Dear Neighbor,
Whether you’re finding time for some fall yardwork, putting the finishing touches on a little one’s costume, or gearing up for early in-person voting, I hope you’ve been enjoying the autumn season surrounded by those you hold near and dear.
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained hard at work, advancing legislation in the past week that looks out for our loved ones from their earlier years to their later ones — protecting children in the workplace, promoting equity in maternal health care, and keeping our seniors safe from abuse and exploitation.
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, 810-233-9853 for the district office, or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- Legislation to improve literacy, protect home care workers’ rights, expand access to healthcare in rural communities, and more signed into law.
- Join me for my coffee and conversation event next month at the Flushing Senior Center on Nov. 18 at 2:00 p.m. Find more info here.
- Early in-person voting is in effect this election year. Learn more at mi.gov/vote, including where to find your clerk’s office or polling place and what’s on your ballot.
My Legislation to Save Auto Repairers Time, Money Passes Senate Unanimously
With more Michiganders choosing to repair their vehicles instead of buying new ones, it’s important to make sure repair shops can operate smoothly and affordably. I’m excited to share that a bipartisan bill I introduced to support these businesses passed the Senate unanimously this week. Senate Bill 867 helps auto repair shops cut through unnecessary delays and costs, so they can focus on what matters—keeping cars on the road and meeting the growing demand for both traditional and electric vehicle repairs. This means quicker service and more savings for everyone. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.
Slate of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
From increasing access to vital health services and putting more money back in Michiganders’ pockets to protecting our natural resources and celebrating our state’s automotive legacy — my colleagues and I have been busy working to pass legislation to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.
In recent weeks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a slate of these bills into law, including legislation to:
- Strengthen Michigan’s home health care system by allowing individual home help caregivers to unionize. More specifically, these bills will support workforce development, expand training, and restore bargaining rights for 35,000 home care workers in Michigan.
- Improve health outcomes in rural communities by ensuring rural hospitals are equipped with theresources necessary to provide quality care services. Read more here.
- Lower costs for Michiganders by extending families’ access to cash assistance from the Family Independence Program (FIP) from 48 months to 60 months, helping put money back into the pockets of hard-working Michiganders so they can care for their children.
- Preserve Michigan’s unmatched natural resources by providing supplemental funding for outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Support breastfeeding moms and their babies by strengthening protections against discrimination for individuals who are currently breastfeeding.
- Bolster treatment services for addiction by providing $4 million more per year in funding towards expanding Michigan’s gaming and gambling prevention programming.
- Expand access to health care by repurposing Medicaid funding to allow low-income Michiganders access to a broader range of care centers.
- Celebrate Michigan’s proud automotive history by providing historical vehicle owners the opportunity to obtain personalized license plates.
Read more about these bills and others signed into law here.
Friends of Optometry Award
Pictured from left to right: Dr. James Hardie, Sen. John Cherry, and MOA Executive Director Jeff Towns
I’m deeply honored to have received the Michigan Optometric Association‘s (MOA) 2023 “Friends of Optometry” award. For more than a century, MOA has been supporting leaders in the field, benefiting both optometrists and patients alike. I am grateful for this acknowledgement and for everything they do to advance the profession of optometry.
We have a couple more community conversations for the remainder of the year, and I hope you can join us! These gatherings provide a great opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to you, answer any questions, and share legislative updates on the exciting things happening at our state Capitol. Please find more information about my upcoming events below and on my website.
Community Conversation in Flushing
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Flushing Senior Center, 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433
Community Conversation in Flint
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 2, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Brennan Senior Center, 1301 Pingree Ave., Flint, MI 48503
Early Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s not just spooky season; it’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, Senate Democrats want to ensure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Early in-person voting is already underway in some places and is an option statewide beginning Oct. 26. Avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
To learn more about early in-person voting, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, and what’s on the ballot, visit mi.gov/vote.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of Election Day, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
With temperatures continuing to drop and more eerie decorations popping up, we are getting closer and closer to Halloween. While the holiday is a time for spooky thrills and imagination, it can also bring some extra risks for children and teens. Before you head out trick-or-treating, make sure to check out these tips on how to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe:
- Choose your Halloween costume wisely. Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. Do not carry toy weapons that could be confused for the real thing.
- Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalks. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
- Don’t assume cars will stop just because pedestrians have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
- Be sure to have a charged cell phone while you’re out.
- Plan your route ahead of time and trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
- Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency, get lost, or are prone to wander.