Dear Friend,
With fall now here, we wanted to give you some updates on what has been going on in Lansing and in our neighborhoods. In Lansing, we’ve been working hard to hear important testimony and pass legislation that continues to give back to our communities, for now and future generations to come. Some priorities on the forefront for us right now include ensuring accessible, clean drinking water for our schools and child care centers, protecting our election workers and those who dedicate their time to making our elections safe and secure, and supporting more rights for our workers around the state. Also this month, I introduced legislation with state Sen. Dayna Polehanki to continue providing free school breakfast and lunch meal programs in the state of Michigan for our students.
And that’s not all — there is much more work to be done for the remainder of the year. Being in the community, we’re hearing firsthand what constituents want the legislature to take action on such as health care affordability and accessibility, environmental protections and clean energy solutions, and improving economic development. As we move into the month of October, we are also looking forward to some of the best parts of being in Michigan: crisp, cooler temps, fall colors, and attending community events like apple picking and trunk-or-treats!
September Community and Capitol Highlights
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Rep. Churches walking in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters for Labor Day 2023.
My team and I kicked off the month of September by walking with our union brothers and sisters in Detroit’s annual Labor Day Parade. I was proud to be attending the event in support of our strong labor union workforce. We appreciate all these workers do across many sectors of our economy including the auto industry, parts manufacturing, construction, and in health and human services.
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Rep. Churches and local, county, state and federal partners presenting the funding secured for the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge in Grosse Ile.
With local, county, state and federal partners, I was proud to announce the $20 million budget win we secured for repairs to the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge. Quickly after taking office in January, I started tirelessly advocating for this funding so we could work with Grosse Ile Township and Wayne County to begin this vital project — and I will continue to push for future funding allocations and investments for the bridge as we move forward.
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Rep. Churches with Wyandotte Fire Chief Jeremy Moline at the 9/11 Ceremony.
At the Capitol, I attended the annual 9/11 Ceremony with a local guest and public servant, Wyandotte Fire Chief Jeremy Moline. On the solemn anniversary of 9/11, we remember and honor the lives tragically lost in those devastating attacks on our country. I also want to extend my unwavering support and gratitude to all our dedicated public safety professionals and first responders, whose courage and selflessness continue to protect and serve our communities across the state and the nation.
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Rep. Churches speaking with volunteers before door knocking on Grosse Ile.
We had over 20 volunteers attend our door knocking event in Grosse Ile for the day to hear from our constituents at their doorsteps. If we were able to meet you, thanks for taking the time to talk with our team members about what issues matter most to you! If we have not had a chance to meet you at your doorstep this summer, please feel free to reach out with any questions you have. My team and I are always here to help and listen to your thoughts and feedback.
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Rep. Churches receiving the Transcendent Leader Award.
I attended the Michigan AFL-CIO Summit in Lansing, where I was honored to receive the Transcendent Leader Award for advocating for and promoting worker’s rights in Michigan. As a member of the House Labor Committee and former union vice president, I have pushed for policy changes to ensure our hard-working Michiganders are valued, protected, and receiving adequate wages and benefits for the work they do.
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Rep. Churches presenting First Responder of the Month tribute to Officer Zielinski of the Southgate Police Department.
In September, we kicked off a new tradition of honoring a First Responder of the Month for their dedication to protecting and serving our communities. Our first tribute was to Officer Zachary Zielinski of the Southgate Police Department for his recent notable actions in saving the lives of two Southgate residents. We had the opportunity to sit down a few months prior with leaders from Southgate and hear about the calm approach, empathy and swift response Officer Zielinski took while he attended to both these life-threatening situations. We are truly grateful for first responders like Officer Zielinski — and hope to hear more stories and highlight other public safety professionals like him.
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Rep. Churches with Commissioner Palamara, Bob Guiney, and Mayor Swift.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, I celebrated with local leaders the city of Riverview’s 100th anniversary. Riverview marked its centennial year with a grand celebration, bringing the community together for a century of shared history and memories. The festivities included chili cook-offs, a car show and recognition for some of the oldest Riverview sights — uniting residents in a joyful reflection of their city’s heritage.
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Congresswoman Dingell, state Sen. Camilleri, and Rep. Churches hosting a town hall event at the Westfield Center in Trenton.
Lastly, alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and state Sen. Darrin Camilleri, our offices hosted a Downriver Town Hall at the Westfield Center in Trenton. With over 60 constituents attending the event, we had the opportunity to share important legislative and district updates from each of our offices — while also facilitating an open forum Q&A for audience members to ask any questions they had. We had a lot of engaging conversations about the future of our communities and what important steps are being taken to invest in Downriver going forward.
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, 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 48809-7514
Phone: (517) 373-0478
Email: jaimechurches@house.mi.gov
Sincerely,
Jaime Churches
State Representative, Michigan’s 27th House District