Dear Friends,
While the start of spring often brings more sunshine and longer days, it can also bring frequent temperature changes and, with that, severe weather. Stay well-informed, prepared, and alert for extreme weather events this spring.
Also, keep in mind that taxes are due next week! Click here to learn more about how my colleagues and I have fought for lower taxes and higher returns for working families ahead of the filing deadline, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
As always, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter for updates. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any feedback regarding what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance with a state agency. 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.
Working for you,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- April is tax month! Learn how my colleagues and I are fighting to put more money back into your pockets ahead of the April 15, 2025, tax filing deadline.
- With Michigan’s individual income tax filing season winding down, the Michigan Dept. of Treasury reminds Michiganders to be cybersecurity aware and prepared to fight tax-related identity theft. Read on to learn how you can be cybersecurity aware.
Michigan Senate Continues to Fight for Teachers, First Responders, & Corrections Officers
Despite a recent Court of Claims ruling in favor of the Senate Majority Leader in Michigan Senate v. Michigan House of Representatives — making it abundantly clear that the Michigan Constitution requires every bill passed by the Legislature to be presented to the governor — the House continues to withhold nine critical bills unlawfully.
These bills would provide much-needed cost-saving relief to Michiganders, a need that grew more urgent after Donald Trump’s trade war and the resulting stock market crash.
We recognize the importance of these bills and the relief they offer. We are grateful that the Michigan Supreme Court has ordered the Court of Appeals to take up the matter swiftly. The Senate remains committed to pursuing every legal avenue to ensure these bills are signed into law.
However, the fastest way to resolve this issue and deliver real relief to people across our state is for House Republicans to stop playing political games and fulfill their constitutional duty to provide these bills to the governor.
The lawsuit was brought forth by Leader Brinks after House Speaker Matt Hall failed to present nine bills that passed both chambers to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The bills — House Bills 4177, 4665-4667, and 4900-4901 of 2023 and House Bills 5817-5818 and 6058 of 2024 — improve retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees.
Protecting Health Care Access
Last month, Republicans in Washington voted for a budget resolution that paves the way for massive, indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid. And as the federal Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to slash enough from the federal budget to pay for a tax break for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, Medicaid is among the critical programs on the chopping block.
To protect the 2.6 million Michiganders — including children, seniors, and veterans — who rely on Medicaid for essential health care services, my colleagues and I joined physicians, patients, and advocates for a committee hearing and press conference where we called on the Trump administration to stop these dangerous cuts.
To learn more, you can watch the committee hearing here.
Annual Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Legislative Day
I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Annual Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Legislative Day. It was inspiring to connect with leaders and advocates focused on supporting Middle Eastern American communities in Michigan. We discussed key issues regarding representation and legislative progress. Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to this important day as we work towards a brighter future!
FAFSA Workshop
The International Academy of Flint is hosting a workshop to assist students in completing their FAFSA applications. This event will provide valuable guidance and support to ensure that participants are well-informed and prepared to navigate the FAFSA process effectively.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: 2820 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48503
Michigan Taxpayers Urged to be Alert and Aware for Scammers
With Michigan individual income tax filing season winding down, the Michigan Dept. of Treasury is reminding Michiganders to be cybersecurity aware and prepared to fight tax-related identity theft.
Often, the taxpayer is already a victim of identity theft when a cybercriminal attempts to claim a state tax refund. To be cybersecurity aware and prepared to fight tax-related identity theft:
- Avoid clicking links, pop-ups, or attachments from unknown sources.
- Verify email senders by typing website names manually.
- Don’t share personal information online; legitimate organizations won’t ask for it.
- Review privacy settings on social media to limit information sharing.
- Trust your instincts; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use strong passwords (at least 12 characters) for all accounts and devices.
- Never reuse passwords; choose unique ones and update them regularly.
- Report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
You can report tax fraud or identity theft to the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
To learn more about the state Treasury Department, go to Michigan.gov/Treasury. Additional information about state individual income taxes can be found at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax.
Be sure to only connect to secure, password-protected networks.
Continued Support for Federal Workers Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources.
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) as well.
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
- UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
- Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
- UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
- Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
- Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, you can reach a customer service representative at 866-500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered include:
- Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
- Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
- Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Help With a State Agency
If you are experiencing problems with a state agency, our office is available to assist you. For valuable resources and guidance, please click here.
Connect with Me on Social Media!
Connecting with me on social media is a great way to get timely updates on what’s happening in the Michigan Legislature, upcoming events, and helpful resources available to you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. See you there!