Dear Neighbor,
Warmer weather is finally here! The seasonal changes are not only welcome but also energizing, as my Senate colleagues and I returned to the Capitol this week to advance critical budget bills and legislation on behalf of our constituents and Michiganders statewide.
Read on to learn more, including how we’re supporting our nurses and working to address human trafficking in the state.
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 in Flint and Lansing by emailing SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-0142.
Sincerely,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- From fighting to improve working conditions for nurses to taking on the heinous crime of human trafficking, Michigan Senate Dems have advanced several pieces of critical legislation this past week. Learn more below.
- Join me for a Community Health Care Forum focused on mental health in Burton on Thursday, May 21. Details below.
- Due to a high volume of early filings, many Michigan residents are experiencing delays with their state income tax refunds this year. Learn more and find helpful resources below.
$45 Million for Parks and Recreation Upgrades Advances
This week, my legislation, Senate Bill 829, which provides funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) for parks and recreation funding across Michigan, passed unanimously in committee.
Since its creation in 1976, the MNRTF has been critical for the development, maintenance, and evolution of recreation in Michigan. Utilizing revenues from oil, gas, and mineral ventures in the State, the MNRTF has provided over $1 billion in funding for parks, trails, natural areas, and outdoor access throughout Michigan.
This year, the MNRTF Board has recommended 75 awards totaling $45 million to boost state and local recreation in a variety of areas. From trail access to upgraded playgrounds, state and local government entities are relying on these funds to make a real difference in their communities. In Genesee County, the awards include $125,000 for upgrades at Stepping Stones Falls in Flint and $400,000 for improvements at Bush Park in Fenton.
As the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture & Natural Resources and Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture, I know how critical it is for Michiganders to have access to safe, thriving open spaces. With the passage of SB 829, the Senate is taking important steps to ensure that our parks and natural spaces remain beautiful and abundant. The bill now advances to the Senate floor for a full vote.
Support Michigan nurses — Despite already working long shifts, nurses are often forced to stay overtime, which could mean staying for shifts of 16 or more hours. Unable to say no, mandatory overtime isn’t only grueling for nurses, contributing to high burnout rates, but it also poses risks to patients and the care they are provided. To improve working conditions for our nurses and protect Michiganders seeking care, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation this past week that would end this dangerous practice while also implementing additional safeguards to ensure nurses can get the rest they need.
Combat human trafficking — Building on our previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan, Senate Dems are ushering forward a new bill that would help tackle the issue by requiring every hotel and motel in the state to prominently display the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number. With Michigan positioned at the intersection of many highway corridors and crossing points, this legislation would help victims connect with critical support while also signaling a warning sign to traffickers. Passed out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services this week, this life-saving legislation now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Celebrating National Public Health Week with Action
Public health — the science of preventing disease and illness, protecting the health of entire populations, and promoting a better quality of life — is foundational for the safety and well-being of everyone across the globe. Last week was National Public Health Week, an invitation to reflect on the progress made and the steps needed for an even stronger, healthier future.
Here in Michigan, Senate Democrats have taken bold action to bolster public health and improve our quality of life, from:
- Protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health care;
- Saving Medicaid in Michigan by securing a $2.7 billion investment to counteract sweeping federal cuts;
- Expanding the widely successful Rx Kids cash prescription program to communities throughout the state, reducing childhood poverty and improving maternal and infant health;
- Tackling the gun violence epidemic by championing evidence-based gun safety legislation;
- Safeguarding reproductive freedom by repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban, legalizing surrogacy, and protecting access to abortion care;
- Improving environmental protections and fighting for cleaner air and water; to
- Fighting food insecurity through the universal free school meals program and intentional budget investments.
And although we’ve made real progress, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting to further protect public health in Michigan and ensure our state is the healthiest place to work, live, and play.
Boys and Girls Club Advocacy Day
I was honored to join Youth of the Year members from Boys and Girls Clubs across Michigan this week as they visited the state Capitol.
These young Michiganders embody the best of us. Working diligently, they have risen above and beyond, advocating for our youth and amplifying the voices of their peers. I can confidently say that the next generation of leaders will do great things!
Connecting with Constituents at the Krapohl Senior Center
I held a community conversation at the Krapohl Senior Center earlier this week to hear from residents about ongoing issues affecting families in Genesee County. Attendees raised questions about economic stability and the importance of continued investment in community resources. I also shared updates on current legislative work and this year’s budget. The conversation reflected strong community engagement, with residents sharing both concerns and ideas for strengthening local support systems.
Community Health Care Forum
You’re invited to the third event in my Community Health Care Forum series, where we will focus on mental health. Please join me on Thursday, May 21, to hear from local health care leaders, ask questions, and connect with resources available in our community.
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee Health Systems, 1040 W. Bristol Rd., Flint, MI 48507
Registration is required. Please visit my website to register.
Stay Updated on the Flint State Park Development
Residents interested in following the progress of the new state park in Flint can find reliable information through the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR maintains a dedicated project page for the future Chevy Commons State Park, which includes an overview of the project, updates on construction phases, and other project components. The website serves as the central hub for state‑issued information and is the best place to track official developments as the project moves forward.
Additionally, context and local coordination updates can be found through Genesee County Parks, which shares information about trail connections, habitat restoration, and community engagement opportunities related to the site. For residents who want to understand the broader environmental and riverfront improvements connected to the park, the Flint River Watershed Coalition provides public dashboards on water quality, habitat restoration, and stewardship activities throughout the watershed. The City of Flint’s Planning and Development Dept. also posts capital improvement documents and planning materials that show how the state park fits into larger redevelopment efforts along the Flint River corridor.
Together, these resources give residents a clear view of the project’s goals, progress, and community impact, as well as access to data and dashboards that support transparency throughout the development process.
Michigan Income Tax Refund Delays
Due to a high volume of early filings, many Michigan residents are experiencing delays with their state income tax refunds this year. The Dept. of Treasury is processing returns as quickly as possible.
For 2025 e‑filed returns, Treasury asks filers to allow 4–6 weeks from the date their return was accepted before checking refund status. Returns selected for manual review may take up to 8 weeks after Treasury receives the required documentation.
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 facing a documented hardship, such as a foreclosure, eviction, or utility shutoff, my office may be able to advocate with Treasury to request expedited review once documentation is provided. Please contact my office if you need assistance.