Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’m delighted to introduce a special edition of our e-newsletter, focusing on an issue that holds profound significance for me: education. It’s crucial that our schools in Genesee County reflect the rich history and resilient spirit of our community, providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing educational environment for every child.
As your state senator, I’m committed to enhancing educational outcomes in our community and statewide. This e-newsletter will offer insights into the legislative actions, programs and partnerships that are propelling us toward this goal. Your support is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our children receive top-quality education and that our community thrives.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at (517) 373-0142 or SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov with any questions or concerns.
Working for you,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Community Updates
Senator Cherry and AT&T Partner to Bring 200 Backpacks to Beecher School District
Teaming up with AT&T to provide 200 backpacks to students at Dailey Elementary in Beecher School District was an incredibly rewarding experience! Knowing that we have helped a school district in need by providing much-needed school supplies brings me an immense sense of happiness and fulfillment. It was a privilege to work alongside AT&T, a company that shares my commitment to supporting education and empowering students.
Seeing the smiles on the faces of the students as they received their new backpacks was truly heartwarming. This collaborative effort has made a lasting impact on their lives and the Beecher School District community as a whole.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the education and well-being of these students. It is my hope that this initiative will inspire others to join in supporting our schools and ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.
Legislative Updates
New Michigan Laws Safeguard Children’s Health Against Lead
I’m delighted to announce that Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed my universal lead testing bill, Senate Bill 31, into law, a significant step towards safeguarding Michigan’s children from lead poisoning. This legislation mandates lead screening for all children during regular doctor visits, prioritizing early detection and intervention. Lead poisoning is a statewide concern, and this law empowers physicians to ensure early lead poisoning screenings for all children, regardless of insurance coverage, as there’s no safe level of lead in the bloodstream.
In addition, my Senate colleagues and I have passed the Filter First legislation, which requires schools and child-care centers to have drinking water filters in place, further protecting children from lead exposure. All of these bills, which I sponsored in the Senate, draw lessons from the Flint Water Crisis, and together, they strengthen our commitment to protecting Michigan’s children from the devastating consequences of lead poisoning.
2024 State Budget Boosts Education and Youth Services in Flint and Genesee County
With the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, I’m proud to highlight the diligent work I’ve done with my colleagues to champion a robust, bipartisan 2024 state budget. This budget places our residents’ needs front and center, emphasizing inclusivity and equity. It’s designed to benefit all Michiganders while providing vital support to key areas, including education, natural resources, health, public safety and workforce development.
One particularly exciting aspect of this budget is the substantial investments it brings to Flint and Genesee County, with a special focus on education and youth services:
- $40 million for the Michigan School for the Deaf to construct a new student dormitory
- $2.6 million for Latinx Flint to establish a bilingual Early Childhood Education Center and expand youth services
- $2.5 million for critical high school renovations at Beecher Community Schools
- $1 million each for the Flint YMCA and Educare Flint
- $300,000 to expand mental health services at the Boys & Girls Club of Flint
Another major highlight of the Oct. 1 budget is universal free lunch. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, $160 million will be allocated towards ensuring all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan receive free breakfast and lunch.
These investments underscore our unwavering commitment to ensuring that educational opportunities and essential resources reach every corner of our great state, including right here in Genesee County.
Save the date: Friday, October 20, 2023! I invite you to join me for an hour of coffee and conversation. These coffee hours serve as a valuable opportunity for us to connect and allow me to understand the unique priorities of our district. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions, share your thoughts and stay updated on the latest news in Lansing and our district. I hope to see you there!
When: Friday, October 20, 2023, from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center, 3478 Mundy Avenue, Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Find more information about the Oct. 20 Coffee and Conversation Hour here.
Helpful Resources
Michigan Reconnect Applications Open for Expanded Age Group
Previously limited to individuals aged 25 and older, Michigan Reconnect has expanded its eligibility to include adults between the ages of 21 and 24 who have not yet obtained a college degree. The Reconnect program allows eligible students to pursue an associate degree or Pell-eligible skills certificate at in-district community colleges without the burden of tuition fees.
Applicants ages 21 to 24 must enroll no later than the fall semester of 2024. Students in the 21-24 age bracket must also apply for Reconnect before the application closes on November 15, 2024.
To be eligible, you just need to:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than fall semester 2024;
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid);
- Have lived in Michigan for at least a year;
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or certificate of completion; and
- Have not yet completed a college degree.
Don’t wait, apply today!
Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarships to up to 2,500 future educators every year. It is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!
To be eligible, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working on their initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program.
- Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, the parent(s) listed on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident as of July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility.
For more information, visit here.
Prioritize Student Health for a Successful School Year
With the school year progressing into the fall and winter, safeguarding the health of students is a prioiry for every teacher and parent. Michigan health officials emphasize that vaccines provide the most effective protection against preventable diseases, ensuring both personal wellbeing and the well-being of the entire student community.
> To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.
> Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.