Capitol and Community Updates

Hello Friends,

I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a particularly full and busy month both at home and at the Capitol.

At home, like many families across our district, we’ve been adjusting to the back-to-school routine, saying goodbye to summer and diving into the full swing of fall activities.

At the Capitol, we’ve wrapped what was a long and difficult budget season. We’ve had to navigate difficult decisions in preparation for significant federal funding cuts to ensure that we mitigate those effects here at home. As you might have heard, while D.C. remains in a federal shutdown, Michigan’s elected leaders were able to pass a bipartisan balanced budget for this new fiscal year. More details are below.

All of this has taken place against the backdrop of deeply troubling events at both the state and national level. From the heartbreak of daily gun violence to the disturbing rise in political extremism and hate-fueled attacks, we are facing challenges that must not and cannot become normalized. These times call for moral clarity, compassion and a renewed commitment to justice. I remain focused on doing that work.

Even in difficult times, I continue to find hope and joy at home from soaking up every precious moment with family and in our community, and through the stories of resilience, leadership and everyday acts of kindness I witness throughout the district. Whether it’s recognizing local changemakers, supporting small businesses or celebrating the talent of young writers and chess champions, there is so much to be proud of and inspired by.

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] or by phone at (517) 373-0113.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

Sincerely ,

Ranjeev Puri
Democratic Leader
24th House District

In this Issue:

• Upcoming Time with Ranjeev
• Legislative Update
• What We’ve Been Up To
• Community Events
• Resources

Join us for our upcoming coffee hour!

When: Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m.

Where: Saj Bakery / Greenland Market, 2nd floor (49491 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI 4818)

2026 Budget Wins for Michigan

While this year’s budget process came with challenges and uncertainty, we now have a bipartisan agreement that ensures a stable and balanced budget for the new fiscal year. After months of negotiation and some very long session days, we delivered a bipartisan, balanced budget that puts Michigan families first. From the beginning, House Democrats made it clear that our top priority was to deliver real wins for working people. This meant protecting Medicaid, keeping free breakfast and lunch in schools and maintaining essential services despite significant federal funding cuts.

This budget isn’t perfect, but it’s progress and it makes meaningful, lasting investments in our kids, our communities and our state’s future.

Key Budget Highlights

• $200 million for universal school meals: Ensures every Michigan student can learn on a full stomach, saving families an average of $850 per year.
• Elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security: Putting more money back into the pockets of working Michiganders and retirees.
• $2 billion for local roads and infrastructure: Long-term investments to repair our crumbling roads and bridges.
• Safeguards for health care access: Protects Medicaid, SNAP and behavioral health programs from harmful federal cuts.
• Record education investments
  • Highest-ever per-pupil funding of $10,050
  • Additional supports for at-risk students, English-language learners and special education
  • Funding for mental health services and school safety grants
• Support for higher education: Increased funding for all Michigan universities and community colleges to help students access affordable, high-quality education.
• Protecting Michigan from federal cuts: Mitigates the worst impacts of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” by ensuring state funding for Medicaid and SNAP.

This year’s process took longer than usual, but we remained focused on delivering results that reflect Michigan’s priorities. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue breaking down what this budget means for our district and for Michigan’s future.

Abhi Shad Foundation Recognition

On Sept. 20, I had the honor of attending the 9th anniversary celebration of Abhi Shah Foundation’s Charity Raas & Garba. I want to once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Foundation for their impactful work in our community. Their unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering victims of human trafficking is truly commendable.

Canton Senior Summit

I was glad to once again attend the annual Canton Senior Summit. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with our senior residents and learn more about the invaluable resources our township offers to support them. I always appreciate these conversations and the wisdom our seniors share.

Business of the Month – Go Grow Playground

Congratulations to our September Business of the Month: Go Grow Playground!

Founded by parents who understand both the chaos and the joy of raising little ones, Go Grow is more than just a play space, it’s a thoughtfully designed sanctuary. With its calming environment and emphasis on presence, Go Grow offers families a unique space to connect, recharge and just be together.

Thanks to their creativity and care, Go Grow is helping children thrive while giving parents something rare: a moment to breathe. Congratulations to the Go Grow team for doing things differently and making a meaningful impact in our community.

Tribute to Mohana Mukherjee Das & Family

It was a pleasure to recognize the inspiring achievements of Mohana Mukherjee Das and her talented sons, Dron and Druheen Das. Together, they recently published their first book, titled: “Raising Chess Knights: Lessons from the Board to Everyday Life (From Brothers to Chess Champions: The Mindset and Methods Behind Their Success — and Yours)”. This work is a testament to their shared passion for chess, their discipline and their commitment to learning. I was honored to pay tribute to this remarkable family and celebrate their accomplishments in writing, strategy and education.

Press Interviews

Over the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to speak on multiple media platforms — including Off The Record and Flashpoint — about the challenges and opportunities in our state budget process. As I’ve consistently said, I remained committed to passing a balanced budget that prioritizes funding for critical programs while identifying sustainable revenue solutions in the face of significant federal cuts from the current administration.

Ice-Cream Social

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our summer Ice-Cream Social! It was wonderful connecting with so many of you over shaved ice, fun games and good conversation. Events like this remind me how important it is to create space where we can gather, share ideas and build community. I’m grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing you at our next conversation.

Tour of Gateway Farm

On Aug. 22, I joined U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for a roundtable and farm tour with farmers, agricultural advocates and community partners at Gateway Farm. Together, we discussed the many challenges facing Michigan’s agricultural community, from the future of the Farm Bill, to labor shortages, to the impact of tariffs. Michigan’s farmers feed our families and sustain our communities, and it’s clear we need to listen, learn and fight for policies that protect them and strengthen our rural economy.

TANA Conference

I was honored to be invited to the annual Telugu Association of North America (TANA) Conference — the oldest and largest Indo-American organization in North America. It was a joy to celebrate the richness of Telugu culture, from traditions and language to music and dance. Events like this highlight the diversity that makes our communities so strong, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join in this celebration.

League of America for India Day

Like every year, I was proud to join members of Michigan’s vibrant Indian community for India Day, commemorating India’s Independence Day. The celebration was full of cultural performances, delicious food and activities for families, a true reflection of community pride and heritage. I am always inspired by the energy and unity at this event and I look forward to continuing to celebrate the many contributions of our Indian American neighbors.

Fall Into Art — Friday, Oct. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Preservation Park (500 Ridge Road N.)

The Village Arts Factory’s popular “Fall Into Art” pop-up series returns to Cherry Hill Village this October! Join the community for 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 and acoustic music.

Kids’ Halloween Stroll — Saturday, Oct. 25, from 4-8 p.m. at Village Arts Factory (50755 Cherry Hill Road Suite 10)

The Village Arts Factory in partnership with Canton Leisure Services is excited to offer the Kids’ Halloween Stroll at the Village Arts Factory once again this year with games, music, art, treats, decorations and costumes! Trick-or-Treaters will travel from studio to studio on their stroll with fun interactive stations located throughout the warehouse building. This event is geared toward younger trick-or-treaters; ages 12 and under recommended. The music and decorations will be festive, not scary. Costumes for everyone are encouraged!

Below are some local resources for those who may be affected by the Federal Shutdown:

Utilities:

• Hardship Assistance Program
  • United Way of Southeast Michigan assists households who need help with water and sewer bills.
• The Heat and Warmth Fund
  • THAW works in partnership with agencies across the state of Michigan to distribute utility assistance.

Health Care:

• Find a free health clinic near you through Free and Charitable Clinics of Michigan (FCOM)
  • These clinics can provide medical care for free or at a reduced cost.

Food Assistance:

• Local food banks are located across the region. To find the nearest to you, visit Forgotten Harvest and enter your zip code or call the food assistance hotline at 1(888) 644-8773.
• Gleaners provides a variety of resources including food banks, soup kitchens, mobile meal pick-ups and shelter locations across the Detroit and Metro Detroit region.
• To find a food bank near you or learn more about what food banks offer, visit Feeding America.
• Detroit Friendship House
  • Call (313) 871-7443 for more information.

Detroit residents can also utilize numerous programs offered by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency Wayne Metro. Property tax assistance, food support, water affordability assistance, emergency plumbing repair and more.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries provides numerous services including food, emergency shelter and permanent or recovery housing.

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 and believe deserves special recognition.

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.