Capitol and Community Updates

Hello Friends,

Labor Day is now behind us and we have begun a new school year. As students across Michigan are adjusting to their new classes, I wish you all a successful year full of learning and growth. Additionally, the weather has started to shift, marking the beginning of our fall season. I am excited to enjoy all the fall activities with my family: football games, cozy weather and trips to the cider mill!

As always, if my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via email at [email protected].

Warm regards,

Ranjeev Puri

Democratic Leader

24th House District

In this Issue:

• Upcoming Time with Ranjeev
• Legislative Updates
• What We’ve Been Up To
• Teacher and Small Business of the Month Nominations
• Resources
• Community Events

Community Conversation Hour

Join us for our upcoming conversation hour.

When: Monday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.

Where: Canton Township Admin Building — Boardroom

Remembering 9/11 and Honoring the Lives Lost

On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including 412 courageous emergency workers who responded to the crisis. To this day, the lasting effects of 9/11 are not forgotten as thousands of innocent people have lost their lives from 9/11 related injuries. Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the victims and honor the heroes as we reflect on our nation’s resilience in the face of such a great tragedy.

Honoring Michigan’s Workers 

Recently, we celebrated Labor Day, a time to honor the victories of the men and women who fought for fair wages, 40 hour work weeks and safe working conditions. Labor Day is special here in Michigan. Detroit is often seen as the heart of the labor movement and was the site of many of the first massive worker demonstrations. We recognize the sacrifices of the workers and honor the contributions and achievements of the American labor movement.

The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision on Mail-In Voting 

ICYMI: On Aug. 25, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency order that lifted a lower-court injunction that had blocked the implementation of President Trump’s executive order concerning mail-in voting. If implemented, this order would allow the Trump administration to proceed in attempting to restrict mail-in voting — creating confusion and uncertainty around implications for absentee voting mere months away from the midterm elections. On. Aug. 26, USPS issued a rule implementing portions of the executive order, and Michigan and other states challenged it. On Aug. 27, a federal district court issued a temporary restraining order pausing the USPS’ efforts to implement a new rule restricting absentee-ballot access, and on Sept. 4, this court issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rule for the 2026 election.

Please know that as of right now, these rulings have no immediate impact on elections in Michigan, including the voting options available to you this year. Your voice counts and matters!

Utilities Townhall with Special Guest U.S Congresswomen Dingell

On Aug. 27, I had the chance to sit on the panel for the Plymouth-Canton Town Hall where the conversation was focused on affordability, healthcare and infrastructure. I had the opportunity to hear concerns about the skyrocketing costs of groceries, gas and utilities and to discuss solutions for making these necessities more affordable. I heard many concerns from people and how these prices are deeply affecting them. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. Regardless of the way people vote, they are struggling to keep up with the rising costs. Leaders at the state and federal level should be concerned with this issue and be committed to bringing affordability back.

Detroit Labor Day Parade

On Sept. 7, I had the opportunity to walk in the annual Detroit Labor Day Parade. I marched alongside local labor unions, local leaders, elected officials and thousands of union members and their families. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain spoke this year, and highlighted the message of the day: solidarity. I was honored to recognize the men and women who spent decades fighting for workers rights and protections while also celebrating their successes.

Sikh Heritage Annual Banquet

On Sept. 19, I joined neighbors and friends at the 34th annual Sikh Heritage Banquet in Westland, Michigan. The banquet is hosted to honor the contributions of Sikh Americans in Metro Detroit and to celebrate the Sikh culture and traditions. This year’s theme was about spirituality, sovereignty and protecting the vulnerable. Hundreds of guests attended and enjoyed traditional dance performances, discussions surrounding the theme and community speeches.

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 shoutouts for their great work. Use this form to nominate a teacher or small business that you love, appreciate or believe deserves special recognition.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, sharing vital mental health resources, and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide.

You are not alone. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available 24/7:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text the 988 lifeline to receive 24/7 free, confidential mental health support from counselors across the United States. This is a free lifeline that is 100% confidential and judgment free.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 to access 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect and responders are trained in crisis intervention and military culture.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization that is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Learn more about support and advocacy on their website.

ARToberfest: Fall Art Festival | Saturday, Sept. 26, noon to 4 p.m. at the Village Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill (50755 Cherry Hill Road in Canton Twp.)

Visit the Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill for a beautiful afternoon of art, music, food and fall fun! See the fall artisan market, explore Arts Warehouse studios and small businesses, enjoy live music and delicious eats, browse a professional art exhibition, complete a fall scavenger hunt for prizes and view incredible hand-made ceramics from the Cherry Hill Potters Guild. All this and more right in the heart of Cherry Hill Village!

Fall Into Art | Friday, Oct. 2, 6-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. at Preservation Park (500 Ridge Road in Canton)

The Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill’s popular “Fall Into Art” pop-up series returns to Cherry Hill Village this October! Enjoy three consecutive Friday nights of hands-on art, crafts, pizza, seasonal snacks, cider and live music. Featuring local artists and the Village Arts Factory studio tenants, each Friday will include a unique opportunity for kids and adults to participate in arts and crafts while enjoying free food, acoustic music and fall vibes.

Festival of Lights| Friday, Oct. 9, 6-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Park (1150 Center Road in Canton)

The Partnership for the Arts and Humanities is partnering with several community groups to host this special celebration. The Festival of Lights is a cultural celebration of lights that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. This event is free and open to ALL community members to learn and celebrate together with Indian cultural dancing, DJ, Indian food and Henna. The evening culminates with a firework display.

Trick or Treat Story Trail| Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-4 p.m. at Heritage Park (1150 Center Road in Canton)

Grab the family, get dressed up in your costume and head to Heritage Park for Trick or Treating along the trail where you can visit over 30 trick or treat stations.

Pumpkins and Pups| Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dog Park (1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton)

Dog owners and their pets are encouraged to attend and enjoy live entertainment and receive free giveaways from local pet supply and service vendors. Make sure to dress up with your pup, there will be a costume contest! *Note: non-dog park members must show proof of up-to-date vaccination for rabies and DHLPP, signed by an accredited veterinarian.

Our office is always here to answer any questions, concerns, or listen to any thoughts you have on any particular issue. The best way to reach us is by email at [email protected]. We also hope you will join us for upcoming coffee hours so that we can meet and I can hear what is on your mind.