{"id":2424,"date":"2026-04-18T13:43:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/?p=2424"},"modified":"2026-04-18T13:43:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:43:19","slug":"michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Parks &amp; Recreation Funding Advances at the Capitol"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2023\/02\/Cherry_EmailBanner.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Cherry Email Banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Senator Cherry Email Banner&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Warmer\u00a0weather 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Read on to learn more, including how\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0supporting our nurses and working to address human trafficking in the state.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As always, if you need\u00a0assistance\u00a0of any sort, or have any questions or concerns\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team in Flint and Lansing by emailing\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or calling (517) 373-0142.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2023\/07\/Cherry_John_Signature.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Cherry John Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Senator Cherry John Signature&#8221; width=&#8221;30%&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">John Cherry<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">State Senator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">District 27<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;If you&#8217;re in a rush&#8230; recent highlights Senator Cherry&#8221; title_text=&#8221;If you&#8217;re in a rush&#8230; recent highlights Senator Cherry&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join me for a Community Health Care Forum focused on mental health in Burton on Thursday, May 21. Details\u00a0below.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;:egislative Updates Senator Cherry&#8221; title_text=&#8221;:egislative Updates Senator Cherry&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>$45 Million for Parks and Recreation Upgrades Advances\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This week, my legislation,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-0829&amp;QueryID=187962091\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill\u00a0829<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which provides funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) for parks and recreation funding across Michigan, passed unanimously\u00a0in\u00a0committee.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since its creation in 1976, the MNRTF\u00a0has 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\u00a0$1 billion\u00a0in funding for parks, trails, natural areas, and outdoor access throughout Michigan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This year, the MNRTF Board has recommended 75 awards totaling $45 million to boost\u00a0state 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\u00a0Stepping Stones\u00a0Falls in Flint and $400,000 for improvements at Bush Park in Fenton.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture &amp; Natural Resources and Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources &amp; 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\u00a0remain\u00a0beautiful and abundant. The bill now advances to the Senate floor for a full vote.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Support Michigan nurses\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014 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\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0only 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\u00a0additional\u00a0safeguards to ensure nurses can get the rest they need.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Combat human trafficking\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014 Building on our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/2026\/01\/30\/human-trafficking\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, 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\u00a0out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services this week, this life-saving legislation now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Celebrating National Public Health Week with Action<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Public health \u2014 the science of preventing disease and illness, protecting the health of entire populations, and promoting a better quality of life \u2014 is foundational for the safety and well-being of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">everyone\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">across the globe. Last week was\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apha.org\/initiatives\/national-public-health-week\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">National Public Health Week<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, an invitation to reflect on the progress made and the steps needed for an even stronger, healthier future.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Here in Michigan, Senate Democrats have taken bold action to bolster public health and improve our quality of life, from:<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/whitmer\/news\/press-releases\/2023\/10\/19\/whitmer-signs-legislation-protecting-health-care-for-millions-of-michiganders#:~:text=Senate%20Bill%20356,years%20to%20come.%E2%80%9D\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Protecting the Affordable Care Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health care;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/budget\/#:~:text=Contact-,Protecting%20Medicaid,-Trump%E2%80%99s%20%E2%80%9CBig%20Beautiful\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saving Medicaid in Michigan<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by securing a\u00a0$2.7 billion\u00a0investment to counteract sweeping federal cuts;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/building-blocks\/#:~:text=Curing%20Childhood%20Poverty%20with%20Rx%20Kids%C2%A0\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Expanding the widely successful Rx Kids cash prescription program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to communities throughout the state, reducing childhood poverty and improving maternal and infant health;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/25\/gun-safety\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tackling the gun violence epidemic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by championing evidence-based gun safety legislation;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/10\/public-health-week\/#:~:text=Protecting%20Michiganders%E2%80%99%20Reproductive%20Freedom\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Safeguarding reproductive freedom<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0by repealing the state\u2019s 1931 abortion ban, legalizing surrogacy, and protecting access to abortion care;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/10\/public-health-week\/#:~:text=Fighting%20for%20Clean%20Water%20and%20Clean%20Air%C2%A0\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Improving environmental protections<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and fighting for cleaner air and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\/2026\/03\/11\/protecting-waterways\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">water<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">; to<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fighting food insecurity through the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/03\/bipartisan-education-budget\/#:~:text=The%20continuation%20of%20the%20widely%20popular%20free%20school%20meals%20program%2C%20which%20ensures%20students%20can%20learn%20on%20full%20bellies%2C%20while%20helping%20parents%20save%20an%20average%20%24850%20per%20year.%C2%A0\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">universal free school meals program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and intentional\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/10\/30\/tackling-hunger\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">budget investments<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"> <\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">And although\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0made 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Community-Connections.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Community Connections Senator Cherry&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Community Connections Senator Cherry&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW52138849 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW52138849 BCX0\">Boys and Girls Club Advocacy Day<\/span><\/span><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/04\/CherryBoysandGirlsAdvocacy.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Sen Cherry taking a group photo with Youth of the Year members from Boys and Girls Clubs across Michigan&#8221; title_text=&#8221;CherryBoysandGirlsAdvocacy&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These young Michiganders embody the best of us. Working diligently, they have risen above and beyond,\u00a0advocating for\u00a0our\u00a0youth and amplifying the voices of their peers. I can confidently say that the next generation of leaders will\u00a0do\u00a0great things!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Connecting with Constituents at the Krapohl Senior Center<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">I<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">held a community conversation at<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">the Krapohl Senior Center<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">earlier<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">this week<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\"><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">to<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">hear from<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">residents<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">about<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">ongoing issues affecting families in Genesee County. Attendees raised questions about economic stability and the importance of continued investment in community resources.<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">I<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">also<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">sh<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\">ared updates on current legislative work and this year\u2019s budget.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW16205901 BCX0\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>The conversation reflected strong community engagement, with residents sharing both concerns and ideas for strengthening local support systems.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW16205901 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Upcoming-Events.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Upcoming Events Senator Cherry&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Upcoming Events  Senator Cherry&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW88741748 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88741748 BCX0\">Community Health Care Forum<\/span><\/span><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/02\/Cherry_HealthCare.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Cherry Health Care Forum&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Cherry_HealthCare&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You\u2019re\u00a0invited to the\u00a0third event in my Community Health Care Forum series,\u00a0where\u00a0we\u00a0will 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHEN:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 \u2013 7:00 p.m.<\/span><span>\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHERE:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Genesee Health Systems, 1040 W. Bristol Rd., Flint, MI 48507<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Registration is\u00a0required. Please visit\u00a0my\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/rsvp\/\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">website<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to register.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/02\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;E-news Headers&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_News &amp; Resources&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h3>Stay Updated on the Flint State Park Development\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Residents interested in following the progress of the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/managing-resources\/prd\/flint\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">new state park in Flint<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0can find reliable information through the Michigan Dept.\u00a0of 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\u00a0state<\/span><span>\u2011<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">issued\u00a0information and is the best place to track official developments as the project moves forward.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Additionally, context and local coordination updates can be found through\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/geneseecountyparks.org\/a-new-state-park\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Genesee County Parks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 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\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flintriver.org\/how-clean-is-the-water\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Flint River Watershed Coalition<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0provides public dashboards on water quality, habitat restoration, and stewardship activities throughout the watershed.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofflint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/8-4-23-City-of-Flint-CIP.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The City of Flint\u2019s Planning and Development Dept.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0also posts capital improvement documents and planning materials that show how the state park fits into larger redevelopment efforts along the Flint River corridor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Together, these resources give residents a clear view of the project\u2019s goals, progress, and community impact, as well as access to data and dashboards that support transparency throughout the development process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Michigan Income Tax Refund Delays\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Due to a high volume of early filings, many Michigan residents are experiencing delays with their state income tax refunds this year. The Dept.\u00a0of Treasury is processing returns as quickly as possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For 2025\u00a0e<\/span><span>\u2011<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">filed\u00a0returns, Treasury asks filers to allow 4\u20136 weeks\u00a0from the date their return was accepted before checking refund status. Returns selected for manual review may take up to\u00a08 weeks\u00a0after Treasury receives the required documentation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Helpful Resources:<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mic<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">higan Treasury\u00a0eServices: Check refund status, respond to requests, make payments, and send secure messages at\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/taxes\/mitreasuryeservices\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">michigan.gov\/taxes\/mitreasuryeservices<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By Phone: Call the Individual Income Tax Contact Center at 517<\/span><span>\u2011<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">636<\/span><span>\u2011<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4486. Have your Social Security Number, tax year, and reported income available. For shorter wait times,\u00a0call at\u00a08:00 a.m. and avoid Mondays when possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Experiencing Financial Hardship?<\/span><\/i><\/b><span>\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.\u00a0Please contact my office if you need assistance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warmer\u00a0weather 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":2427,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","twitterCardType":"","cardImageID":0,"cardImage":"","cardTitle":"","cardDesc":"","cardImageAlt":"","cardPlayer":"","cardPlayerWidth":0,"cardPlayerHeight":0,"cardPlayerStream":"","cardPlayerCodec":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Michigan Parks &amp; Recreation Funding Advances at the Capitol - Senator John Cherry<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Michigan Parks &amp; Recreation Funding Advances at the Capitol\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warmer\u00a0weather 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 [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Senator John Cherry\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-18T17:43:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-18T17:43:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/04\/CherryBoysandGirlsAdvocacy.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1086\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"812\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/senatedems.com\\\/cherry\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/18\\\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/senatedems.com\\\/cherry\\\/2026\\\/04\\\/18\\\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/senatedems.com\\\/cherry\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"headline\":\"Michigan Parks &amp; 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Recreation Funding Advances at the Capitol - Senator John Cherry","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Michigan Parks &amp; Recreation Funding Advances at the Capitol","og_description":"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warmer\u00a0weather 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 [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/","og_site_name":"Senator John Cherry","article_published_time":"2026-04-18T17:43:13+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-04-18T17:43:19+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1086,"height":812,"url":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2026\/04\/CherryBoysandGirlsAdvocacy.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"jlindsay","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"jlindsay","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/2026\/04\/18\/michigan-parks-recreation-funding-advances-at-the-capitol\/"},"author":{"name":"jlindsay","@id":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cherry\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"headline":"Michigan Parks &amp; 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