Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’ve recently had a chance to enjoy some delicious comfort food, quality time with your loved ones, and a moment of reflection to give thanks. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve you in the State Senate. Getting to advocate on behalf of the needs and desires of our neighbors is an honor that I don’t take lightly, and I’m grateful our community has entrusted me to be a voice for change.
As the year comes to a close, I want to assure you that I will continue advocating for you in Lansing until our session adjourns. This is an important time in the legislature, and I encourage you to stay informed during these final weeks of the year. Read on to learn more.
As always, if you have any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or need any 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.
Have a safe and warm Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- My bills to make numerous updates and improvements to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency passed the Senate alongside legislation that would expand and extend benefits for workers.
- In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 2-6, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine before flu activity peaks in Michigan. To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, click here.
Expanding Unemployment Benefits for Michigan Workers
Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty but unfortunately, our state’s unemployment system has too often prevented people from accessing those benefits at the time they need it most.
I’m excited to share that earlier this week, the Senate passed legislation that would expand benefits for unemployed workers in the state, including my bill to make numerous updates to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) so that everyone — claimants, workers, and employers — will benefit.
My legislation, Senate Bill 962, addresses longstanding issues and removes barriers that claimants have commonly experienced in navigating the UIA system by providing a pathway to consolidate a claimant’s case so that they are no longer forced to go through multiple hearings and increasing the cap on the allowable number of hardship waiver applications from two to four, among other items.
The bill package, including legislation sponsored by my colleagues Sens. Singh, Cavanagh, and Wojno, would also boost the maximum number of weeks workers could receive benefits for from 20 to 26 and would increase the maximum dollar amount of weekly benefits by nearly 70%.
Wrapping Up the Waning Weeks to the 102nd Michigan Legislature
As we approach the end of the session and wrap up our legislative work for the year, it’s important to reflect on the results we’ve delivered for the people of Michigan. From safeguarding Michiganders’ rights and investing in the people of Michigan to protecting our state’s environment, water, and natural resources, I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I have done over the past two years.
While we’ll be here in Lansing until the end of the year, advocating on your behalf, I’m already looking forward to the start of the 103rd Michigan Legislature and to another productive year delivering real solutions for our communities and our state.
I encourage you to stay informed about the legislation moving through the State Senate and House in the coming weeks. You can track legislation by searching for its bill numbers on the Michigan Legislature’s website.
Holiday Walk at Flint Cultural Center
My office got to join in on the fun at the Flint Cultural Center’s 39th Annual Holiday Walk, kicking off the holiday season! The event was filled with joy and featured a nice tree-lighting ceremony that lit up the night with colorful lights, bringing smiles to both kids and adults. Plus, my District Director helped some families who were selling the cutest holiday gifts around. This was a great way to bring in the holiday season with the community.
Stay Healthy This Holiday Season — Get Your Flu Vaccine
As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 2-6, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine if they have not already done so. By getting the flu vaccine now, families will protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu throughout the holiday and flu seasons.
To ensure protection over the holidays, individuals should get their vaccine now before flu activity peaks in Michigan. To stay safe from other respiratory viruses, MDHHS also recommends getting the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. All three of these vaccines can be given at the same time.
To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Finder. To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/covidflursv.