Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! I hope you had the chance to enjoy some downtime over the holidays and are feeling energized for the new year ahead.
Despite the unprecedented challenges we faced in 2025, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I were still able to deliver meaningful progress for our state — and I’m excited to be heading back to the Capitol to continue advocating for the needs of our community in the Michigan Senate. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin advancing our legislative priorities for 2026.
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
- In the final days of 2025, the governor signed 36 bills into law, including Senate Democrats’ legislation to lower costs, cut red tape, better protect Michigan kids, help address the housing crisis, support family farms, and much more.
- Join me for my upcoming community conversation event at Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris on Monday, Jan. 26 at 12:00 p.m. Learn more here.
- Do you still need health coverage for the new year? Be sure to take advantage of the 2026 open enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace before it closes on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Read on to learn more.
AG Nessel Declares House Republicans’ Budget Slashing Unconstitutional
In a ruthless show of force and political gamesmanship last month, Speaker Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues ripped away $645 million in bipartisan, already agreed upon funding promised to Michigan kids, families, and communities — including dollars designated for lead-poisoned kids in Flint. In response, Senate Dems’ lead budget negotiator, Sen. Sarah Anthony, sent a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel requesting that she issue an opinion on the legality of the House Republicans’ actions.
Earlier this week, AG Nessel issued her official statement, declaring what we knew all along: their decision to block funding for essential programs for children and families wasn’t just cruel and reckless. It was unconstitutional.
I am grateful to the AG for taking swift action on this matter, and to see House Republicans held accountable to the law and to the people they serve. Above all, I am looking forward to seeing these crucial funds restored so that our kids here in Flint can access the services they need and are rightfully owed. Read my full statement in response to the AG’s decision here.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered! — Slew of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
On Dec. 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 36 bills into state law, including:
- Senate Bill 158 (Sen. Cavanagh), which lowers the cost of online event tickets by prohibiting bot scammers from purchasing tickets in bulk and inflating the price in unfair resale markets;
- Senate Bills 96 (Sen. Moss), 97 (Sen. Hauck), and 98 (Sen. McMorrow), which help keep Michigan students and child care workers safe by allowing these facilities to install automatic door locks;
- Senate Bill 25 (Sen. Cherry), which cuts red tape for auto repair businesses;
- Senate Bill 93 (Sen. Singh), which enables honey and maple syrup producers to better grow their businesses and boost our agricultural economy;
- Senate Bill 269 (Sen. Camilleri), which speeds up funding for improvements at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and helps the airport better access federal funds;
- Senate Bills 685 (Sen. Shink), 686 (Sen. Daley), 687 (Sen. Singh), 688 (Sen. Cherry), 689 (Sen. Lauwers), 690 (Sen. Victory), and 699 (Sen. Shink), which improve Michigan’s farmland preservation program and protect family farms;
- Senate Bill 23 (Sen. Hertel), which helps tackle the state’s housing shortage;
- Senate Bill 136 (Sen. Anthony), which improves breast cancer detection standards;
- Senate Bills 512 (Sen. Singh) and 513 (Sen. Hauck), which ensure more equitable representation for Michigan breweries and taprooms; and
- Senate Bill 349 (Sen. Polehanki), which allows eleventh-graders to opt out of the work skills standardized test, giving parents and students more flexibility in their educational journey.
We were proud to work across the aisle to get these bills passed and signed into law in 2025, and we’ll continue fighting to craft and advance more meaningful legislation in 2026.
ICYMI: Senate Unanimously Acts to Deliver Relief for Michiganders Facing UIA Benefit Recovery
During the chaos of the pandemic, thousands of Michiganders turned to their government for help, tapping into the unemployment system to put food on the table, pay their bills, and ensure their family could weather a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Since then, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been attempting to claw back overpayments they mistakenly made to these same individuals — causing stress for many around the state at an already financially tough time.
Let’s be clear: these families did nothing wrong. That’s why, alongside every single Senator, across party lines, I voted to pass legislation that would provide a clean slate for these folks by waiving any overpayments the UIA is currently attempting to collect from this pandemic era timeframe. While Senate Bill 700 passed unanimously on the Senate floor last month, House Speaker Matt Hall has since refused to take it up for consideration, effectively blocking the delivery of this relief to those who need it most. For additional help or to share your concerns, please contact our office: SenJCherry@Senate.Michigan.gov, (517) 373-0142.
Flint Settlement Funds Being Distributed — What You Should Know
After more than a decade since the beginning of the Flint water crisis, thousands of city residents have started to receive their share of the $626.25 million settlement fund that was approved for distribution by a federal judge last month.
The first award notices and payments were sent in December for those who have been approved for residential property damage claims — specifically, for those who do not have a property shared with another claimant. Please reference the image above as to what the envelopes will look like. Additional award notices, including those to address the harm inflicted on the health of children and adults, will then be issued on a rolling basis, according to the official Flint settlement fund website.
Here are some additional important things to know:
- Payments will be made to individuals or businesses that filed a timely claim in the settlement and whose claim has been approved.
- After you receive your award notice, you can access the official Flint Water Settlement Payment Portal to select how you will receive your funds — by check or via an electronic transfer.
- Whoever has access to your individual ID code (included in the award notice) could try to obtain your settlement payment, so do not share it with anyone who is not authorized to assist you in the settlement.
- For individuals who do not have access to a computer to get on the website, the Flint Public Library will make its computers available by appointment. Call Guardian Ad Litem Miriam Wolock at (248) 633-2630 or email mwolock@wolocklaw.com to schedule a time to use these computers.
If you have more questions, please visit the Flint settlement fund website at OfficialFlintWaterPayments.com.
GHP Opens 2026 Health Career Scholarship
Genesee Health Plan has opened its 2026 Health Career Scholarship Contest, offering two $1,500 awards to Genesee County high school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 who plan to pursue a career in health care. Students are asked to submit an essay reflecting on their family health history, their chosen health career path, and the impact they hope to make in the field. The contest deadline is Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Please visit their website, linked here, to learn more.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in the 27th District
Genesee County is gearing up for several meaningful events to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this month. I hope you can make it out to not only pay tribute to this trailblazer for racial and economic justice, but also to connect with others in the community and be encouraged to continue building on the progress that he and so many others have made.
- Saturday, Jan. 17: The Gloria Coles Flint Public Library will host its annual MLK Day Event at 12:00 p.m., focusing on community reflection and the message of nonviolence.
- Monday, Jan. 19 (MLK Jr. Day): Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County will bring the community together for the 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mentoring Inspiration Breakfast at St. Michaels Conference Center in Flint. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program starting at 9:00 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 19 (MLK Jr. Day): United Way of Genesee County is also inviting residents to join them as they prepare two hundred thousand meals for local families. Anyone interested in volunteering can learn more and register here.
These gatherings offer our community a chance to learn, reflect, and serve together in the spirit of Dr. King. I look forward to seeing you all in the community.
Mt. Morris Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 26, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Krapohl Senior Center, 5473 Bicentennial Dr., Mt. Morris Twp., MI 48458
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends Soon
The Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of all the benefits and savings you may qualify for before the 2026 open enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace closes on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Marketplace consumers who missed the Dec. 18 deadline for coverage to begin on Jan. 1 may qualify for a special enrollment period if they have experienced a qualifying life event, such as birth, job loss, or divorce.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact DIFS by calling (877) 999-6442 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For a list of other state and federal agencies that may be able to help with your health coverage questions, click here.
Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) Grant Applications Are Now Open
Michigan arts and culture nonprofits, municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities, and others are encouraged to begin preparing to apply for a 2026 MACC grant. These grant programs help fund professional development, equipment and facility upgrades, arts education, and more.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and start your application here.
Be Winter Weather Ready
The cold and snow are here! As Michigan faces cold weather and winter storms, make sure to plan ahead and take the proper precautions to stay safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends creating a communication plan with your family and taking steps to prepare your home and vehicle for the low temperatures, including:
- Weatherproof your home: Insulate walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Install a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector: Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires; make sure to prioritize fire safety and keep your house safe.
- Create an emergency car kit: Include items to stay warm — a portable phone charger, shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks, first-aid materials, jumper cables, and waterproof matches.
- Prepare for power outages: Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges; do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Read more tips here.