Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this cold Michigan weather. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first week of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
Although my office will be closed on January 20th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance, I am committed to addressing your concerns about our district. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any feedback regarding what’s happening in Lansing or require assistance. 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
- On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to increase government transparency and improve access to affordable health care.
- With cold weather here to stay, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor activities. Remember to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
- This past week, we said goodbye to our incredible Scheduler and Administrative Assistant, Jade Koehn, as she embarks on a new chapter. For the past 19 months, Jade has been an essential part of our team, bringing positivity, dedication, and heart to everything she did. We’d also like to share the exciting news that Allison Rodgers has been promoted from her position as an intern to fill this role.
My team proudly presented Jade with a Michigan State Seal as a token of our deep appreciation for her service. It was especially meaningful to present it in the Senate Chamber, where she has made such a difference behind the scenes.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you, from increasing government transparency to improving access to affordable health care.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs and grow opportunities for working families here in Michigan.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
Genesee County Elected Officials
On January 2nd, I had the privilege of witnessing the swearing-in of elected officials in Genesee County. This moment filled me with hope as these individuals will soon take on important roles that will have a significant impact on our community. Their commitment to ensuring that Genesee County receives the necessary resources is encouraging. I believe they have the potential to lead our county toward a brighter future and to improve the quality of life for all residents. Congratulations to all the elected officials, both new and returning; your dedication is greatly appreciated.
Office Updates from 2024
As we embark on this new year filled with promise and opportunity, I want to take a moment to reflect on our remarkable accomplishments. My office hosted eight community conversations, providing crucial legislative and district updates, resolved over 100 constituent cases, presented 17 tributes, and introduced 18 bills — 14 of which passed in the Senate, with five sent to the governor. This is not just a reflection of our achievements, but a beacon of what is to come. I eagerly look forward to continuing to serve the district I am proud to call home, District 27.
Play it Nice and Safe Around Ice this Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight