Dear Friend,

I hope you are doing well and continuing to enjoy the spring weather. Summer is right around the corner, and I am looking forward to all the festivals, events and parades we have on the calendar for this year! But for now, there is plenty of work to do at our state’s Capitol in Lansing before my colleagues and I head into summer break and spend more time in our respective districts.

One of the most important projects we must finish is our state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. I have had many conversations with our local elected officials and community members to understand the needs and priorities of our district, and I have been working hard to ensure the state budget reflects these needs and continues to make better investments in our local communities’ growth and development.

In addition to this, I have been advocating for issues central to our Downriver area including funding for roads, train crossings and bridges, small business and economic development, and education. Last year, we made significant investments to support hardworking Michigan families, and I will continue to make that a priority as we navigate these budget conversations in Lansing. As soon as we have a finalized state budget, my team and I will be sure to send updates of key funding highlights.

There are also several legislative priorities we need to continue working on to pass through the Michigan Legislature. Some of these policies include establishing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower the cost of prescription drugs, holding corporate polluters accountable by enacting stronger polluter pay laws, and supporting working families with the Child Care Relief Plan legislation. My bill, HB 5637, is part of the comprehensive Child Care Relief Plan to make child care more affordable for families across the state of Michigan. These legislative priorities are crucial for our continued investments in our hardworking Michiganders and local communities — and I’m proud to be part of the team to help move Michigan forward.

In addition to our work in Lansing, I stayed busy around the district and attended a number of community events and meetings. First, I was honored to present a tribute with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and state Rep. Jason Morgan to the University of Michigan’s Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital and hear from leading medical experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. This was an excellent opportunity to hear more about advancements in medical care and how these advancements are contributing to better health outcomes in our communities.

Next, I participated in an Earth Day cleanup event with Grosse Ile Township’s Nature and Land Conservancy and teachers and students from Meridian Elementary. Not only was it fun to work with educators and students on an Earth Day project, it was exciting to learn more about how the Nature and Land Conservancy works within Grosse Ile to protect the natural habitats and wildlife of the area. Lastly, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Knock on Wood Design Studio in Wyandotte. I welcome them to the Downriver business community and wish them the best of success!

Downriver Leaders of the Month

Each month, we award a business, teacher and first responder for their contributions and service as leaders in the Downriver area. For April 2024, I proudly presented tributes to R.P. McMurphy’s in Wyandotte, Katie O’Day at Riverview High School and Sgt. Brian Davenport of Riverview Police Department.

If you’d like to nominate a Downriver leader — whether it be a business, teacher or first responder — please feel free to email our office at jaimechurches@house.mi.gov and share with us why you’re nominating them!

We’re Here for You

My office is open and welcomes any questions, concerns and ideas. Our team is eager to be a resource for you and your families however we can. Please feel free to reach out to our office here, sign up for our newsletter and stay connected on social media. I appreciate your feedback and thoughts.

Mailing Address: Michigan House of Representatives, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Phone: (517) 373-0478

Email: jaimechurches@house.mi.gov

Sincerely,

Jaime Churches

State Representative, Michigan’s 27th House District