Dear Neighbor,
As we officially enter August, we’re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor everything this wonderful season has to offer in our great state.
Throughout the summer, my colleagues and I have been busy at work, connecting with residents across Michigan and in our districts. I’ve had some great conversations that have given me a better understanding of what the pressing issues that need our attention are when we return to Lansing this fall.
If you have any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance, please feel free to contact my office. You can contact me at 517-373-0142 for the Lansing office, 810-233-9753 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
Michigan Department of Education Accepting Nominations for 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year
Teacher recognition is an important component of teacher retention, and studies show that increased retention results in higher student achievement. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in May opened the nomination window for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year, an annual program that recognizes outstanding teachers in our state. This is a reminder that the nomination window is open until September 25th for students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and members of the educational community to make nominations to recognize our outstanding teachers. To fill out the online form, click here.
New Renewables Ready Communities Program Set to Launch
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the state of Michigan $129.1 million from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy like wind, solar and storage. The investment will help Michigan meet its 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy standards set under the recently enacted clean energy laws. Getting this done will create good-paying jobs, drive down energy costs, and protect the state’s air, land and water.
Interested communities and stakeholders can reach out to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov for more information. Check out EGLE’s website to learn more about the ongoing Renewables Ready Communities Award pilot.
Legislative Updates
Back-to-School Budget Signed
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently put her stamp of approval on the K-12 budget for the 2024-25 school year. This budget continues putting Michigan students and educators first and foremost, helping to set our kids up for futures full of success and opportunity.
Last year, our Democratic majority began the popular free breakfast and lunch program for all Michigan public school students — and in this year’s budget, we continued this critical program to ensure that Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students are well-fed and able to focus on learning. More information about the free breakfast and lunch program can be found here.
We also delivered on the promise of two years of free community college for high school graduates, helping improve access to higher education and better-paying jobs. This ensures that every Michigan high school graduate, beginning this year, can obtain an associate degree or skilled certificate tuition-free, saving over 18,000 students up to $4,820 annually.
Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Give Michiganders the Freedom to Plan
While other states work to restrict individuals’ reproductive rights, Michigan Senate Democrats are leading the fight to protect freedom of choice for all.
The Freedom to Plan Act was recently introduced in the Senate and, if passed into law, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives — providing Michigan residents with the autonomy, power and freedom to make their own medical decisions.
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s health care. Named as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contraception has played a pivotal role in expanding women’s bodily autonomy. Giving women and individuals who can become pregnant the ability to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children, contraception provides Michiganders with the power to plan their own course in life.
These newly introduced bills build on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Legislature to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family. After repealing the state’s archaic and dangerous 1931 abortion ban, Senate Democrats championed the Reproductive Health Act which breaks down barriers to accessing reproductive care by repealing medically unnecessary regulations that are only imposed upon abortion care facilities. Additionally, the Legislature passed the Family Protection Act to modernize the state’s surrogacy laws and protect other forms of assisted reproduction, such as IVF.
Community Events
Community Conversation in Mt. Morris Township
That time of year is approaching, and I am getting ready to schedule our first community conversation after the summer break. These are great opportunities to hear about issues that matter to you, answer any questions you may have, and share legislative updates on the exciting things happening at our state Capitol. Find more information about my upcoming events below as well as on my website. I hope to see you there!
WHEN: Monday, September 23, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Krapohl Senior Center, 5473 Bicentennial Dr. G, Mt. Morris Township, MI 48458
Notice of MPSC Hearing in Flint – Make Your Voices Heard!
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) will be hosting a hearing later this month in Flint, Michigan, to take public input on how to expand opportunities for public engagement in our decision-making processes and procedures. The hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the University of Michigan Flint – Riverfront Conference Center located at 1 Riverfront Plaza, Flint, Michigan, 48502. Additional details will be provided on the Commission’s event page closer to the meeting date. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to provide comments. While daycare is not offered, parents are welcome to bring their children. We hope to see you there.
Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation Back-to-School Giveaway
The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation will be hosting a Back-to-School giveaway aimed at benefiting students and their families in the Flint area. The event is scheduled to take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, at the downtown Flint YMCA, situated at 411 E. Third St.
Resources
District Office Hours
Did you know that in addition to our Lansing office, we also have a district office in Downtown 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 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please click here.
Apply for Free PreK Today!
The 2025 state budget gives access to free PreK for many Michigan four-year-olds, prioritizing those who need it most. This saves families $10,000 per year. It’s not too late for families to enroll their four-year-old in PreK this fall! If you have a child who will be four-years-old by December 1, there are seats available this fall. Go to MiFreePreschool.org to find programs near you.
Find the Help You Need with Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is an all-in-one resource for Michiganders with help in over 180 languages. Call 2-1-1 or go to their website to find information and resources pertaining to utility assistance, housing programs, food assistance, HIV/STI services, COVID-19 aid, home visiting, grief and bereavement resources and services and much more. You can also use this link to find your local number to text.