Happy Black History Month!

Dear Neighbor,   

Happy Black History Month! This February, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the diverse contributions and histories of African Americans in our state and nation — find some ways to celebrate in Michigan here.  

Our work in the Legislature is well underway for the year, and as always, I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the state Senate. Read on to learn more about the solutions we’re working to deliver for District 27 residents and our entire state. 

Although my office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day, I remain committed to addressing any questions or concerns you may have about our district or work at the Capitol. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and my team by emailing SenJCherry@Senate.Michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-0142.    

Sincerely, 

John Cherry 
State Senator 
District 27 

• The official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old in 2026! This Black History Month, join me in exploring the many historic, cultural, and economic contributions of African Americans in Michigan and beyond. 
• Grab a friend or neighbor and please join me THIS Monday, Feb. 9 at 10:00 a.m. for a community conversation at the Flushing Senior Center. 
• Need help accessing community resources or utility assistance this winter? Read on to learn more. 

Honoring Black History Month Through Action

Black History Month (BHM) offers an opportunity to reflect on the path that brought us to today, one shaped by resilience, struggle, and the pursuit of justice. BHM calls on every person to consider the role we play in ensuring future generations inherit a Michigan where equality and prosperity are not aspirations, but realities. 

In a similar spirit, my work in the Michigan Senate continues to support legislation that addresses longstanding inequities and strengthens opportunities for Flint, Genesee County, and communities of color across the state. The Senate’s ongoing work focuses not only on repairing the harm caused by decades of redlining and systemic discrimination, but also on building a future where every family can share in the promise of freedom and equality.  

Progress shows up in the everyday lives of people through safer workplaces, healthier pregnancies, stronger learning environments, and fairer systems. My legislative work centers on those real-world impacts for communities that have historically been overlooked or underserved. Key initiatives include: 

• Improving maternal health through “Momnibus” reforms, strengthening accountability in Michigan’s maternal care system and ensuring every Michigan family has an equitable chance at a healthy, empowering pregnancy and birth. 
• Establishing a Black Leadership Advisory Council, giving Black leaders a formal role in shaping statewide policy and advising the Governor on how to eliminate discrimination and advance racial equity. 
• Investing in smaller class sizes for early elementary students. 
• Holding employers criminally accountable for wage theft, strengthening enforcement so that bad actors can’t exploit workers without consequence. 
• Expanding the Rx Kids program, a first-of-its-kind initiative that provides direct support to pregnant mothers and newborns to reduce negative maternal health outcomes, particularly in communities facing the greatest disparities. 
• Increasing research and awareness around uterine fibroids, a condition that disproportionately affects Black women and has long been understudied, to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health outcomes. 

Honoring Black History Month means more than remembering the past. It requires taking meaningful steps today to build a more just, equitable, and prosperous Michigan for tomorrow. My work in the legislature is driven by a commitment to ensure that progress is actively pursued every day. 

Michigan Senate Dems Urge Congress to Rein in ICE, DHS Brutality 

In response to a disturbing uptick in unchecked, violent tactics used by federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota and across the nation, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 92 with bipartisan support last week to urge Congress to restore and strengthen accountability in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS).  

The brutality and corruption of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is anti-American, and our nation’s leaders must demand greater transparency and oversight in ICE and DHS operations — because no one is above the law. 

Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages 

In the first month of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to:  

• Reduce cell phone usage in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, the Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation to ban cell phones during instruction time in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help ensure our educators can teach, and our students can learn without distraction.
• Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, my colleagues and I recently passed bipartisan legislation to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
• Crack down on scam calls and texts: As folks navigate the stressors of everyday life, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’swhy, last week, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable. 

New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online, Tackle Rising Energy Costs 

With the new year here, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running to introduce several new 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 in December and highlighted in a press conference a few weeks ago, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.   

If you have children, we encourage you to take our survey and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families!  

• 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 recently introduced by Senate Democrats 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. 

Flint Parent Collaborative Meeting

Flint parents are strong voices for change, which is why it was an honor to recently join them alongside colleagues and area educators for an event focused on how we can better support our students who rely on special education and learning support services. Families, administrators, and teachers seeking resources for students with special needs and guidance on navigating Individualized Education Program (IEPs) all participated in this important discussion.  

One of the most pressing concerns raised was the need for more support staff — especially paraprofessionals and resource officers — to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.   

Thank you to The Flint Center for Educational Excellence and Flint Parent Collaborative for organizing this important conversation for our students and families in the community.  

Have an upcoming meeting or an event in the 27th District that you’d like our office to attend? Please fill out our online scheduling form here. 

Flushing Community Conversation 

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 9, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
WHERE: Flushing Senior Center, 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433  

2026 State of the State Art and Writing Contests 

For the first time ever, Michigan K-12 students have the opportunity to be a part of the governor’s State of the State address!  

• Art Contest: K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative art design for the program cover on the theme of “Michigan’s Bright Future.” Answer the question of what our state’s future looks like, and submit designs here.
• Writing Contest: Students should write their best short story or essay on what they love most about Michigan. Submit your student’s writing here.  

Submissions for both contests are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The governor’s State of the State address is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Learn more here. 

Stay Warm During Winter Storms & Utilize 211 to Find Shelter Near You 

With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, you can contact 211 to find information on local warming centers as well as available resources to help with housing and utility bills. 211 is available for free for all Michiganders 24/7 any day of the year. To find help for winter utilities, you can:  

📞  Call 2-1-1 

💬  Text your zip code to 898-211 

🖥️  Visit mi211.org  

For more winter preparedness tips, click here. 

Utility Assistance Programs  

Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:    

• State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.  
• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.  
• Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.