Dear Neighbor,
The summer season is finally upon us! I hope you and your family are able to enjoy the sunshine and spend time taking advantage of all the fun summer activities our state offers, including the upcoming 4th of July festivities happening here in our community. Find more information on these events below — you’re likely to catch me and my staff out and about in the 27th district joining in on the celebrations!
Even though summer break is here for our youngest Michiganders, my colleagues and I are still hard at work at the Capitol. From advancing our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda to protecting voting rights, we’ve been keeping busy on your behalf. Keep reading for updates on our work in Lansing, as well as helpful resources and information so that you make the most of the summer months.
Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observation of the holiday. I’m wishing you and your family a safe and meaningful Independence Day.
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 combatting exploitative business practices with our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda to protecting you at the ballot box, my colleagues and I have advanced a slate of bold legislation in recent weeks. Learn more about this progress below.
- Please join me for a Voter Rights Town Hall with the Michigan Dept. of State and Genesee County Clerk, Domonique Clemons, on Monday, June 29. Learn more.
- With farmers market season officially here, it’s a great time to find out if and how you can take advantage of Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks program to get your fresh fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. Click here or continue reading to learn more.
Senate Democrats Pass Bills to Expand Access to Retirement Accounts for All Michiganders
This week, the Senate passed legislation, sponsored by myself and Sen. Mary Cavanagh, that would establish the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program.
Under the MI Secure Retirement Savings program, established by Senate Bill 807, employees who are not currently offered a retirement savings plan through their current employer would be automatically enrolled in a state-run Roth IRA — similar to programs currently offered by 15 other states. Employees would have the option to opt out. Senate Bill 808, sponsored by Sen. Cavanagh, would establish a board within the Michigan Dept. of Treasury to oversee the development and administration of the program.
After a lifetime of hard work, Michiganders deserve the opportunity to retire with dignity and financial security. By helping more than 1.5 million workers save for the future, this legislation would reduce senior poverty, help small businesses stay competitive, and strengthen our state’s long-term economic stability. Most importantly, it will give more people financial security as they age. The legislation now goes to the House for further consideration.
Senate Labor Committee Hears from Michigan Nurses and Health Care Employees
As the chair of the Senate Labor Committee, I know how hard employees in healthcare work settings are fighting to ensure they have safe conditions to care for our loved ones. Last week, I held a committee meeting to hear testimony from nurses and care workers who are on the frontlines fighting for fair contracts.
Nurses and care workers from Henry Ford Genesys, the Michigan Nurses Association, SEIU Healthcare Michigan, and UAW spoke bravely about safe staffing, fair treatment, and respect for the critical care they provide our community every day. I’m proud of the work Senate Democrats continue to do to lift up the voices of working Michiganders, and I will continue to stand and fight for the workers who take care of us.
Combatting Big Businesses, Creating A Michigan You Can Afford
Whether it be at the gas pump, grocery store, doctor’s office, or the monthly bills on our kitchen tables, we are all feeling the financial strain of careless decisions in Washington, D.C. That’s why Senate Democrats launched our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda, which works to provide Michigan residents real relief amid the record-high cost of living and protect you against predatory business tactics looking to profit at your expense. Most recently, my colleagues and I have taken steps to:
- Eliminate out-of-pocket costs for three of the state’s most high-volume, life-saving medical necessities, including Insulin, Epinephrine, and Inhalers. (Introduced)
- 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 the Senate)
- Crack down on greedy price gouging practices to keep housing, essential goods, and energy affordable during an issued state of emergency. (Passed out of the Senate)
- Cut Michigan’s notoriously high auto insurance premiums by 10 percent and hold auto insurers accountable for denying claims made in good faith. (Passed out of committee)
As we advance this legislative agenda through the Senate, I want to hear from you. 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, your community, and our state.
Investing in Flint’s Future
One of the best parts of this job is seeing the impact of the investments we make in Lansing come to life here at home.
Last week, I joined Flint Community Schools, students, families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Flint’s new high school. My favorite part was chatting with the students who will one day walk its halls — a reminder that every investment we make today helps shape the opportunities available to the next generation. I’m proud to have worked with my legislative colleagues and the Michigan Dept. of Education to help secure funding for this transformational project. Flint students deserve safe, modern, and accessible schools that reflect the strength, pride, and promise of our community. This new high school is more than a building — it’s an investment in Flint’s future, and I can’t wait to welcome students in the fall of 2028.
Honoring Those Who Served
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I’m reminded that the freedoms we enjoy were secured through the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who answered our nation’s call.
Earlier this month, I was honored to spend Flag Day with Burton’s veteran community and join DAV and Vietnam Veterans Chapter 175 in recognizing those who have served. It was a privilege to hear their stories, thank them for their service, and celebrate their lasting contributions to our country.
Supporting Michigan’s veterans is a responsibility I take seriously, both in Lansing and here at home. As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have defended the freedoms we celebrate every day. Happy
Independence Day and thank you to all who have served.
Local Fourth of July Celebrations
Looking for more ways to celebrate Independence Day in the 27th District? Here are a few events happening around Genesee County:
Independence Day at Crossroads Village
Join Crossroads Village for their Independence Day celebration, which will feature an ice cream social.
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Crossroads Village, 6140 Bray Rd., Flint, MI 48505
FIM Holiday Celebration & 11th Annual Flint Water Fest
Come out to downtown Flint for movies, music, and so much more!
WHEN: Saturday, July 4, from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Flat Lot, 125 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48502
Swartz Creek Summer Concert Series
Hear some tunes from the Genesee Valley Concert Band, who will be playing a special tribute to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pajtas Amphitheatre, 8099 Civic Dr., Swartz Creek, MI 48433
Voter Rights Town Hall in Flint
You’re invited to join me, the Secretary of State’s office, Genesee County Clerk, Domonique 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.
Take Advantage of Double Up Food Bucks
Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP or Michigan Bridge Card, you can double your benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 240+ participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores across Michigan. With farmers market season officially here, it’s a great time to use the program! Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org
How to Beat the Heat This Summer
Summer weather means getting outside and having fun or working in the yard, but too much heat can make you sick. Your body normally cools itself as your sweat evaporates, but during extremely hot weather, when the humidity is high, sweat can’t evaporate very well. These conditions can cause the temperature of your body to become dangerously high and can lead to severe illness or even death.
Heat related illness is preventable, so it’s important to understand what you can do to keep yourself healthy when temperatures are extremely high.
- Keep cool indoors. Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as the basement, a neighbor’s house, shopping mall or cooling center.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated — don’t just wait until you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks such as pop. These beverages may actually dehydrate you even more.
- Avoid exercise and physical activity during the hottest time of the day. Mornings and evenings are usually cooler than midday.
- Stay out of the sun. Wear sun protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside to protect yourself against sunburn.
- Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in parked cars. Cars heat up very quickly and can become dangerously hot, even with the windows open.
And if you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the heat, click here to find a list of cooling center locations in and around our community that are open to the public.
Michigan Income Tax Refund Delays
Due to a high volume of early filings this tax season, many Michigan residents are seeing delays with their state income tax refunds. The Dept. of Treasury is working as quickly as possible to process returns, and there are several helpful resources detailed below that are available in the meantime.
Helpful Resources:
- Michigan Treasury eServices: Check refund status, respond to requests, make payments, and send secure messages at michigan.gov/taxes/mitreasuryeservices
- By Phone: Call the Individual Income Tax Contact Center at 517‑636‑4486. Have your Social Security Number, tax year, and reported income available. For shorter wait times, call at 8:00 a.m. and avoid Mondays when possible.
Experiencing Financial Hardship?
If you are experiencing a documented hardship, such as a foreclosure, eviction, or utility shutoff, my office may be able to work with the Dept. of Treasury to request an expedited review once documentation is provided. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need help finding the right information or have any questions.