Dear Neighbor,
And just like that — Labor Day is upon us, marking the unofficial end of summer. Whether you’re planning to grill out, get a last swim in, or just enjoy some quality time with friends and family, I hope you’ll join me in immense gratitude for the many hardworking individuals who build up Michigan every day, believing in the promise of its future.
My team and I have certainly stayed busy this summer, getting out and about in the community while attending and hosting in-district events. This face-to-face time with District 27 residents is so important to me, as I can better understand your concerns and uplift issues you care about at our state Capitol.
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.
Please note that due to the holiday, our offices will be closed this Friday, August 30, and Monday, September 2. Thanks for your understanding.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in This Newsletter
- In Recent News
- 2025 State Budget Highlights
- Legislative Updates
- Community Events
- Resources
In Recent News
Families are Encouraged to Enroll 4-Year-Olds Now in Pre-K
It’s not too late for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K through their local school district. The recent historic investment in Pre-K for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 four-year-olds across the state to access free pre-K. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, while continuing to prioritize families who need it most.
Under the FY 2025 budget, free pre-K enrollment was open to families up to 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $120,000 for a family of 4. As of August 15, school districts and other pre-K providers may open up enrollment to all families, depending on availability.
Families still have time to enroll children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 in pre-K this fall! Availability varies by location, with priority given to those who need it most. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you.
2025 State Budget Highlights
Continuing the momentum from last year’s transformative budget, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I worked hard to usher another bold budget across the finish line to build up our state and those who call it home. And that’s exactly what we accomplished with the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget signed into law in July, securing significant investments for communities across Michigan, from our kids and families to our students and workers, and so much more. In this newsletter and more to come, I’m excited to share with you some specific pieces of the budget that I have helped champion for the people of District 27 and Michiganders across the state.
Increased Funding for Michigan’s Natural Resources
From our woods to our waters, Michiganders take great pride in the natural environment that surrounds us. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve diligently advocated for funding to protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources. Funding recently passed in the 2025 state budget will help protect and restore the environment in which we live, work, and play, keeping a critical focus on long-term conservation solutions to build a cleaner, healthier, and ultimately, stronger Michigan for generations to come.
Some of those investments that I am particularly proud to have secured will:
- Bolster wetland restoration initiatives
- Combat food insecurity by investing in Sportsmen Against Hunger, a nonprofit whose pipelines of harvested deer serve families in need
- Aid initiatives that help Michigan’s forests adapt to climate change
- Protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp and other nuisance species by funding the Brandon Road Interbasin Project
- Invest in resources for other invasive species management
Legislative Updates
Keeping our Workers Front and Center this Labor Day and Always
As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, I hope you’ll join me this Labor Day in reflecting on the hardworking individuals who build up Michigan every day, from our educators to our homecare workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.
Last year, the Senate Democratic Majority passed powerful legislation to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, repealing the state’s harmful anti-union law, reinstating prevailing wages and more. And so far, this year, we have continued that progress.
In the 2025 state budget passed last month, $2.5 million was approved for the creation of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Established by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this office will develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state in the auto and energy sectors.
The new state budget also included $52 million in continued support for Michigan Reconnect scholarships, enabling workers to go back to school to pursue a degree or a skilled trade certification.
Building on last year’s momentum, several other bills to uplift our workers are making their way through the legislature, many of which I am proud to have sponsored, including:
- The MIOSHA maximum penalties package, Senate Bills 829–830, will enhance workplace safety by bringing Michigan’s maximum penalties for MIOSHA violations up to par with federal levels. This package that I have championed has been passed by the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
- A new set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws was introduced this summer. Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions; transfer the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Department of Education to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO); and establish a new Youth Employment Standards Act registration system under LEO for the employment of minors.
- Senate Bills 790–791 would restore the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers to have the choice to form a union, create access to training for caregivers, and more. This package passed the Senate this past June and awaits further consideration in the House.
- Last but not least, prevailing wage protections have been extended to essential wind and solar projects statewide thanks to legislation I introduced, Senate Bill 571. Officially signed into law last month, this new law ensures fair compensation and safeguards the skills and safety of our workforce.
Community Events
Mt. Morris Community Conversation
As we enter the fall season, I’m excited to announce that our first community conversation after the summer break has been scheduled. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to discuss the 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
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.
Shining a Light on Substance Use Disorder & Remembering Those Lost
This Saturday, August 31, is Overdose Awareness Day here in Michigan and globally. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of overdose, honor the individuals whose lives have been lost, and acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and the community.
Substance use disorder (SUD) has wrought devastating effects on individuals and families across Michigan. In 2023, 2,820 individuals died from a drug overdose in Michigan and, of those deaths, 74.3% were opioid-involved.
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages the public to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, acknowledging that isolation, discrimination and prejudice are obstacles to social inclusion and can prevent people who are struggling with SUD from seeking help and maintaining sobriety.
MDHHS shares that you can contribute to reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion by:
- Treating people affected by substance use disorder with respect.
- Learning about the science of mental health conditions.
- Correcting others who have misconceptions about substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
- Supporting resources for people affected by mental illnesses.
- Share End the Stigma campaign materials.
Learn more about their End the Stigma campaign on their website, such as suggested language to rework the narrative on this subject, how to talk to a loved one with a SUD, and more.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) National Hotline
If you or someone you know needs help with opioid use disorder, call the SAMSHA National Hotline, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year, treatment referral hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
To find more information and resources regarding substance use disorder, including additional ways to find help for yourself or a loved one, click here.