Dear Friends,
Between severe weather events hitting northern Michigan and continued chaos at the federal level hitting our entire state’s economy, there are many events making folks, me included, feel uncertain and anxious about the road ahead. Please know that we are all in this together, and my team in Lansing is working diligently to support our community through these challenging times.
This newsletter includes information about our efforts to protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation, improve health outcomes for moms, and more. Also, Happy Earth Day!
As always, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter for updates. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any feedback regarding what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance with a state agency. 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.
Working for you,
John Cherry
State Senator
District 27
- At a Senate committee hearing last week, former and current federal workers shared powerful testimony about their experiences being caught in the crossfire of the Trump administration’s drastic slashing of federal agencies, the toll that it has taken on their mental health and financial security, and how Michiganders will be impacted.
- Join me for my next community conversation this Monday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Potter Elementary School in Flint. I’ll provide updates on recent legislation we’ve advanced at the Capitol and I hope you’ll bring any questions or concerns you have to share!
- With gun violence devastating schools, families, and communities across the state and country, Senate Democrats took action to pass gun safety legislation and prevent tragedy from occurring. Over a year since these changes went into effect, I’m grateful to highlight that recent data demonstrates this legislation is fulfilling its intended purpose — saving lives.
Michigan Senate Advances Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders
While the pharmaceutical industry raked in over $29 billion in net profits during a recent three-month period, nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. This is unacceptable.
To ensure all Michiganders, no matter their age, income, or background, have access to affordable, life-saving medication, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed legislation this week to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan (PDAB) — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. Comprised of experts in health care, economics, and supply chain management, the PDAB would be able to analyze and recommend ways to lower drug costs in Michigan. The PDAB could also set upper payment limits — maximum amounts that can be charged for prescription drugs — on prescription drugs sold in the state.
This legislative package, Senate Bills 3–5, now heads to the House for consideration. Learn more here.
Displaced Federal Workers Speak to Reckless DOGE Firings & Impact on Michiganders
From disrupting care for veterans to interfering with the monitoring of severe weather on our Great Lakes, the effects of recent mass federal workforce terminations carried out by the Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are rash, reckless, and demand attention, as highlighted by testifiers in last week’s Senate Labor Committee hearing.
Andrew, a Marine who works at a VA hospital in Ann Arbor, spoke to the impact these cuts would have on the quality of care veterans would receive from their VA hospital. Nicole, a former employee of the U.S. Dept of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlighted NOAA’s important role in protecting public health and safety in the Great Lakes region and discussed how the haphazard downsizing of her agency would interrupt life-saving weather predictions and notifications, among other work. And, as someone whose role was instrumental in identifying fraud and misuse of government funding within the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Leslie emphasized how the chaotic firings carried out by DOGE were anything but fiscally responsible and effective at serving Michiganders.
Federal workers play a crucial role as public servants, dedicated to ensuring that the essential programs of our federal government run smoothly and effectively. They work tirelessly to protect the well-being of our communities. Like Andrew, Nicole, and Leslie, they help ensure that our neighbors find housing, our waterways remain clean, and that veterans receive the healthcare they deserve. Unfortunately, some of our nation’s leaders mischaracterize their efforts as “wasteful” to push for tax cuts that benefit corporations and the wealthiest Americans. As the Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, I, along with my Democratic colleagues, am committed to bringing these stories to light and addressing the repercussions of such actions on workers, families, and communities throughout our state. To watch the hearing and listen to the full testimonies of the brave Michiganders who shared, click here.
If you or someone you know is a federal worker who has been impacted by these terminations, be sure to take a look at these helpful resources from the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Flint Commerce Center Building Fully Leased
Last week, I was honored to join the City of Flint and Ashley Capital in welcoming Bunzl Distribution, Inc. to our community. Their arrival, along with Victory Packing, marks a significant step in revitalizing good-paying job opportunities here in the city. Investments like this foster economic growth and steer our community toward a promising future.
Work Zone Awareness Week
My office recently joined Grand Blanc Twp. in recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21 – 25) in Genesee County. This past week serves as a sobering reminder that workers in these environments face uncertainty and potential danger on a daily basis from reckless driving. This week is a call to action for all of us to drive more cautiously and protect those who are working hard to improve our roads and communities.
Flint Community Conversation
I prioritize spending time face-to-face with constituents, which is why I host community events. These events provide excellent opportunities for me to learn about the issues that matter to you, answer any questions you may have, and share legislative updates. Find more information about my next event below, as well as on my website. I hope to see you there!
WHEN: Monday, April 28th; event starts at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Potter Elementary School, 2500 N. Averill Ave., Flint, MI 48506
Michigan’s Expanded Unemployment Benefits Now in Effect
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. Unfortunately, our state’s unemployment system has too often prevented people from accessing those benefits at the time they need it most. That’s why my colleagues and I worked to improve Michigan’s unemployment system to remove barriers that claimants have commonly experienced, boost the maximum number of weeks workers could receive benefits, and increase the maximum dollar amount of weekly benefits.
I’m excited to share that earlier this month, many of these improvements took effect. To learn more about this new law, click here. And if you or a loved one are currently needing to apply for unemployment benefits while in search of a new job, please click here to find a six-step guide to applying for and understanding benefits.
Addressing Health Care Disparities Among Black Mothers
Black mothers too often face unfair challenges when seeking health care due to discrimination and systemic barriers, leading to higher risks and life-threatening complications. To recognize this unjust disparity in care and shine a light on initiatives that would ensure Black women have equitable access to a healthy start with their new baby, Senate Democrats joined the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in recognizing last week as Black Maternal Health Week.
Already, my colleagues and I have passed legislation to support breastfeeding and nutrition, as well as funded RxKids, an innovative pilot program in Flint that provides cash payments to mothers and their babies to uplift them into a lifetime of better health, equity, and opportunity. Looking ahead, we’re working to continue breaking the cycle of childhood poverty by expanding RxKids statewide, helping give new Michigan moms and their babies a fair shot at a good life.
And, just last week, our comprehensive “Momnibus” legislation passed the Senate floor, a bill package that seeks to enhance prenatal and maternal care for Black moms through equitable data requirements, antidiscrimination measures, patient protections, and more
New Funding for Flint Schools
I’m excited to share that Flint Community Schools has been awarded a $35.9 million grant by the Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE), as announced earlier this week. With this much-needed investment, Flint Schools plans to construct a new state-of-the-art high school while also performing critical upgrades for existing facilities. I’m particularly looking forward to the new high school they plan to build in the heart of the city, providing our young scholars with a top-notch education in a modern space designed to foster creativity, excellence and a sense of community pride. I’m proud to have played a part in advocating for these resources on behalf of a community that has long deserved this kind of support and look forward to witnessing the impact this will have on our kids and community for decades to come.
District Office Hours
Did you know that in addition to our Lansing office, we also have a district office in Downtown Flint? You can reach our Flint district office at (810) 233-9853 or via email at SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov. Constituents are invited to schedule appointments with my district staff for assistance with state issues or to discuss important legislation. Appointments are typically available on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please click here.
Help With a State Agency
If you are experiencing problems with a state agency, our office is available to assist you. For valuable resources and guidance, please click here.
Connect with Me on Social Media!
Connecting with me on social media is a great way to get timely updates on what’s happening in the Michigan Legislature, upcoming events, and helpful resources available to you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. See you there!