Dear Friend,
It’s been a busy first six months, and we’ve accomplished so much to ensure that our district and state will see much-needed improvements. We passed an incredible budget that includes massive investments in our district, and two of my bills have now been signed into law. I’ve also been chatting with Downriver residents at community events and at their doors to hear some of their questions and concerns.
Lansing Updates
I’m extremely proud to have secured over $53 million in the state budget for House District 27! This incredible amount of funding will bring vast improvements to our Downriver community by supporting our infrastructure, workforce development and education. We’ll be announcing details over the coming weeks on specific budget wins, so stay tuned for updates!
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Rep. Jamie Churches with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after the signage of HB 4138.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two of my bills, HB 4138 and HB 4153. My first bill, HB 4138, promotes responsible gun ownership by expanding universal background checks. This provision is critical to ensure Michiganders are safer in their communities. My next bill, HB 4153, develops parameters for selecting projects to build train grade separations at railroad crossings. This bill is possible thanks to the statewide grade separation fund that was created in SB 125 and sponsored by Sen. Camilleri. With this legislation, we will be able to help prevent traffic delays, improve public safety, and increase our economic development.
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Rep. Churches speaking on HB 4233 on the House Floor.
Another bill of mine, HB 4233, recently passed in both the House and the Senate. This bill allows public school employees to opt in to union fees or dues deductions from their paycheck. It would remove an unnecessary barrier teachers face and simplify a process that other professions, like police officers and autoworkers, already have in place.
Summer in the 27th
Now that we’re on summer legislative recess, our team has had a lot of fun spending more time around Downriver! From hosting and attending community events, to walking in Gibraltar’s Fourth of July Parade, to speaking with public safety officials and constituents across the district, I have loved spending time this summer connecting with our neighbors.
In June, we held our first annual Senior Community Event at the Westfield Center in Trenton. We were joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and community members from the area, where we were able to hear about issues that matter most to seniors and offer resources from community organizations.
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Rep. Churches at a Pride event at Trenton City Hall.
I was honored to attend Trenton’s third annual Pride event to celebrate love and acceptance. I was so inspired by the enthusiasm and support that surrounded the event. The progress we’ve made for LGBTQ+ rights is incredible, but we know that there is still much more to be done. I will continue to fight for equality, acceptance and inclusivity for all.
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Rep. Churches and her team walking in the Fourth of July Gibraltar Parade.
My team and I walked in the Gibraltar Parade to celebrate the Fourth of July. We passed out candy and greeted hundreds of residents as we strolled through the streets of Gibraltar. It was great to see many familiar faces!
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Rep. Churches and volunteers ready to talk to constituents about their most important issues.
Last week, we had nearly 30 volunteers come knock on doors with us and hear from community members. Our team has knocked on over 6,500 doors since spring and talked to more than 1,000 people to hear how we can better represent them in Lansing. We’ve had many meaningful conversations and have lots of feedback to better shape state-level policies going forward.
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Rep. Churches with Southgate Director of Public Safety Joe Marsh and Fire Chief Justin Graves.
Lastly, I have met with several public safety officials across House District 27 to talk about their concerns and commend their hard work. Their efforts to keep us safe are greatly appreciated by us and the Downriver community.
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 family 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