Hello,
Last month, we observed Memorial Day, honoring the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are deeply grateful for their courage and selflessness.
Eid Mubarak to all everyone who celebrated Eid al-Adha. May your celebrations be filled with love, gratitude and togetherness.
June is Pride Month, and we are celebrating and recognizing the trailblazers of the LGBTQ+ community both globally and right here in our own community. We stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals and activists who work every day to ensure that they belong.
Summer is well and truly here, and 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 my e-news.
Summer in Lansing also means budget season is in full swing. I am working hard to pass a responsible and balanced Fiscal Year 2027 budget before the July 1 deadline. My top priority remains delivering for Michigan families, from lowering the cost of living to investing in the local infrastructure our communities depend on every day. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for my upcoming e-news for updates as budget negotiations continue!
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
- Resources
- Community Events
UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV
Thank you to those who attended my last conversation hour on May 16, hosted at SAJ Bakery with a special guest speaker, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. We were able to engage in meaningful conversations on how our constituents are impacted by state- and federal-level legislation.
My next conversation event is TBD. We will update you on upcoming events in the next e-news edition.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
The governor signed a bipartisan bill to forgive makeup days for schools.
The governor signed House Bill 5797 on May 26, forgiving makeup days for schools affected by severe weather events, including storms and flooding across the state. This bipartisan legislation removes penalties for students and schools whose academic calendars were disrupted, forgiving up to four additional makeup days for schools located in counties designated as affected areas.
Property Tax Legislation
A Republican-led package of bills (HBs 5872–5879) proposing to eliminate several taxes — including the personal property tax, the 0.75% real estate transfer tax and the so-called pop-up tax — passed the House last month. We must work to keep hard-earned dollars in homeowner’s pockets, but this proposal is not the solution Michiganders deserve. The Republican-led proposal is tie-barred to legislation that would create a new services excise tax, although it is unclear which industries would be paying the new tax. I am concerned that this plan would most benefit the big businesses that pay personal property tax and would alter how state revenues are structured, carrying significant fiscal implications, especially for school funding.
House Democrats are all for responsible property tax reform that does not come at the cost of kids, schools and public safety.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Plymouth High School AP Government Students Visit the Capitol!
A few weeks ago, AP Government students from Plymouth High School visited the Capitol to observe government operations and engage in a Q&A session. Our conversations were proactive, as we talked about my role as the House minority leader and Michigan government. The students brought thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity, the kind of civic engagement we love to see. Thank you to Rep. Matt Koleszar for the invitation.
Attending the Annual Mackinac Policy Conference
In the final week of May, I had the privilege of attending the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. This year’s theme “A Quest for Common Ground” felt especially timely given the political climate at every level of government. Over the course of the conference, I had the opportunity to connect with stakeholders and leaders from across Michigan, gaining valuable perspective on how to move beyond partisanship and focus on practical, people-centered solutions. I returned to Lansing energized and ready to apply those insights as we continue FY 2027 budget negotiations.
Celebrating Michigan Legislative Black Caucus’ 50th Anniversary
In mid-May, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) marked its historic 50th anniversary with a formal gala in Pontiac, themed “Legislative Power with Purpose.” It was a meaningful occasion to reflect on five decades of dedicated advocacy and leadership. Congratulations to the MLBC on this remarkable milestone. The caucus’ commitment to building a more equitable Michigan continues to leave a lasting impact on our state and the communities it serves.
Michigan College Democrats Convention
In May, I joined colleagues from the House and Senate to speak with Michigan College Democrats in Ypsilanti. We held a roundtable discussion with the students about how decisions made in Lansing directly affect their lives, from education and housing to the economy and beyond. It was a rich and honest conversation, and a good reminder of why engaging the next generation of civic leaders matters. Thank you to the Michigan College Democrats for the invitation and for creating space for that kind of dialogue.
June Business of the Month
My office’s June Business of the Month award goes to Authentikka Indian Cuisine, Bar & Banquet, an Indian restaurant and event venue that serves friends in Canton, Plymouth, Westland, Novi, Livonia and metro-Detroit. Congratulations!
June Teacher of the Month
My office’s June Teacher of the Month award goes to Samantha Maples from Canton High School. Parents and students enrolled in Canton High School’s special education program nominated Ms. Maples for going above and beyond for her students. Thank you, Ms. Maples, for your unwavering support for students and families in need at Canton High School. And congratulations for this well-deserved award!
RESOURCES
Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
Summer is almost here in Michigan, bringing an increase 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 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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
National Trail Day & River Day – Saturday, June 6
Come paddle, explore and enjoy one of Canton’s best outdoor experiences! On Saturday, June 6, the Lower Rouge Trail is offering multiple activities for you and your family to enjoy the National Trail and River Days, including.
At 10 a.m. there will be free family-friendly activities, including interactive educational booths, building bird houses and going on nature walks with the community.
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be an option to kayak on the Rouge River (ages 12 and up). Please note that pre-registration is required to kayak at this event. More information can be found on the Friends of the Rouge website event page.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Distribution – Wednesday, June 17
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) of Wayne County is a supplemental food assistance program for eligible low-income individuals and families. Food products are distributed once a month at the Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Pkwy. This month, the food distribution event is Wednesday, June 17. If you are in need of assistance, or would like more information, you can contact TEFAP at 734-394-5185.
Canton’s 33rd Annual Liberty Fest – June 18-20
Canton’s largest community celebration is back for the 33rd year of Canton’s Annual Liberty Fest! As in years past, this exciting festival will be filled with plenty of family fun, live entertainment, festival food and more. From June 18-20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Heritage Park, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, you and your family can enjoy three fun days of the carnival, midway games, an International Festival and much more.
Pride OUTside – Thursday, June 25
This annual LGBTQ+ Pride event will take place on Thursday, June 25, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Heritage Park Amphitheater stage, 1150 S. Canton Center Road. New this year, Pride OUTside will also kick off the city’s Thursday Night LIVE Concert Series for the summer. Pride OUTside aspires to unite the people of Canton through a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture by promoting visibility and inclusion across the community. The event is FREE and all members of the Canton community are invited to celebrate with family-friendly activities, including guest speakers, performers, community resources, local vendors and food.
The event lineup includes:
- 6 p.m. – TBD
- 6:30 p.m. – Boylesque Michigan Family Friendly Drag Queen Performance
- 7 p.m. – Love Live – Taylor Swift Cover Band
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.