Hello Friends,
Happy June! While you’re out doing yard work, I’d encourage you to take a moment to check on a few things. Make sure you’re growing native plants and use pollinator-friendly methods to keep your weed population under control. When we all pitch in, we can make our community brighter, better and healthier.
A special shout-out to the Carman-Ainsworth Robotics team. I was pleased to join them Monday and present a tribute in congratulations of their great win. I was also able to give a special recognition to the Genesee County Master Gardeners on their volunteer work creating gardens at Genesee District Libraries and the Flint Public Library. Great work!
If you want to stay involved and up to date on what’s happening in Lansing and the district, there are a few different options available to you. You can visit the House website to view our weekly session meetings or any committee meetings you might be interested in. You can also stay updated by visiting my website at Cherry.housedems.com or following me on Facebook @StateRepCherry.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, I hope you will reach out to me. You can email me at any time at JohnCherry@house.mi.gov or call my office at (517) 373-7515.
Best,
John
Legislative Update
Budget Update-Prevailing Wage
Recently, I offered an amendment to the DTMB budget bill in the appropriations committee that would require construction projects bid under this budget to be done at a prevailing wage. The prevailing wage results in more jobs for Michiganders, increases the skilled trades workforce, and results in higher quality work. It was voted down along party lines. If you would like to see the video of me speaking about my amendment, please click here.
For more budget updates, follow my Facebook page @StateRepCherry, or visit the House Fiscal Agency webpage here. There, you’ll find the most updated information on the budget process, as well as a calendar of our next steps as we work to establish a budget.
Auto Insurance Update
Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the House passed a sweeping overhaul of Michigan’s auto insurance system last week. The final bill includes several provisions put forward by House Democrats including the elimination of non-driving rate-setting factors, guaranteed rate reductions and increased consumer protections.
As state legislators, we are here to make a better Michigan. We are here to address the problems that face our community. This bill addressed numerous issues that our community faces with auto-insurance including discriminatory rate setting, rate reduction and control, and maintaining health benefits for auto accident victims. The bill will provide the opportunity for thousands of Michiganders who are currently driving without insurance the ability to purchase auto-insurance. I voted yes on this bipartisan auto no-fault reform legislation to lower costs and protect coverage for Michigan drivers. If you’d like to read over this bill, you can do so here.
While we still have work to do on our insurance, roads and healthcare, this is a good first step. I was pleased to see this bill passed and signed by Gov. Whitmer.
Coffee with Cherry
Join me for coffee and conversation. I’ll give a brief legislative update, then I’ll have time for any questions, comments or concerns you’d like to share. These events are family friendly and coffee will be provided.
Monday, June 10, 10-11 a.m.
Mt. Morris Van Buren Library
685 Van Buren Ave. in Mt. Morris
Friday, June 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Krapohl Senior Center
5473 Bicentennial Dr. in Mt. Morris
Monday, June 24, 6-7 p.m.
Flushing Area Library
120 N. Maple St. in Flushing
Education Town Hall
I will be joining Rep. Kennedy, along with special guests Reps. Sneller and Neeley, for an Education Town Hall. This event opens with a resource fair centered around keeping your students educated and engaged through the summer with a question and answer portion following. Your thoughts are crucial as we seek constructive ideas for improving Michigan’s education policy for our students and schools.
When: Monday, June 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Kearsley High School,4302 Underhill Dr. in Flint
Helpful Resources for the Folks in the 49th
Free/Reduced Care Dental Directory
To help connect underserved patients with oral health care, the Michigan Dental Association has created a directory of dental clinics throughout the state. The Free/Reduced Care Dental Programs Directory will help you and your family find clinics where they can receive free or discounted dental care.
Interested in Gardening?
Here’s your chance to become a master gardener! You can become a MSU extension master gardener volunteer. Click here for the complete details and registration.
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. starting Aug. 22 through December 5.
Where: Mott Community College – Northern Tier Center, 4082 W. Vienna Road in Clio
Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools Health Centers
There are 11 RAHS school-based health centers in Genesee County and Washtenaw County. You can contact your nearest RAHS health center to find out how they can help you and your student stay healthy! RAHS centers are open to all school age youth up to 21 years old. You don’t need to be a registered student of the school to receive services. The RAHS centers accept insured and uninsured patients, regardless of your ability to pay. To find a clinic near you, visit their website here.
The Genesee County Action Resource Department (CARD)
The Genesee County Action Resource Department (CARD) is a great resource for folks in the 49th. CARD can help you with everything from finding decent housing that works for your budget to finding gainful employment. They can be a fantastic resource for people trying to get back on track. Whether it’s a place to stay or job training, they can provide the resources you need to reach your goals! For more information call (810) 232-2185 or visit their website.
Keep Our Community Clean
Want to keep your neighborhood clean and help our environment thrive? Check out these events to do your part:
Community Events
Story Time with Miss Nancy at Mt. Morris Library
Bring the kids and join the ever-animated Miss Nancy for stories, songs and dance at Mount Morris Library. No registration necessary.
When: Friday, June 7, from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Mt. Morris Library, 685 Van Buren Ave. in Mount Morris
Book Sale at the Swartz Creek-Perkins Library
Come find your next great read, pick up a cookbook for some new recipes, or get a joke book to learn some new ways to get a laugh.
When: Saturday, June 8, 10-2 p.m.
Where: Swartz Creek Perkins Library, 8095 Civic Dr. in Swartz Creek
Flint Farmers’ Market
Come explore this year-round public market with 50+ vendors inside the building and more outside. Our market is neat and clean and feature several produce vendors, a great meat market, poultry, breads and baked goods, cheese, a wine shop, an art gallery, a cafe, Middle Eastern and Mexican groceries, and many unique gifts.
When: Tuesday and Thursday / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays / 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. First St. in Flint
Flushing Summer Festival
Bring your family down to Flushing’s largest event of the year! Kick off your summer fun with the parade, carnival midway, vendors, fair food, teen tent, duckie raffle, entertainment tent and more.
When: June 19 – 23
Where: Riverview Park, 230 S. Cherry St. in Flushing
Hollywood Monster Makeup Special Effects Demo at Mt. Morris Library
Learn how real Special Effects Artists create special effects makeup just like you see in the movies. Great for teens and young adults.
When: Wednesday, June 26, 5-6 p.m.
Where: Mt. Morris Library, 685 Van Buren Ave. in Mount Morris
I hope this information has been useful to you. As always, please reach out if there is anything further I can do for you.
Best,
State Representative John Cherry
House District 49