Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’re soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm weather as spring dwindles down and the official start of summer approaches. June is a busy time in the legislature as we continue our work on a state budget for the next fiscal year. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are focused on delivering investments that improve opportunity, support our students and schools, and most importantly, lower costs for Michigan families.
And, as we celebrate the end of the 2025–2026 school year, I want to extend my congratulations to students, families, educators, and school staff across our community. This year has been filled with learning, growth, achievement, and meaningful milestones. I am proud of all that you have accomplished, and I look forward to all that you will achieve in the year ahead.
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 SenJCherrySenate.Michigan.gov or calling 517-373-0142.
Sincerely,
JOHN CHERRY
State Senator
District 27
- From cracking down on deceptive corporate pricing practices to expanding the supply of affordable housing options for low-income Michiganders, my colleagues and I have made some exciting progress on our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda in recent weeks.
- Please join me for a Voter Rights Town Hall with the Michigan Dept. of State and Genesee County Clerk, Dominique Clemons, on Monday, June 29. Read on for more information.
- Grab your fishing pole or hiking boots and visit any of Michigan’s state parks for free this Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14 during the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources’ (DNR) ‘Three Free” weekend. Learn more below.
Senate Democrats Advance Legislation to Protect Missing Vulnerable Children
This week, the Senate passed legislation that I am sponsoring along with Sen. McCann to protect Michigan children who may be in danger. Senate Bills 891–892, or Rowan’s Act, is named after 6-year-old Rowan Milford Morey from Isabella County whose life was tragically taken by his biological father during a custody exchange in 2024. In that case, Rowan’s mother tried to get local authorities to check on her son after he was not returned to her on time. Because of limits in state law, emergency responders could not intervene early.
To prevent another devastating incident like this from happening again, our legislation would create an Amber Alert process for when children go missing who are with a custodial parent. Our bills would strengthen Michigan’s Amber Alert system by allowing law enforcement to respond more quickly when children are not returned to their custodial parent on time or are believed to be in danger, even if the child is with a parent. This law helps ensure authorities can act sooner, providing critical protection for children and peace of mind for parents.
Making Progress with Our A Michigan You Can Afford Agenda
From the grocery store and gas station to the price tag on childcare and doctors’ visits, reckless actions by D.C. Republicans are taking their toll on household budgets across Michigan. That’s why Senate Dems launched A Michigan You Can Afford agenda just a few weeks ago, which aims to do exactly what it says — lower the high costs of living burdening Michiganders around the state. In recent weeks, my colleagues and I have made exciting progress on some of the bills outlined in this agenda to:
- Ban auto and home insurance companies from exploiting your shopping patterns to determine the highest rates you are willing to pay, a practice also known as “price optimization.” (Introduced)
- Prohibit surveillance pricing for e-commerce and dynamic pricing for retail stores, additional deceptive practices companies utilize to take advantage of consumers to benefit their bottom line. (Introduced)
- Establish a new tax credit to increase the supply of guaranteed affordable housing in our state. (Passed out of committee)
- Create a state-based health care exchange, which would lower premiums and give Michiganders more options and more control over their health insurance. (Passed out of committee)
- Completely eliminate out-of-pocket costs for three of the state’s most high-volume, life-saving medical necessities — insulin, epinephrine, and inhalers. (Introduced)
As we do this work and advance this legislative agenda through the Senate, I want to hear from you. Make your voice heard and help shape this package by sharing your experience in the survey below, so we can work together to deliver a solution that works for you, your family, and our state.
Senate Dems Highlight How Federal Attacks on Clean Energy are Harming Michigan Farmers
Over the last year and a half, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been working tirelessly to speak out against the reckless, cruel actions of the Trump administration and use the tools we have at the state level to defend Michiganders from the chaos they’re creating. Most recently, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to highlight how the federal attacks on clean energy are impacting Michigan farmers and rural communities.
During the hearing, the owner of Michigan’s oldest farm and energy industry experts shared testimony on the consequences of the USDA’s cancellation of renewable energy projects and grants under the federal Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) last year. Following the announcement in August 2025 that subsidies for solar panel systems on productive farmland would be terminated, numerous REAP energy projects across the state were left in limbo. With the grant funding once promised to them ripped away, Michigan farmers have been left to foot a bill they weren’t prepared for — at a time when the cost of fuel and other essentials are already stretching their budgets razor-thin. Read more about the hearing here.
Senate Democrats Honor Pride Month with Action
Here in Michigan, we are dedicated to cultivating inclusion, belonging, and welcome for everyone — not just during Pride Month but every day year-round.
Since the onset of our state’s first Senate Democratic Majority in over forty years, my colleagues and I have taken swift, decisive action to expand protections for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, one of the first bills we passed in our new majority was the historic expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), safeguarding Michiganders from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression — a collaborative effort that was decades in the making. Senate Democrats also passed new laws that banned the harmful practice of conversion therapy for minors and championed a resolution that recognizes June as Pride Month in Michigan.
These efforts are a meaningful step forward for Michigan, but they are certainly not the last. With all the uncertainty and chaos coming out of Washington D.C., we recognize the continued need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice — and we’ll always continue fighting to ensure every Michigander can live freely and authentically.
Voter Rights Town Hall in Flint
You’re invited to join me, the Secretary of State’s office, Genesee County Clerk, Dominique Clemons, and Flushing Township Clerk, Wendy D. Meinburg, for a Voter Rights Town Hall on Monday, June 29 in Flint! We will discuss recent changes to our state’s election laws and how state leaders are protecting the right to vote ahead of the 2026 Midterm election. You will also have the opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you may have.
WHEN: Monday, June 29, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee Health System, 1040 W. Bristol Rd., Flint, MI 48507
We’re grateful to Genesee Health System for generously providing space for our event. Please note that while they are hosting us at their location, they won’t be participating in the event itself.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth in Flint is a time when community members come together to honor freedom, history, and the ongoing work of liberation. It’s a space where Flint shows its pride, its resilience, and its commitment to carrying the spirit of Juneteenth forward. All are welcome.
Juneteenth at Max Brandon Park
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Max Brandon Park, 3606 Dupont St., Flint, MI 48504
Juneteenth at the Flint Cultural Center
WHEN: Sunday, June 20, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Flint Cultural Center, 1310 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503
Find more info and check out more Juneteenth events happening throughout Flint and Genesee County here!
Swartz Creek Fine Arts 42nd Annual Summer Concert Series
Grab a friend or neighbor and be sure to check out this annual outdoor concert series presented by the Swartz Creek Fine Arts Association.
WHEN: Every Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., from June 16 through August 4, 2026
WHERE: Fred & Phyllis Pajtas Theater, 8099 Civic Dr., Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Upcoming lineup:
- June 16: Regulators, Classic Rock
- June 23: Square Lucy, Variety
Click here to view the full programming schedule.
Get Outdoors for ‘Three Free’ Weekend This June 13-14
With school out for the season and warmer weather finally here to stay, it’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful scenery, bodies of water, and recreational opportunities Michigan has to offer! And on this Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, you can visit any of Michigan’s state parks for free during the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources’ (DNR) ‘Three Free” weekend. For these two full days, Michiganders and out-of-state visitors can grab their fishing rods, ride the off-road trails, and visit state parks, boating access sites, and other outdoor locations — all free of charge. Learn more below, or on the DNR’s website, and Happy Trails!
- Free ORV Weekend: Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
- Free Fishing Weekend: Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information.
- Free entry to state parks: To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR Recreation Passport that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces is waived for the weekend. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
City of Flint Summer Curfew Reminder
To help keep Flint youth safe this summer, please be aware of the City of Flint’s curfew ordinance:
- Age 12 and under: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Ages 13–14: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Ages 15–16: Midnight to 6:00 a.m.
- Please note: special events may enforce earlier curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for youth under 17