Dear Neighbor,
This week, we paused to acknowledge the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders. The men and women who risk their lives every day — whether running into burning buildings, responding to emergencies, or standing guard to protect our communities — deserve our deepest gratitude. I hope you’ll share in that gratitude with me.
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), 810-233-9853 (District office), or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- Community Events
- Recent News & Resources
Legislative Updates
Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Our public safety officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Michigan currently provides their surviving family with just $25,000 — a benefit that has not been increased in over two decades. Michigan Senate Democrats believe it’s time to better honor those who have fallen while serving their communities, and as such, my colleagues and I have introduced Senate Bill 834.
This bill will double the benefit to $50,000, providing greater financial support to the families of our first responders in their time of need. In recognition of the countless first responders who lost their lives following 9/11, as well as those who continue to make this sacrifice, Senate Democrats held a committee hearing on this legislation on Wednesday, September 11. Constituents and stakeholders delivered testimony supporting this bill, highlighting the need for Michigan to do more for the families of our fallen heroes.
Click here to read more about this legislation. To view the committee hearing and hear the testimony provided, click here.
The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More With 8 FAQs
Legislators are ramping up our work in Lansing after a summer filled with in-district events, tours and stakeholder meetings. As our legislative schedule for the fall gets underway, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of Senate session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
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
Recent News & Resources
Twenty-three years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day, including 343 brave firefighters who responded to the crisis that unfolded at the World Trade Center. But the devastation of 9/11 didn’t end there — the death toll continues to rise, as more than 340 first responders have since died from illnesses directly linked to their heroic efforts on that tragic day.
Though the events of September 11th were horrendous, they also revealed the unwavering strength of the American spirit. In the face of an unimaginable crisis, we united as a nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. The indomitable resolve of the American people showed the world that, even in our darkest moments, we stand together.
Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Extends Deadline for Adults Ages 21-24 to Apply for Tuition-Free Community College
The Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced that the application deadline for the Reconnect Age Expansion has been extended until Dec. 31, 2024, and is now applicable to students beginning their education in the winter and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to help eligible students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.
Michiganders who are 21 to 24 –years-old and are not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete the following steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship opportunity:
- Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024.
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester of 2025.
For additional information, visit: michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college/michigan reconnect-for-ages-21-to-24.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. Just in 2021, we lost 1,482 Michiganders to suicide. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- The Veterans Crisis Line provides free 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255.
- Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
- Get help for yourself or a loved one, learn the facts and warning signs, locate advocacy resources, and much more through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
From gun violence prevention efforts to investments in suicide prevention programs, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to working toward practical solutions to help mitigate suicide in our Michigan communities. With suicides accounting for more than half of gun deaths in the United States in 2021, our Senate Democratic Majority worked hard to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation in 2023, helping to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those at risk of harming themselves or others. We also secured the following budget investments to help address the issue of suicide in Michigan:
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line.
- $750,000 in federal fund authorization to utilize a grant under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, helping to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
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.