Dear Friend,
I hope you had a relaxing and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year! I’m excited and honored to be ushering in a new year as your current state representative in Michigan’s House District 27 — representing the Downriver area including Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate, Trenton and Wyandotte. January has already been busy, both Downriver and in Lansing, and I’m looking forward to the work we’ll accomplish going forward in 2024.
Updates from Lansing
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Rep. Churches with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the State of the State address on Jan. 24, 2024.
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At the beginning of January, our legislative session for 2024 resumed. I am thrilled to be working with my colleagues in Lansing to develop better policies and secure funding to support Downriver and our hardworking Michiganders. Gov. Whitmer gave her State of the State address at the end of the month, where she spoke about what we’ve worked on so far and highlighted top priorities for the Legislature to accomplish this year. Some of the priorities I’m looking forward to working on include expanding our investments in our students and educators, creating affordable housing, and supporting our caregivers. In addition to this, I am committed to continuing on the work I started last year with critical infrastructure improvements and funding in trains and bridges as well as expanding workers’ rights in the state.
What’s Happening in District 27
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Rep. Churches with Sen. Darrin Camilleri, Trenton City Council Members Dora Rodriguez and Emily Hornbeck, and former Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler.
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I was honored to be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in the City of Trenton. I joined state and local officials, along with special guest and former Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler at the community event. The Trenton Cultural Commission did a fantastic job organizing this event, and it was a great way to commemorate the life and work of Dr. King.
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Rep. Churches with Wyandotte community leaders and owner of 814 Salon Suites.
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I also joined Mayor Rob DeSana and Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Stec of Wyandotte in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 814 Salon Suites in Wyandotte. Running a small business is no small or easy feat — I admire Renee’s hard work and dedication she has put into opening up a location for her salon. I wish continued success and prosperity for 814 Salon Suites in the Downriver area!
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Rep. Churches with January’s Teacher of the Month, Erin Carney, and her classroom.
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For our Teacher of the Month Award, we celebrated Erin Carney from Gibraltar School District as our nominee for January. Erin was nominated by another teacher for her tireless efforts as an educator in the school district — spending time in and out of the classroom — making sure that students are getting an excellent learning experience, helping to mentor newer educators, and staying highly involved in school improvement groups. As a former teacher, I appreciate all the work that our educators do to make school/learning environments fun, engaging, and supportive for students of all ages.
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Rep. Churches with Wyandotte’s Mayor DeSana and the owners and family of Tequila’s Restaurant and Cantina.
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Lastly, I was proud to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Tequila’s Restaurant and Cantina in Wyandotte alongside Mayor Rob DeSana. I’m excited for another business to be opening in Wyandotte, providing our residents with a new place to try and enjoy delicious food and drinks. I am wishing the owners and family of Tequila’s the best of luck in their restaurant’s success and prosperity in the Downriver community.
Upcoming Events
- Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) Town Hall with special guests state Sen. Darrin Camilleri, Trenton Mayor Steve Rzeppa and health care experts: Monday, Feb. 12, from 6-7 p.m. (Westfield Center, Trenton, MI)
- Clean Energy Town Hall with special guests state Sen. Darrin Camilleri and a representative from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV): Monday, Feb. 26, from 5:30-7 p.m. (Bacon Memorial Library, Wyandotte, MI)
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