Hello friends,

We are now back from the communications blackout period of July and early August. With the blackout period behind us, community conversation hours are back as well. I’m looking forward to sitting down with you again, hearing your thoughts and carrying them with me to Lansing. More information will follow below. 

As August brings its peak heat and unexpected weather, please stay safe. As the temperatures climb, please remember to stay hydrated and look out for one another. A list of local cooling centers can be found below in this edition of e-news. 

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:

  • Legislative Updates  
  • What We’ve Been Up To
  • Resources 
  • Community Events 
  • We Want to Hear From You

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Fiscal Year 27 Budget

After months of tough conversations, negotiation and compromise, my colleagues and I passed another bipartisan, balanced state budget to secure much-needed support for the people of Michigan. Without raising taxes or fees, the final budget agreement meets the needs of Michiganders by: 

  • Securing a per-pupil increase for Michigan schools and implementing a new weighted funding formula to deliver support to schools with students who need it most.
  • Continuing programs, including the free school meals program, tax credits for working families and seniors, free pre-K for all and grants to ensure access to safe, affordable drinking water.
  • Ensuring access to Medicaid coverage and food benefits.
  • Investing in public safety efforts, such as community violence intervention grants and natural disaster emergency responses.

This year’s budget includes important investments across District 24 to support education, infrastructure and local communities. I am proud to have helped secure additional funding of $11.5 million for Plymouth-Canton schools this year, and hope that this supports our students and educational staff throughout the school year. 

Limbo 9 Bills 

Nine bills that were at the center of a lawsuit, a state Supreme Court decision, and ultimately a veto from the governor in mid-July are now being brought back to the table by Democratic legislators. As House minority leader, I’m hopeful we can get these bills passed by working in good faith with my colleagues across the aisle. Among them: a measure to shield working families from debt collection practices that seize tax refunds made possible by the Earned Income Tax Credit, and a measure to prevent steep healthcare cost increases for teachers, school employees, first responders, nurses and other public servants.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO

Punjab FC | Punjabi Fest and Tournament

I had the privilege of attending the Punjab FC Mela earlier this month, where we celebrated sportsmanship, culture and community. It was a fun-filled day of sports, games, food and entertainment that brought the Canton community together, showcasing the rich culture that makes our district special. This is an event my family looks forward to every year, and we can’t wait for the next one!

Jaya Travel – 50th Anniversary

Recently, I had the great opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaya Travel & Tours, an all-in-one travel agency founded by its current president, Mr. Arvin Shah, and his wife, Mrs. Jaya Shah. Headquartered in Metro Detroit, Jaya Travel & Tours has built strong industry relationships over the years, including recognition from Air India as one of America’s leading tour operators to India. Throughout its history, the company has remained committed to delivering exceptional service, and I’m grateful to have celebrated that milestone alongside Mr. and Mrs. Shah. Congratulations again to Jaya Travel!

RESOURCES

Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness

Summer is well underway, bringing extreme temperatures along with it. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.

To stay healthy during these record high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
  • Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
  • Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
  • Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
  • Check on your neighbors and relatives.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.

Dive into Summer, Not Danger — Water Safety Tips 

With summer here and Michigan’s Great Lakes, rivers and backyard pools ready for use, water safety is more important than ever!

Whether you’re heading to the beach or relaxing by the pool, keep these key water safety tips in mind:

  • Ensure at least one adult is CPR-certified, especially in households with pools or near open water. Babysitters and caregivers should also maintain up-to-date CPR certification.
  • Designate a “Water Watcher” during group gatherings, like pool parties — someone who remains alert and undistracted while friends, family or children are swimming.
  • Keep a phone nearby, ideally a landline with your physical address to quickly call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Cell phones may not automatically relay your location.
  • Equip your pool with essential rescue tools, such as a reaching pole, throwable floatation device, CPR instructions, a breath mask and a fully stocked first aid kit.
  • If a child goes missing, check the water first. If you can’t locate them quickly, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Stay safe, stay prepared and enjoy everything Michigan’s waters have to offer this summer!

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Fall into Art | Friday, Oct. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. at Preservation Park

The Arts Warehouse at Cherry Hill’s popular “Fall into Art” pop-up series returns this October! Join us 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, acoustic music and fall vibes!

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.