Dear Friend,
In the last month, Michigan’s 102nd Legislature has made it to the 100-day mark. In that time, our office has been able to assist over 230 constituents, I have sponsored and co-sponsored 37 bills, and we have been frequently meeting with community members across the district. I am so proud of what our Legislature has been able to accomplish thus far — we have passed critical legislation addressing gun violence, and prioritizing families, workers and our LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. These changes are long overdue, but I know we are doing the hard work to uplift communities across Michigan by prioritizing people first and foremost.
On top of all our work in Lansing, I’ve had a great month traveling across Downriver. I’ve been able to visit more schools this month to read to students and meet the principals and educators that run our schools with integrity and heart. I have also continued to meet with local leaders, so we can address community issues together as a team to make lasting improvements to our district.
Legislative Updates from Lansing
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Celebrating our first 100 days in office with Gov. Whitmer — proud to stand next to these accomplished women!
On April 13, our governor signed into law universal background checks and safe storage requirements for firearms. It was also the first bill I had the opportunity to sponsor. I am proud that our Legislature has taken decisive action on this critical issue within our first hundred days at work. It is our collective responsibility to keep students safe. This legislation provides a foundation to help build a safer Michigan.
We have also made huge strides in reproductive freedom this month — on April 5, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation repealing the 1931 law prohibiting abortion without exceptions for rape or incest, as well as criminalizing nurses and doctors for doing their jobs. Michiganders turned out in record numbers last November to get Proposal 3 on the ballot and enshrine reproductive freedom in the state’s constitution. Putting an end to the 1931 law and letting Michiganders make their own health decisions is a big win for our communities.
District Updates from the 27th
It’s been a busy month in the 27th district — I have been able to visit more classrooms across the district and have had a wonderful time meeting with our community leaders. Here are some highlights from the last month.
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Rep. Churches with Mrs. Jillian Riedel, Principal Debbie Rhoades, and Mrs. Riedel’s class.
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Rep. Churches with Mrs. Jenna Purdu and her class.
Michigan’s often wild weather did not keep us from making up Mrs. Jillian Riedel’s March Teacher of the Month presentation this month at Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School in Trenton. For April’s Teacher of the Month, I had a great time visiting Mrs. Jenna Purdu’s class at Wilson Middle School in Wyandotte. I’m glad we have such amazing educators guiding our students!
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Rep. Churches reading to Downriver students.
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Rep. Churches reading to Downriver students.
It was a pleasure to visit Forest Elementary School in Riverview and Meridian Elementary School in Grosse Ile this month. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Meridian and read to my former students and see how they are flourishing with their wonderful teacher, and my friend, Mrs. Khan. Thank you to Principal Gianina Meli and Principal Nicole Garza for having me as a guest reader!
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Rep. Churches with Mayor Kuspa.
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Signatures of the leaders who came before her.
At Southgate City Hall, I had the honor of signing the same table as some of the Downriver leaders who have left their mark on our community. I am grateful for the warm welcome I received from Mayor Joseph Kuspa and the Southgate City Council.
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Rep. Churches and Sen. Camilleri presenting tributes to Roosevelt High School Distinguished Graduates.
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Rep. Churches and Sen. Camilleri to new Wyandotte venue District 142
This month, Sen. Camilleri and I visited Roosevelt High School to honor their distinguished graduates, Kenneth Kozole, Leo Stevenson, Anthony Arminiak and James A. Keedy. Since graduating from RHS, these men have made significant contributions to our district and country. Additionally, we recognized Josh Cade, the entrepreneur behind the revitalization of District 142 in Wyandotte. Josh and his business partners have been instrumental in creating a community where people can enjoy dining, entertainment and spending time with their loved ones. If you ever have a chance, I recommend you see a show here.
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Rep. Churches with Mayor Robert DeSana and Councilmember Chris Calvin in front of Wyandotte City Hall.
We wrapped up the day by visiting the Wyandotte City Council and getting to see some familiar faces. It’s always a joy to speak with the Mayor and other council members.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
April 21 – Meet me for coffee and conversation at Promenade Artisan Foods! (2627 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183) from 11 a.m. to noon.
April 23 – Please join us at our Wyandotte Town Hall in collaboration with Senator Darrin Camilleri, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Congressman Shri Thanedar on April 23 at 1 p.m., located at the Downriver Council for the Arts (81 Chestnut St., Wyandotte, MI 48192).
We’re Here for You
My office is open and welcomes any questions, concerns, and ideas. Our team is eager to be a resource for you and your families however we can. Please feel free to reach out to our office here, sign up for our newsletter, and stay connected on social media. I appreciate your feedback and thoughts.
Mailing Address: Michigan House of Representatives, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Phone: (517) 373-0478
Email: jaimechurches@house.mi.gov
Sincerely,
Jaime Churches
State Representative, Michigan’s 27th House District