Hello Friends,
The school year is officially upon us! I would like to say good luck to the students and educators across our district who have returned to the classroom. As the father of three small boys, I can speak firsthand to the excitement felt throughout our household with the start of a new school year.
I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend with family and friends a couple weeks ago. Labor Day represents a day of finding unity and balance. In the late 19th century, labor unions sought to unify workers and find balance for work as they established many of the economic and social achievements we enjoy today — including creating a minimum wage and overtime pay, the 40-hour work week, collective bargaining rights, workplace safety standards, parental leave and weekends.
As Big Three, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Ascension Health workers strike right now, we’re reminded that their fight is our fight — one for fair wages, better benefits and safer working conditions. Michigan workers have long been the heart of the labor movement, and standing with our brothers and sisters exercising their collective bargaining rights is more important than ever. We all benefit and our communities thrive when workers can achieve a fair deal. I hope for a quick and favorable resolution to the UAW strike.
Michigan Democrats have worked hard this year to restore Michigan’s prevailing wage, repeal so-called “right-to-work” laws, support union teachers and more. However, there is still more work to do in support of Michigan workers. Building a strong future for Michigan also means building strong local communities. These values are important to me and my family, and I will work tirelessly to make Michigan a place where everyone can succeed.
Finally, as summer came to a close, so did our in-district work period. We have now returned to Lansing for session three days a week and our normal committee schedule. I am excited for the work ahead in the coming months.
As always, if our office can ever assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Ranjeev Puri
State Representative, 24th District
Proudly serving Canton Township
In this Issue:
- Upcoming Time with Ranjeev
- Legislative Update
- What We’ve Been Up To
- Resources
UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV
Community Coffee Hour
Join us for our next Community Coffee Hour! The event will feature special guests Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub and Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. It will take place on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in the boardroom of the Canton Township Administration Building (1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188).
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Rep. Puri Celebrates House Passage of Bills Designating Religious and Cultural Holidays
I am so excited to announce that the House passed bills this week that symbolically designate six new state holidays in celebration of our state’s rich cultural diversity. My bills would designate Diwali and Vaisakhi as official state holidays in Michigan. The additional bills would symbolically designate Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
By setting these holidays as official state holidays, we can promote inclusivity, foster cultural understanding and strengthen the sense of belonging among all Michiganders. These bills still need to pass through the Senate and be signed by the governor before becoming law.
Democrats Introduce Reproductive Health Act
This term, Michigan Democrats have worked to restore and protect reproductive rights in Michigan by repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban. But our work is not done, and we must continue to eliminate barriers that hinder access to essential health care with the Reproductive Health Act.
The Reproductive Health Act, made up of House Bills 4949-59, aims to repeal many medically unnecessary state laws that create barriers to abortion. The bills help update Michigan laws to align with the passage of Proposal 3, the ballot proposal that voters passed in 2022. This legislation will, among other things:
- Prevent criminal punishment for miscarriages and stillbirths.
- Remove medically unnecessary rules that shut down clinics.
- Allow private insurance companies to include coverage for all pregnancy-related health care, including abortion.
- Allow advanced practice clinicians who are properly trained to provide abortion care.
- Repeal laws that force patients seeking abortion care to delay their care and receive biased, medically inaccurate information.
- Allow Medicaid to cover all pregnancy-related health care, including abortion.
As your state representative, it is my priority to make sure that Michiganders have access to reproductive health care. Every person should have control over their own body, and physicians should be able to provide every person with the medical care they need. These complex conversations and decisions should be made by each individual alongside trusted medical professionals based on what is best for them and their family.
I will continue fighting to ensure all Michiganders have access to safe and affordable healthcare and that women are empowered to determine if, when and how to pursue a pregnancy.
Democrats Introduce Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors
On Sept. 7, the Michigan Legislature introduced House Bills 4945 and 4946 and Senate Bills 471 and 472 to modify the Penal Code to protect domestic violence survivors by preventing those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from possessing, using, purchasing or carrying a firearm in Michigan for eight years. This legislation mirrors federal law and would strengthen domestic violence protections in Michigan, helping prevent firearm injury and death.
We’ve seen how firearms and domestic violence are a dangerous combination, yet our current state laws leave open a loophole that abusers can exploit to wreak deadly havoc. This legislation has had bipartisan support for many years and is a commonsense solution that would protect survivors in our state from further abuse.
The domestic violence gun bills introduced last week continue the gun reform efforts in Michigan. Earlier this term, House Democrats enacted several sensible gun reform laws to protect Michiganders. These bills include background checks on all gun sales, safe storage laws and the establishment of extreme risk protection orders.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 is a resource.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
9/11 Remembrance
On Thursday, Sept. 7, the Michigan House of Representatives held its annual ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on our nation. In remembrance of the hundreds of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who sacrificed their lives, we recognize Michigan’s first responders and military members who courageously serve our communities every day. I was honored to be joined by Canton Township Fire Chief Christopher Stoecklein as my special guest at this ceremony.
RESOURCES
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This month, we remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness and focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.
Below you will find resources that may be helpful for anyone who would like to learn more about or is impacted by this issue.
- Info on how to #Bethe1To provide support to a loved one in need.
- Tips on how to cope with stress from the Centers for Disease Control.
- Suicide Prevention Month Resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Additionally, if you or your loved one is in need of help, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to provide support.
Food Assistance
Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 260+ participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores across the state. Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.
TEACHER AND SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS
Our team needs your help to recognize the amazing educators and small businesses in our community. Each month, my team recognizes one teacher and one small business from Canton for their contributions to our community. I will be surprising the winners with a visit, certificate from our office and social media shoutout for their great work.
Use this form to nominate a teacher or small business that you love, appreciate or believe deserves special recognition.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Our office is always here to answer any questions, clarify any concerns or listen to any thoughts you have on any particular issue. The best way to reach us is by email at RanjeevPuri@house.mi.gov. Our team works hard to respond to every email and voicemail left with our office in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience as we experience increased communications!