Dear Neighbor,
It’s been an eventful week with the election of a new president and the selection of legislative leaders at both the state and federal levels. I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. Whether you voted early, absentee, or in person on Election Day, you played your part in our democracy.
As temperatures continue to drop and winter approaches, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. Now is an excellent time to winterize your home and vehicle, and to prepare an emergency plan for extreme cold and other winter weather events.
As always, if you have any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance, please feel free to contact my office. You can contact me at 517-373-0142 for the Lansing office, 810-233-9853 for the district office, or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov.
Lastly, I’d like to remind you that our offices will be closed this Monday, November 11, in honor of the Veterans Day holiday.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- Senate Democrats advance legislation to strengthen retirement benefits for officers and improve breast cancer detection standards in Michigan; youth tobacco prevention legislation receives committee hearing.
- Join me for my Community Conversation event at the Flushing Senior Center on Monday, Nov. 18 at 2:00 p.m. Find more info here.
- Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Thank you to all those who served and their families for your service and sacrifice.
Improving Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance System and Benefits for Workers
Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers, but unfortunately outdated processes embedded in our state’s unemployment system have delayed or even prevented Michiganders from getting the crucial help they need to stay afloat during tough times. In response to Michigan’s changing workforce and issues that were brought to light during the pandemic, I have been working alongside my colleagues, Sens. Sam Singh and Mary Cavanagh, to make long overdue updates to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. Our fair and common-sense legislation, Senate Bills 962, 975, 976, and 981, provides a good starting point in modernizing and streamlining processes so that claimants, workers, and employers alike will benefit. This past week, the Senate Labor Committee, which I am proud to Chair, heard testimony on these bills, where they now await a vote before moving to the Senate floor.
Strengthening Retirement Benefits for Officers
I am pleased to announce that the Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bills 165–167, sponsored by myself, Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, and Sen. Sue Shink. This legislation would allow new corrections, conservation, and other state officers to become members of the Michigan State Police hybrid retirement system and would allow current officers to elect to move retirement systems. This legislation now advances to the House for consideration.
2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
In June, Senate Democrats passed the bipartisan 2025 State Budget, securing a $5.6 million investment to expand access to contraceptives and family planning services for Michiganders. Thanks to this allocation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services are launching Take Control of Your Birth Control, a new program to ensure Michigan families have access to free contraception and family planning resources beginning in November.
Community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraceptives, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives to the general public for free, as long as supplies last. Soon, you’ll be able to visit Michigan.gov/takecontrol to locate participating organizations near you and learn more about these essential
Friends of Optometry Award
Pictured from left to right: Dr. James Hardie, Sen. John Cherry, and MOA Executive Director Jeff Towns
I’m deeply honored to have received the Michigan Optometric Association‘s (MOA) 2023 “Friends of Optometry” award. For more than a century, MOA has been supporting leaders in the field, benefiting both optometrists and patients alike. I am grateful for this acknowledgement and for everything they do to advance the profession of optometry.
We have a couple more community conversations for the remainder of the year, and I hope you can join us! These gatherings provide a great opportunity to discuss the issues that matter to you, answer any questions, and share legislative updates on the exciting things happening at our state Capitol. Please find more information about my upcoming events below and on my website.
Community Conversation in Flushing
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Flushing Senior Center, 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433
Community Conversation in Flint
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 2, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. z
WHERE: Brennan Senior Center, 1301 Pingree Ave., Flint, MI 48503
Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Throughout history, veterans have made tremendous contributions to our country and state. Our Democratic Majority worked to pass legislation and secure investments for the veteran community, honoring their contributions and sacrifices.
Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 788 to create a special registration plate for women veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices to Michigan and the nation. Building on this support, Michigan Democrats also passed House Bill 5127, now signed into law by Gov. Whitmer, which expands eligibility for the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans. The Democratic Majority also passed Senate Bills 176, 330, and 364 to help surviving loved ones of disabled veterans better access property tax exemptions.
Senate Democrats used the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to create more opportunities for veterans and secured $2.5 million for grants to address veteran homelessness. In the FY 2024 budget, Michigan Democrats made long-needed investments in the veteran community, including $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to aid veterans and their families.
Michigan Democrats are committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support.
For additional resources, click here. Read more here.
Tribute Request Form
I’m excited to share an opportunity to celebrate and honor the incredible members of our community who have demonstrated remarkable skills, commitment, and dedication. I want to recognize the contributions of anyone who has spearheaded a community project, provided essential services, or simply been a supportive friend and neighbor. Additionally, I’d love to hear about individuals celebrating significant life milestones, such as anniversaries, retirements, or personal achievements that have inspired others.
To help me pay tribute to these deserving individuals, please take a moment to fill out the form attached to this link. Share their stories, accomplishments, and why they mean so much to you and the community. Let’s come together to show our appreciation and ensure their efforts do not go unnoticed! Thank you for being a part of this wonderful celebration!