Dear Neighbor,
With Michigan experiencing its first snowfall of the season and temperatures continuing to drop, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm.
As we exit the longest government shutdown in American history, I know there still remains confusion and uncertainty about how quickly federal services will resume. As we continue to receive updates about this from state and federal agencies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions or need help navigating any changes.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-0142.
Please note that our office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. While staff will be monitoring our inbox in case of emergencies, you can expect a delay in our normal response time. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our team spends quality time with their loved ones. I hope you’ll be able to enjoy the same in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- Nearly two years after I proudly led the effort to secure initial state funding for the Rx Kids pilot project in Flint, I’m thrilled to share that thanks to further investments Senate Democrats secured in the state budget, this game-changing program has recently expanded to Wayne County — delivering $7.5 million to six cities so that more Michigan moms and babies can access the resources they need at the time they need it most. To learn more, click here.
- Please join me for my upcoming community conversation event with special guest County Commissioner Charles Winfrey at the McCree Theater in Flint THIS Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
- This past Tuesday, Nov. 11 was Veterans Day, an important time to recognize and extend special gratitude to those who have served this country. This week, we honored Michigan’s women veterans with the unveiling of a new commemorative license plate design. I was also grateful to recently connect with local service members at a Veterans Luncheon in Flushing.
Fighting for Working Michiganders
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, I understand the importance of protecting Michigan’s workforce, especially during challenging economic times for working families. That is why this week, the Senate Labor Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 700.
SB 700 expands the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s (UIA) ability to waive benefit overpayments. According to the UIA, approximately 350,000 of our neighbors are facing large overpayment bills, many of which resulted from the confusion and chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that seasonal layoffs and retooling are just around the corner, my colleagues and I on the Labor Committee took action to allow the UIA to forgive as many of these overpayments as possible. Years removed from the chaos of the pandemic, it is unfair for hardworking Michiganders to foot the bill for actions that were no fault of their own. Importantly, those who have been determined to have intentionally committed fraud will not be eligible for an overpayment waiver. If you took advantage of the system during a time of crisis, you will rightly be required to repay those sums.
By waiving these overpayments, we can ensure that Michiganders have access to full unemployment benefits if and when they need them during the winter and holiday months. Additionally, waiving overpayments will provide clarity for those who recently received overpayment letters and have struggled to get concise information regarding the status of those overpayments – my office has received many calls with these issues. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor are struggling with the UIA, please know my office is always a resource.
Rx Kids Launches in Wayne County
Nearly two years since I proudly secured the initial state funding to launch the Rx Kids program in Flint — the nation’s first-ever prenatal and infant cash prescription program — I’m thrilled to share that this game-changing program has expanded to other areas around the state, most recently entering Wayne County! Last week, the Wayne County Commission approved a $7.5 million partnership with Michigan State University to bring the Rx Kids program to the cities of River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn.
Thanks to investments secured by Senate Democrats in the previous state budget, beginning Nov. 10, expectant mothers in Wayne County can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 for the first six months of a child’s life. Senate Democrats also delivered significant funding for Rx Kids in the recently passed 2026 state budget, enabling the successful program to continue to expand to additional communities across the state. From helping to afford baby supplies and rent to groceries and everything in between, these extra resources provide crucial support to families at a time they need it most. Learn more about Rx Kids here.
Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
As one of 10 states that does not require the licensure of tobacco retailers, it’s clear Michigan needs stronger enforcement and accountability measures to keep tobacco out of the hands of our youth. That’s why Senate Democrats are leading a bipartisan bill package requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed and repealing the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Passed out of committee this past week, Senate Bills 462–466 would also direct the Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct undercover operations to ensure compliance at establishments that sell tobacco products.
Senate Democrats remain committed to protecting Michigan’s youth from the serious health risks associated with nicotine and tobacco products. This bill package now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Connecting with Veterans in Flushing
In honor of Veterans Day, I was grateful to join the Flushing Senior Center for their Veterans Luncheon earlier this month and spend time surrounded by such bravery, humility, and service. Along with connecting over a meal and conversation, I was able to share about the work my colleagues and I have been engaged in at the Legislature to address the unique challenges they face and ensure they can access the resources and support they need and deserve.
Here in Michigan, over half a million vets call this great state home. Though the wars they fought may have looked different, and the generations they came from faced different challenges, our service members of every race, of every faith, of every background selflessly served our state and country to defend the freedoms we hold so dear. Their service and sacrifice — and that of their families — are not things I take lightly.
So, I want to wish a Happy Veterans Day to all who have worn the uniform. We’re grateful for you today and every day. On this day and beyond, I remain committed to doing all I can at the Capitol and in the community to honor you, to support you, and to ensure you can receive the care, resources, and recognition you rightfully deserve for your service and sacrifices to our nation.
Community Conversation with County Commissioner Charles Winfrey
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 17, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: McCree Theater, 4601 Clio Rd., Flint, MI 48505
Community Conversation with Burton Mayor Duane Haskins
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 1, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Burton City Hall, 4303 S. Center Rd., Burton, MI 48519
Community Conversation with County Commissioner Delrico Loyd
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 5, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee County Administration Building, 324 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502
To stay up to date on all of my upcoming events, please visit my website.
Deer Hunting Begins Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2025 firearm deer hunting season is Saturday, Nov. 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here. You can also find hunting safety tips here. And to learn how Senate Democrats have been working to secure vital resources to conserve Michigan’s Great Outdoors and preserve our longstanding hunting heritage, click here.
Affordable Care Act and Open Enrollment
Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. All Michiganders should take the time to evaluate their health insurance options during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 on HealthCare.gov. This enrollment period is an important opportunity for Michiganders to obtain health insurance for 2026. Free, local enrollment help is available at HealthCare.gov/LocalHelp.
Now is the time to sign up. If you sign up by Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2026. If you sign up between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. If you miss the Jan. 15, 2026 deadline, you might not have another chance to sign up for health insurance until next year.
Get started at HealthCare.gov. today! Michiganders can learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, which features an on-demand webinar, “10 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance – Open Enrollment for 2026.” You can also call the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services’ call center at 877-999-6442, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Update: November SNAP Benefits to be Distributed
As of Nov. 10, The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT vendor to once again begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the ninth of the month should receive their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours. All other SNAP recipients should receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date. Those who receive monthly benefits on the third, fifth, and seventh of the month previously received their benefits last week.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or they can check MI Bridges for updates. Please see MDHHS’ website and Facebook Page for additional information and to stay updated as this is a rapidly developing situation.
If you are in need of assistance, please utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
And, in case you missed it — the Double Up Food Bucks Program has temporarily expanded to help Michiganders put food on their table during this challenging and uncertain time. Effective now through the end of the year, Double Up earnings no longer expire; the $20 daily earning cap has been removed; frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible; and a $40 “Bonus Bucks” voucher is available. To learn more and find a location near you, click here.