|
Dear Neighbor, While the year is rapidly coming to a close, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are using every moment we have to fight for Michigan kids, families, and communities. From protecting workers from the claw back of pandemic-era unemployment benefits to highlighting the harmful impacts of Trump’s tariffs on families and farmers, we’re laser-focused on continuing to make meaningful progress for the people of Michigan. Read on to learn more about what we’re working on at the Capitol, and for an alarming update on how Lansing Republicans continue to prioritize politics over people by unprecedently slashing over a half a billion dollars promised to communities around the state. As we wrap up the year, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year! The Michigan Senate will observe holiday closures on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1. Even during these days, my team will be monitoring phone and email for urgent matters to ensure you can still reach us if something important arises. 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
- Last week, Republicans in Lansing decimated over half a billion dollars promised to people and programs around the state that help provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment, critical resources to support new moms and their babies, and more. Learn more below.
- Join me at the Community Health Care Forum at Genesee Health Plan in Flint on Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. RSVP here.
- With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important that you and your loved ones stay alert and protected from common scams that occur this time of year. Find more information below, including tips on how to safeguard your personal information.
In a Twisted Political Maneuver, Legislative Republicans Axe Crucial Funding for Michigan Kids & Communities
Last week, in a deliberately cruel and reckless political stunt lacking any ounce of transparency, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues exploited a rarely used provision in state law to unilaterally slash over a half billion dollars in budget funding for Michigan’s kids, families, small businesses, and communities. Among the $645 million in bipartisan passed, already agreed upon funding promised to programs around the state were resources to:
- Provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment;
- Uplift new moms and their babies at the most vulnerable stage of life;
- Tackle our state’s opioid epidemic;
- Invest in affordable housing solutions;
- And so much more.
In the middle of the holiday season, at a time when Michiganders are already feeling the financial stress from the whiplash of federal policies, Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues pull the rug out from under them.
But Senate Democrats are fighting back. While we work to understand the full impact of this action on people and programs around the state, you can rest assured that Senate Democrats will continue serving with actual integrity and leadership, doing everything we can to hold Lansing Republicans accountable and ensure every Michigander knows what they did.
We are not sitting idly by — Senate Democrats are stepping up to clean up House Republicans’ mess. This week, my colleagues and I passed a bipartisan supplemental budget that would restore the $645 million decimated by Matt Hall and House Republicans. Unfortunately, the House failed to take the opportunity to right their wrong, refusing to even consider the bill in their chamber before adjourning for the year. Also earlier this week, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony submitted a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel requesting her to issue an opinion on the legality of the House Appropriations Committee’s actions.
Your voice is vital to us. Click here to tell Speaker Matt Hall and Lansing Republicans you disagree with these budget cuts. You can also let us know if you have a personal connection to these cuts.
Senate Unanimously Acts to Deliver Relief for Michiganders Facing UIA Benefit Recovery
During the chaos of the pandemic, thousands of Michiganders turned to their government for help, tapping into the unemployment system to put food on the table, pay their bills, and ensure their family could weather a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Since then, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been attempting to claw back overpayments they mistakenly made to these same individuals — causing stress for many around the state at an already financially tough time.
Let’s be clear: these families did nothing wrong. That’s why, last week, alongside every single Senator, across party lines, I voted to pass legislation that would provide a clean slate for these folks by waiving any overpayments the UIA is currently attempting to collect from this pandemic-era timeframe. Senate Bill 700 now heads to the Michigan House, where I’m hopeful they will act quickly so we can deliver relief to those who need it most.
Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee: Fighting Trump’s Tariffs
The Trump administration’s retaliatory tariffs on international trade are making everything more expensive, raising prices at the grocery store, and disrupting the farming and food systems that feeds us. Last week, the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee held a hearing to explore how these short-sighted policies are harming farmers, food costs, and supply chains across the state.
The committee featured representatives from the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, and others to examine how the actions of Washington Republicans are making food more expensive and it even harder for our state’s farmers and agricultural businesses to make ends meet. Click here to learn more.
Marian Hall Redevelopment at Risk After Republican Funding Cuts
Thanks to Communities First, Inc. (CFI) for the recent tour of Marian Hall and the update on their work to bring this historic space back to life. Their plan to transform the building into mixed-income, mixed-use housing would add real momentum to downtown Flint’s growth and provide safe, affordable housing for residents. I was proud to help champion the investment in last year’s state budget that made this project possible.
Unfortunately, as mentioned above, last week — without discussion, debate, or remorse — Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues slashed millions of dollars in funds promised to people and programs around the state. I’m incredibly upset to report that this project is one of the many initiatives that are now at risk because of House Republicans’ cruel act of political theater. While Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues pointed to so-called ‘waste, fraud, and abuse’ for reasons behind their reckless decisions, like many of the other programs put on the chopping block, CFI was simply ensuring the project met state contract requirements. With the funding they were counting on stripped away, the future of Marian Hall and the housing it promised to provide our community is uncertain.
We’ll keep fighting to protect projects like this that strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities for families throughout the 27th District.
Kicking Off a New Health Care Forum Series in January
I’m excited to start the new year by partnering with Genesee Health Plan and the Greater Flint Health Coalition to launch a bi-monthly series of Community Health Care Forums. These events will help Genesee County residents better understand their health care options, troubleshoot barriers, and connect with local resources.
Our first forum will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Genesee Health Plan (2171 S. Linden Rd., Flint). The panel will include Jim Ananich (Greater Flint Health Coalition), Jim Milanowski (Genesee Health Plan), and Michelle Estell (Genesee County Health Dept.), focusing specifically on health care access.
Join us to get answers, resources, and real solutions for your health care needs. Learn more and register at SenateDems.com/Cherry/Events.
Community Health Care Forum
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee Health Plan, 2171 S. Linden Rd., Flint, MI 48532
Mt. Morris Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 26, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Krapohl Senior Center, 5473 Bicentennial Dr., Mt Morris Twp., MI 48458
Protect Yourself from Scams This Holiday Season
The holidays are an opportune time for scammers to take advantage of your personal and financial information. To keep your wallets — and yourself! — protected in the weeks ahead, Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages Michiganders to be aware of the following scams.
- Phishing Scams: Residents are urged to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders to protect themselves from fraudsters.
- Scanner Law: Under Michigan’s Scanner Law, stores must honor the lowest advertised price.
- Puppy Scams: Consumers seeking to add a furry friend to their family should be aware of fraudulent online pet sellers. Remember to always see the pet in person and verify the breeder before sending any money.
- AI Scams: Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones.
- Credit Card Charges: Consumers are encouraged to check their credit card statements often and report unfamiliar charges right away to prevent identity theft.
Another way you and your loved ones can stay safeguarded from deceptive behavior is by following AG Nessel’s new consumer protection social media account, which will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, consumer protection tips, education resources, and updates from her office. You can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Warming Centers and Housing Assistance
As temperatures continue to drop into frigid temperatures, many community organizations across Michigan open their doors to ensure everyone can stay warm. To learn more and find warming centers near you:
- Visit mi211.org/housing-assistance
- Scroll down to the Getting Help in Michigan section
- Click Extreme Cold Warming Center and input your zip code to find local resources