Dear Neighbor,
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and got the opportunity to enjoy some comfort food, quality time with loved ones, and a moment of gratitude. I’m thankful for the privilege of serving our community in the Michigan Senate — getting to advocate on behalf of the needs and desires of our neighbors is an honor I don’t take lightly, so thank you for entrusting me to be District 27’s voice in our Capitol.
As the end of the year draws near, rest assured that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are still hard at work in Lansing delivering real solutions for our communities. Read on to learn more about the progress we’ve achieved this year and our continued efforts to keep moving Michigan forward.
As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, 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.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- Despite the challenges we’ve faced in our state and federal governments this year, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I spent 2025 working hard for our constituents and delivering real progress for Michigan. I look forward to another year of building opportunity for our communities.
- Our new Community Health Care Forum series kicks off in January! Save the date for Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register here.
- Ensure you and your loved ones can stay safe and healthy this holiday season by getting your flu shot this National Influenza Vaccination Week!
Passed This Week – Senate Bills 688 & 532
This week, two of my bills passed the Senate with significant bipartisan support. This legislation would deliver for Michigan farmers facing tax burdens and expand ways we can honor our military members.
Supporting Michigan Farmers
Senate Bill 688 was part of a package of bills that addressed an issue with the implementation of farmland preservation property tax credits. If you or a loved one farms in Michigan and has a preservation tax credit, you know how vital a tool these credits are for keeping farming affordable and reducing tax burdens. Recently, the Michigan Dept. of Treasury reported an implementation issue with the preservation credits, jeopardizing their continuation and threatening farmland preservation. In response, my colleagues and I jumped into action, amending the law to clarify implementation and ensure the continuation of farmland preservation for the next generations. The legislation, Senate Bills 685-690 and 699, now go to the Michigan House for further consideration.
Honoring Our Service Members
Senate Bill 532 permits active-duty military members to request a special registration plate for their vehicle in the same manner that our military veterans can currently request a plate with their respective vignette. According to the Dept. of Defense, Michigan is home to more than 4,500 active-duty service members. Given recent announcements regarding new investments at bases such as Selfridge Air Base, the active-duty population could continue to increase. Under current law, only National Guard members, Armed Forces Reserve members, and former members of any branch of the Armed Forces are eligible to apply to the Secretary of State for a special registration plate. My legislation would permit active-duty members to also apply for such plates. In Michigan, we take pride in our constituents who have devoted their lives to service, especially those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. By permitting those active-duty members to request special plates, we enable our constituents to share in the pride of their service.
Expanding Opportunity, Lowering Costs, & Protecting Michigan: Senate Democrats Reflect on Progress From 2025
As we approach the end of 2025 and wrap up our legislative work for the year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve delivered for the people of Michigan. Together, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I:
- Saved Medicaid in Michigan, protecting access to accessible, affordable health care;
- Expanded the widely successful Rx Kids program to improve maternal and infant health outcomes;
- Delivered another bipartisan budget that continues the universal free school meals program, implements a long-term road solution, and lowers costs for seniors and families;
- Advanced commonsense gun safety policies to keep our communities safe;
- Fought back against federal chaos and safeguarded our state from the worst effects of Trump’s disastrous budget plan;
- Strengthened protections and benefits for Michigan veterans and their families;
- Championed legislation to improve government accountability, tackle racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, lower prescription drug costs, expand transparency in the state budget process, and so much more.
I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year, despite the many obstacles and unprecedented setbacks we faced at both the state and federal levels of government. While we’ll be working in Lansing until the end of the month, I’m already planning ahead for 2026 and looking forward to another productive year advocating for our communities and our state. I also encourage you to stay informed about the legislation moving through the Senate in the coming weeks. Feel free to track the legislation we’re working on here.
Fighting Food Insecurity This Holiday Season and Beyond
Everyone deserves access to quality, nutritious food, full stop — but this year, the demand for food assistance is higher than ever as grocery costs soar and federal Republicans have disrupted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and restricted eligibility. Approximately 1.5 million Michiganders face food insecurity, including over 402,000 children.
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I have worked hard to ensure that every Michigan family has access to food not only during the holidays, but year-round. From proposing $71 million in relief funding to support food banks and continue SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown to delivering another year of free school meals for every Michigan student, we’ve made significant groundwork in combating food insecurity here in our state. Learn more about our efforts to tackle food insecurity here, and explore food assistance resources below.
- The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers various food assistance resources and programs.
- Michigan 211 helps locate local programs to meet food and nutrition needs, from prepared meal programs to emergency formula and baby food assistance.
- Locate food banks in our local community, explore volunteer opportunities, and more at Feeding America – Michigan.
- Explore the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website to find local food bank information, find assistance with SNAP benefits, and more.
- The Double Up Food Bucks program is offering additional benefits through the end of the year to help Michiganders access more fruits and vegetables during this challenging time. Learn more here.
Gratitude for a Community Tradition
I was honored to serve at the 17th Annual Blessed to Be a Blessing Thanksgiving Dinner, organized by Chia Morgan and her incredible team at Well of Hope. For those who may not be familiar, this event is a long-standing tradition in Flint that provides hundreds of families with a warm holiday meal and access to essential resources — all in one welcoming space.
This year’s dinner was more than just a meal. Families received flu shots thanks to Alana’s Foundation, enjoyed yoga sessions with Life Support Counseling and Resources, and kids had a blast in the Round 1 Gaming Lab truck while parents relaxed. Music from C-Nice Entertainment filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
I’m deeply grateful to Chia Morgan for her leadership and to every sponsor and volunteer who made this day possible. Your commitment ensures that families feel supported and loved during the holiday season.
Need Help Finding Food Resources?
While events like this bring us together for the holidays, we know the need for food security continues year-round. That’s why we’ve launched a new webpage dedicated to food resources that are available in our district. From local pantries and meal programs to nutrition support, this page makes it easier to find help when you need it. Explore food resources in the district here.
Navigating health care can be challenging. Our new Community Health Care Forum series brings local experts and agencies together to help residents understand their options, troubleshoot barriers, and connect with real solutions. We’ll kick off the series with Greater Flint Health Coalition’s Jim Ananich and Genesee Health Plan’s Jim Milanowski. Learn more and register here.
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee Health Plan, 2171 S. Linden Rd., Flint, MI, 48532
Mt. Morris Commuity Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Krapohl Senior Center, 5473 Bicentennial Dr. G, Mt. Morris Twp., MI, 48458
Recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week — Do Your Part in Keeping Our Community Healthy Over the Holidays!
This National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 1-5, MDHHS is encouraging Michiganders to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already. By getting your flu vaccine now, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza and stay healthy over the holidays.
To protect yourself from other respiratory viruses, MDHHS also recommends getting the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. You can get all three of these vaccines at the same time. To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Finder. To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/covidflursv.
Mental Health Support During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be hard for some. If you or someone you know find yourself struggling emotionally or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support. Learn more here.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255. Available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. Learn more here.
- Local Resources: Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.