Hello Friends,
As we approach the close of 2025, I want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or simply enjoy the festive season with family and friends, we hope your holiday is filled with peace, love and happiness.
This year has not been without its challenges. Our state and country have felt the strain of a difficult and often divisive political environment. Yet, in times like these, we are reminded of where our real strength lies: in our communities, in our shared values and in the way we continue to show up for one another.
It remains the greatest honor to represent the 24th House District. I do not take a single day for granted, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me.
Our team is excited to continue working on your behalf as we transition into a new year full of possibilities and prosperity. This will be our final e-newsletter for 2025, but we’ll return with updates in January. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media for news and updates during the break.
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].
Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year!
Warm regards,
Ranjeev Puri
Democratic Leader
24th House District
In this Issue:
- Upcoming Time with Ranjeev
- Legislative Updates
- What We’ve Been Up To
- Resources
- Community Events
UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV
Community Conversation Hour
My team is currently working on scheduling our office’s next community coffee hour. You can follow us on social media or watch for an update in a future e-newsletter.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
$645M Funding Halt by House Republicans
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee voted unilaterally to reject approximately $644.9 million in unspent funds from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Republican members described the action as part of their effort to reduce what they view as unnecessary or improperly allocated spending, calling some of the recommended work projects a “slush fund.”
The vote was notable because it represented an unprecedented step: the committee moved to halt a large portion of proposed work projects without prior open discussion in the House Appropriations Committee or coordination with the Senate.
The rejected funds covered a wide range of programs and initiatives. Among them were:
- $18.5 million for RxKids, a program supporting expectant parents and infants;
- Grant funding for the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills;
- $56,600 for wigs for cancer patients;
- A $2.5 million pilot project for school-zone traffic cameras; and
- Funding tied to education, jobs, veterans’ services, Indigenous communities, housing, renewable energy, infrastructure and elections.
The move underscores ongoing debate over state spending priorities and how work project funds should be managed in the legislative process.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
House Democrats Respond to Republican Move to Take $645M from Michiganders
I and my fellow Democratic colleagues are deeply frustrated and concerned following the unilateral decision by House Republicans to use a rarely exercised budgetary maneuver to eliminate nearly $645 million in previously approved funding for Michigan families, communities and public programs. This action was taken without prior committee discussion or coordination with the Senate, creating significant uncertainty for agencies, service providers and residents across the state who rely on these investments.
Despite the disruption and confusion this decision has caused, we want to reassure Michiganders that we are fully committed to protecting the funding that was negotiated, approved by both chambers and signed into law by the Governor. These dollars support programs that serve children undergoing cancer treatment, expectant parents and infants, residents experiencing food insecurity and essential community services statewide. House Democrats will continue using every tool available within the legislative process to ensure that these resources are distributed as intended and that Michigan families and communities receive the support, they were promised within the state budget.
Tribute to Saumya Arora
Congratulations to Canton native Saumya Arora for winning first place in the Writing in the Public Sphere category at the University of Michigan–Dearborn’s Writing Awards. Her paper, Teacher Diversity: PCEP’s Missing Element, highlights her commitment to education, civic engagement and meaningful dialogue. Saumya, a secondary education major with a concentration in English, continues to exemplify academic excellence and passionate advocacy.
Business of the Month — Saj Bakery
Congratulations to our December Business of the Month: Saj Bakery!
Newly opened this year, SAJ Bakery has already become an active member of the community, participating in various local events and connecting with neighbors in meaningful ways.
Located in the heart of Canton, SAJ offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a delicious menu that has something for everyone. The environment is friendly and inviting, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat.
With great baked goods and friendly service, SAJ Bakery is quickly becoming a community favorite.
Canton Christmas in the Village
Last week, the Puri family visited Canton Christmas in the Village, where we enjoyed a wonderful evening connecting with community members and supporting our local small businesses. As we celebrate the holiday season, let’s remember to uplift and support our fellow entrepreneurial neighbors who help make our community vibrant and strong.
Food Delivery with Rep. Reggie Miller
I was honored to join special guest state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.) as we kicked off the holiday season by supporting food pantries across Southeast Michigan. We spent the morning delivering food to neighbors in need and witnessing the incredible generosity of our community. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers and organizations who make this important work possible.
UAW Region 1A – Appreciation Day
I was grateful for the invitation to attend the UAW Region 1A Holiday Party! It was a wonderful celebration, and I had the opportunity to meet newly appointed Director Mark DePaoli and congratulate Laura Dickerson on her continued leadership. I appreciate the warm welcome and the chance to connect with so many committed members of our labor community.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration — Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
In partnership with P-CCS Schools, join us while we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through student performances, art, spoken word and more.
BINGO and Brunch — Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
Stay in your pajamas and head up to the Summit on the Park for some family fun BINGO! Registration includes 10 games of BINGO, a pre-boxed breakfast from McDonald’s and prizes! Pre-registration is required and is open now.
RESOURCES
Energy Saving Tips!
Michigan winters often mean increased bills for residents due to heating needs, and these bills can be even higher if we are not mindful of our energy use. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is committed to helping Michiganders “Be Winterwise” and offers a webpage dedicated to tips and resources that can help us all reduce energy consumption and still have a cozy Michigan winter.
The U.S. Department of Energy also has lots of tips on steps, large and small, to help prepare your home for winter through its Energy Saver guide.
Local Warming Centers
Warming centers and respite locations are open to provide relief from the cold to Canton residents in need.
- Canton Public Library, 1200 Canton Center Road. Mon.-Thu.: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun.: Noon to 6 p.m.
- Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Mon.-Fri.: 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat.: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun.: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Additional locations across Michigan, including in Wayne County, are also available and can be found here.
During times of hardship or need, MDHHS can provide immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions that may threaten health and safety.
- General Hotline: (517) 241-3740
- Drinking Water Hotline: (844) 934-1315
MI 211 is another resource available 24/7 that can help connect you to state or local services of all kinds.
- Call: 2-1-1 or 844-875-911.
- Text: send your zip code to 898-211.
- Online: visit mi211.org.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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.