Dear Neighbor,
Happy March is Reading Month! This month, I hope both you and your family take time to visit your local library and enjoy a few books together, celebrating the knowledge that you get from reading. To check out some of our talented Michigan authors, visit the Great Michigan Read program and find a list of yearly selections here!
As the year rapidly progresses, our work in Lansing does too. The governor recently delivered her final State of the State address and unveiled her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially setting the stage for the months ahead. In both presentations, she emphasized priorities I share including making life more affordable for Michiganders, investing in our students and schools, and lowering the cost of housing so more folks have the ability to build and raise their family here in Michigan. Read on to learn more.
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
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address last week, outlining priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. Read more about this below.
- Join me for my second Community Health Care Forum in Burton on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. RSVP here.
- Get ready to set your clocks forward and lose a bit of sleep! Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 8.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers Her Final State of the State Address
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address where she outlined priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. From delivering a historic $1 billion tax cut for working families, guaranteeing all Michiganders a no-cost path towards a college degree or skills certificate, and making transformational investments in housing to lower the cost of purchasing a new home — we’ve been busy delivering results for Michigan communities.
But as the governor noted in her speech, our work is not done yet! There’s still more for us to do to lower costs, make housing more affordable, support students in their educational journeys, and ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to build a secure future for their family. As the legislative session continues, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the legislature to pass policies that advance these goals.
I was honored to attend the governor’s address and proud to welcome Dale Weighill, Genesee County Commissioner of the 8th District, as my guest. Dale serves as Chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, and I’m grateful for his partnership and leadership as we work together for the residents of Flint and Genesee County.
March is Reading Month! Ensuring Literacy for Michigan Students
The governor has called for additional steps and strategic investments to boost literacy rates and offer a quality education statewide. Senate Democrats have been long been leaders on this effort, prioritizing Michigan futures through investing in our kids and fighting for proven-effective educational programs and support. As we recognize March is Reading Month, I want to highlight some actions my colleagues and I have taken to help more young Michiganders learn to read, including:
- Spearheading Science of Reading literacy programming;
- Bringing phonics back to Michigan curriculum;
- Banning the use of cell phones in the classroom to keep kids engaged; and
- Passing legislation that will soon screen every student for dyslexia.
My colleagues and I are laser-focused on supporting public education and continuing critical investments in Michigan’s kids, both in and out of the classroom. Read more about some of our recent education wins here.
Happy Women’s History Month!
March has been nationally recognized as Women’s History Month since 1987, celebrating the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of women who have paved the way for progress and continue to inspire generations. I’m proud to be a part of Michigan’s first female-majority legislative caucus, where we’re not just breaking barriers from within, but working hard to ensure all women across the state have the resources and opportunities they need to shatter glass ceilings and secure successful futures. Whether it be safeguarding reproductive rights and freedoms to expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination, we will continue to do the work to stand up for Michigan women.
BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake
I recently joined members of my team at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint & Genesee County bowling fundraiser. The event regularly brings our community together to support mentorship programs that connect young people with caring adult role models and that help set them up for success. I’m grateful for the work Big Brothers Big Sisters does every day to support youth and families across Genesee County.
To learn more about this incredible organization and the work they do, please visit BBBSFlint.org.
Service Opportunities with Michigan Boards and Commissions
If you’ve been looking for more ways to get civically engaged, utilize your experiences, and put your skills to the test, consider serving on a state of Michigan Board or Commission. From the Great Lakes Water Authority and LGBTQ+ Commission to the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness and Michigan Natural Resources Commission, there are over 200 panels you could potentially plug into. By being appointed to a state Board or Commission, you could get the opportunity to help develop policymaking and program-implementing decisions.
To learn more about the process and apply for an appointment, click here. If you would like any assistance navigating these opportunities, our office is more than happy to help! Just send us an email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov or give us a call at (517) 373-0692.
2nd Community Health Care Forum
Next week, I’m excited to host my second event in a series that brings together health care experts and leaders to support Genesee County residents access health care options that meet their needs.
If you’re having a difficult time navigating the health care system — you’re not alone! And we’re here to help. I hope to see you at my next Community Health Care Forum on Wednesday, March 11, where you can get some guidance from health care leaders in the area and connect to local health care resources available to you.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Burton, MI (Exact location shared upon registration for event.)
Registration required. RSVP here.
Utilize Michigan 211 to Get Connected with the Resources You Need
Michigan 211 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Michigan 211 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email, or call for help. For more information, click here.
Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches Another Record High
The Michigan Dept. of Education recently announced that Michigan’s 2025 four-year graduation rate once again improved to the highest level since 2008! The graduation rate increased to just over 84%, up by 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, while the state’s four-year dropout rate decreased. This new data represents real progress toward increasing the number of students who graduate from high school.
These new findings are thanks to significant investments the state has been making in Career and Technical Education. Programs like these expand secondary learning opportunities to provide students with work-based learning in career paths such as skilled trades, agriculture, public safety, information technology, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among many others.
To learn more about what CTE programs you or your children may be able to take advantage of, click here.