Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying warm in this cold Michigan weather! Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling this month. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing conditions. Below, you’ll find updates on how to keep yourself safe from another dangerous counterpart of our notorious Michigan winters — influenza.
You’ll also find updates on how I’m continuing to advocate for the needs of our residents in the Michigan Senate. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you. 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
- From preventing students from being distracted in the classroom to tackling rising utility costs, Senate Democrats have started 2026 off strong by advancing legislation in recent weeks to protect Michigan kids and consumers. Learn more below.
- Join me this coming Monday, Jan. 26, at Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris for a community conversation starting at 12:00 p.m. Learn more here.
- Flu season is officially here, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and safe. Read on for more information.
Protecting Michigan Kids & Consumers
Senate Democrats have hit the ground running this year, uplifting and advancing several pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online — As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and highlighted in a press conference this past week, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
- Ban cell phones in schools — To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools, the Michigan Senate advanced bipartisan legislation earlier this week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools.
Cell phone bans help students stay engaged and build real social skills. During testimony on the bills, an educator described visiting a school with a phone ban and being struck by the loud, lively lobby — students were actually talking to one another, something she rarely encountered in her own building. As a father of two young Michiganders, I want my children — and all students — to learn in environments that foster communication and relationship‑building. Phones have a time and a place, but prioritizing face‑to‑face interaction is essential for healthy development. The legislation now moves to the governor for her signature or veto.
- Tackle rising energy costs — While the costs of everything from gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are only adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 — legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
Rx Kids Launching in Detroit
During her first days in office, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the highly effective Rx Kids program will launch within the first 100 days of her administration, offering medical cash prescriptions for Detroit’s new moms and babies!
I was proud to secure the initial state funding to launch Rx Kids in Flint nearly two years ago, and since that time, the evidence and stories all point to the same thing: this program works, and it works well. That’s why I’m excited to see it continuing to expand across the state, soon to have a life-changing impact on the Detroit community, where moms will receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500/month for six months after birth. Created in partnership with Dr. Mona Hanna and Michigan State University, the financial security provided by Rx Kids is universal and unconditional. Having championed Rx Kids since its inception, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I further expanded Rx Kids in the 2026 budget and are helping ensure the game-changing program can reach more communities around Michigan.
With an estimated 8,000 babies born in Detroit every year, this historic expansion will set a standard for how cities and states show up for families when it matters most — and help support the newest Detroiters to have safe and healthy futures. Rx Kids is also now underway in Lake County and certain communities in Saginaw and Berrien counties.
To learn more about Rx Kids’ initiatives and when enrollment opens near you, click here.
We’re Here to Help!
If you’ve reached out to our office, there’s a good chance you’ve connected with Allison or Gabby — the front line of our constituent services team. They are often the first voices and faces people encounter, and they do an exceptional job supporting residents every day. From helping constituents navigate state departments, to tracking community concerns, to solving common issues with public services, they keep our office closely connected to the people we serve.
Recently, Allison was able to resolve a long‑running unemployment challenge for a constituent, ensuring their benefits could continue and securing an additional refund. We are incredibly proud of her hard work and know the constituent is grateful as well.
If you’re experiencing issues with unemployment or another state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help.
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
Flushing Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 9 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Flushing Senior Center, 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Life & Legacy
As your state Senator, I am determined to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone is guaranteed a safe, successful, and just future, no matter your matter race, gender, sexual orientation, income, or any other identity that may shape us. As elected officials, our actions — not only our words, but the policies we put in place and the programs that impact our citizens — should emphasize and expand equity for all Michiganders.
This week and throughout the month of January and beyond, we recognize the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose unwavering leadership, bravery, and persistence instilled a more just future for the United States. His inspiring work and collaboration with other civil rights activists helped create a progressive foundation for our nation that we aspire to expand upon today.
From introducing policy that tackles racial and ethnic health disparities, expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, investing in our youngest Michiganders, strengthening voting rights and access, and more, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to Dr. King’s work towards justice for all. We remain focused on sponsoring purposeful legislation and investments to uplift Michigan residents and communities, especially for those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in your community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends these steps in order to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.