Dear Friend,
As we hit the five-month mark, our Legislature has been hard at work on a budget that will invest in the critical needs of Michiganders. We have worked on a budget that focuses on putting money directly to work in our communities. I’ve also been able to meet with more community members across the 27th House District to learn about their goals and priorities as we approach summer.
Updates from Lansing
I’m particularly proud that we have worked toward a K-12 School Aid budget focused on students, teachers and parents to address challenges faced from the pandemic and those that have existed for far too long. Some highlights include $300 million for the MI Kids Back on Track program for tutoring students, expanding access to pre-K, and free breakfast and lunches. We are also making a $75 million investment to increase teacher recruitment and retention. Beyond our investments in education, our state budget will work to improve our infrastructure, increase access to mental health care, and prioritize the rights and financial security of working families in Michigan.
 |
State Rep. Jaime Churches speaks on the importance of investing in our education system.
 |
 |
Rep. Churches meets with local union leaders who made their way to Lansing to testify on HB 4233.
Recently, I introduced HB 4233 — a bill to allow public school employees to opt in to union fees/deductions from their paycheck. This legislation would remove an unnecessary barrier teachers face and simplify the process that other professions, like police officers and autoworkers, already have in place. I was honored to have local leaders from my district testify in support of the bill in the House Labor Committee.
 |
Rep. Churches gives testimony on House Bill 4153.
The House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure took up testimony on my bill, HB 4153, which will set the guidelines for selecting projects to build train grade separations at railroad crossings through the statewide grade separation fund that would be created by SB 125. Prioritizing these critical infrastructure issues will help prevent traffic delays, improve public safety and increase our economic development.
 |
Rep. Churches welcomes fifth-grade students from Meridian Elementary School in Grosse Ile.
Our team was excited to have the fifth-grade students from Meridian Elementary School for a field trip to our state’s Capitol. Showing them the history of our beautiful Capitol was a wonderful experience. Some of these students may find themselves making legislation here one day in the future!
District Updates from the 27th
Here are some highlights from a busy month Downriver — from hosting a town hall, to coffee hour conversations, to visiting educators, students, and other local leaders across the district — we’ve stayed on the move around the district.
 |
Rep. Churches proudly stands by Downriver leaders and others serving our communities at a Legislative Town Hall.
In April, our team hosted a Legislative & Community Updates Town Hall in collaboration with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman Shri Thanedar and state Sen. Darrin Camilleri. We were able to share updates on what is going on in Washington D.C., Lansing and Downriver. Thank you to Scott Galeski at the Downriver Council for the Arts for letting us use their space, and thank you to our Downriver residents for making their voices heard.
 |
Rep. Churches and Sen. Camilleri present a tribute for business of the month to Rina Belanger and Angela Guzzardo, owners of The Vintage Market Mercantile in Trenton.
Sen. Camilleri and I were able to present this month’s Business of the Month tribute to Rina and Angela of The Vintage Market Mercantile in Trenton. They have put so much hard work, passion and care into developing a truly unique shopping experience, showcasing some of the best local small businesses and artisans of Downriver.
 |
Rep. Churches presents Mrs. Brittany Gurney with the May Teacher of the Month award.
I was excited to present May’s Teacher of the Month to Parsons Elementary School’s Brittany Gurney. I know the level of effort that goes into running a classroom, and I commend Mrs. Gurney for her steadfast leadership, creativity and passion for education. Thank you to Parsons Elementary for having me, and thank you to Brittany for all of the hard work that goes into being an excellent teacher to her students.
 |
Rep. Churches and Sen. Camilleri celebrated 100 years of history in Wyandotte with local leaders, educators and students.
This month, Sen. Camilleri and I visited Roosevelt High School to present a tribute celebrating the school’s 100th birthday. The centennial celebration was wonderful — it was great seeing local leaders, educators, students and community members who showed up to enjoy this momentous occasion.
 |
Rep. Churches enjoys conversations with constituents at the Grosse Ile Bakery.
To wrap up the week, we hosted a coffee hour at Grosse Ile Bakery. It was so great to catch up with some constituents and give them updates on the work we’ve been doing around the district and in Lansing.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
 |
May 29 — On May 29, we observe Memorial Day, honoring and mourning our U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. We recognize and thank them for their service and commitment to our country.
June 16 — Come join us for our upcoming Senior Community Event at the Westfield Center in Trenton from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. We’ll have local groups attending and a few guest speakers.
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