Dear Friend,
I hope you are doing well and took time during this past Memorial Day to appreciate our veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country. Memorial Day is especially important to remember and honor the brave men and women who have died in the line of duty. Our military personnel and their families give so much to keep our country safe and free. I was honored to be part of two ceremonies this weekend — the city of Trenton’s Memorial Day Parade and the city of Riverview’s Veterans’ Memorial Circle of Flags — it was a time for reflection and gratitude for our veterans and their courageousness.
At the beginning of the month, my team and I went door-knocking around the district to hear directly from you about issues and ideas important to you. Talking to constituents face-to-face remains an important part of my job as a state legislator. I often have the best conversations with people, even in the midst of our busy lives, when I can meet someone right on their doorstep. I appreciate when people share a story or situation they are experiencing because it helps guide my policy-making decisions in Lansing and how to be a better advocate for our Downriver community members. If you ever see me out in the neighborhood, please feel free to say hello and share your thoughts with me.
I also had the opportunity to attend The Senior Alliance’s Aging and Innovation Annual Luncheon in Wyandotte. This luncheon was a great way to connect with an organization that is leading efforts to help improve the quality of life for our seniors — and I truly appreciate all the work they do in our community. Later, my staff and I met with leaders at The Guidance Center and toured the organization in Southgate. The Guidance Center provides many services related to mental, emotional and behavioral health needs as well as youth and family services/resources. I was glad to hear about how they have been able to expand their services over the last decade and provide assistance for many families across the region.
Yesterday morning, I made my way over to the Southgate Fire Department and had breakfast with the firefighters! This is the second breakfast I have had with the Southgate firefighters. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with them and hear about public safety priorities. We spoke about state budget funding for fire departments and legislation that would help train and retain fire department personnel.
Lastly, my days in Lansing throughout the month of May have been long, but productive. We’ve been working on our state budget for fiscal year 2024-25 and have passed the first version of it through the state House. Our House budget prioritizes locally focused investments including $20 million in economic development and community revitalization, $200 million to increase housing supply, and $82 million for water infrastructure projects. I believe this budget will direct more money into the Downriver community to strengthen our local economy and revitalization efforts.
Downriver Leaders of the Month
Each month, we award a business, teacher and first responder for their contributions and service as leaders in the Downriver area. For May 2024, I proudly presented tributes to Grosse Ile Pet and Garden Center, Amanda Fairris at Parsons Elementary School in Gibraltar, and Linas Pusdesris at Grosse Ile’s Fire Department.
If you’d like to nominate a Downriver leader — whether it be a business, teacher or first responder — please feel free to email our office at jaimechurches@house.mi.gov and share with us why you’re nominating them!
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 family 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