Dear Friend,
I’m Jaime Churches — your new state representative for Michigan’s House District 27. I’m proud to be representing the Downriver community, which includes Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate, Trenton and Wyandotte. For those of you that don’t know me, I’m a former fifth-grade teacher with over 10 years experience in the education profession. Having served in several Downriver school districts teaching hundreds of students and working with families, I’m excited to now be an advocate for your voice in Lansing.
We’re only 38 days into Michigan’s 102nd Legislature, and things have been busy. At the start of every new term, members are assigned to specific committees to get into the thick of legislative work. The committees I am proud to be serving on are: Education (Majority Vice Chair); Labor; Energy, Communications, and Technology; Elections; and Ethics and Oversight. I’m looking forward to working on legislation that invests in our state’s education and workforce and protects our democratic processes.
In addition to this, our Legislature has been focused on delivering immediate legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Michiganders. Just last week, we passed our Lowering MI Costs plan, which expands the working families tax credit, repeals the retirement tax, and will issue inflation relief checks on every tax return. And this is just the beginning. We have so much more work to do to make long-term investments in our communities and move Michigan forward.
Getting to know the 27th
As a new legislator, one of my top goals is to establish a strong connection with the district and hear directly from you. Even before the legislative session began, I started attending community events and talked with our neighbors about what matters most to them.
Rep. Churches with students at the Downriver-Detroit Student Film Consortium in Wyandotte, MI
Last month, I joined students at the Downriver-Detroit Student Film Consortium to see what they were up to. Every Sunday, these students meet in Wyandotte to learn about and work on film projects — all while having the opportunity to connect with other classmates around the district and make new friendships. The program, led by Mr. Scott Galeski, a retired police officer, is an exciting and unique way for students to develop their passion and interest in the arts!
Rep. Churches with city of Trenton council members Rick Benedetti and Wendy Pate, and Mayor Steve Rzeppa at the annual State of the City address.
I also recently attended the State of the City address to hear about all the exciting new updates and happenings around the city of Trenton. I had the chance to meet with our local elected officials and hear from Mayor Steve Rzeppa about what Trenton is doing to promote local businesses and improve quality of life for residents. Speaking of businesses, the city formally announced The Vintage Market Mercantile as Business of the Year!
As for other updates, I had the opportunity to talk with community members at state Sen. Darrin Camilleri’s town hall event at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library. At the town hall, questions were answered about recent legislation on repealing the retirement tax, inflation relief checks and the working families tax credit. Also, we were able to start conversations about education, infrastructure and other important legislative topics that are a focus for the Downriver community.
First Teacher of the Month presentation for 2023 in Grosse Ile Township Schools district.
I had the pleasure of announcing our Teacher of the Month last week to Melissa Morin in the Grosse Ile Township Schools district. As a former educator, I know how hard teachers work to create the best learning experience for their students, and it’s important we continue to recognize teachers for all that they do to support our youth. If you know a teacher who has gone above and beyond, please reach out to our team and let us know!
Spending time with Commissioner Clemente, Congresswoman Dingell and Rep. Young at the Downriver Community Conference in Romulus.
Lastly, I spent the morning with local leaders at the Downriver Community Conference meet and greet at Kroger’s Fulfillment Center in Romulus. The Downriver Community Conference helps to build partnerships that provide leadership in establishing common, positive goals and strategies to develop the human, social and economic development of the area.
Being able to show up to events and have conversations with our neighbors Downriver is a big part of my work to push for policies that elevate our community. I am always open for any opportunity to attend events and meet new people — so please send any invitations my way! And, I will continue to hold coffee hours and town halls in the coming months to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in Lansing.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
February — Black History Month
Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day
Feb. 20 — Presidents Day
Feb. 24 — Meet me for coffee at Fresh Bean Coffee Co. in Southgate from 11 a.m.-noon!
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