Attorney General encourages them to file a complaint with the MPSC online or by calling 1-800-292-9555.
Consumers considering an AGS can learn more at the MPSC’s Natural Gas Customer Choice webpage, which includes information on licensed suppliers in each utility’s service territory. The Attorney General also encourages consumers to visit the MPSC’s Compare MI Gas website, which has answers to frequently asked questions about gas customer choice.
Cooling and Hydration Centers
The City of Flint is letting all residents know about hydration stations that will be available to keep individuals safe during the summer months. Residents can call 211 to get connected to the nearest cooling center. Additionally, below is a list of cooling centers around the county.
- Carriage Town Ministries Community Center | 605 Garland Street, Flint 48503
- Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | 810-233-8787
- Center for Hope (Catholic Charities) | 812 Root Street, Flint 48503
- Open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. | 810-265-7025
- North End Soup Kitchen | 735 East Stewart Avenue, Flint 48505
- Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | 810-785-6911
- Brennan Senior Center | 1301 Pingree Avenue, Flint 48503
- Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 810-766-7238
- You must be 50-years-old or older.
- Burton Senior Center | 3410 S Grand Traverse Street, Burton 48529
- Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm.; open Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 810-744-0960