Lawmaker honored for his efforts to ensure all Michigan municipalities receive statutory revenue sharing
The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) recognized Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) for his support of township government by presenting him with the MTA “Legislator of the Year” award. Sen. Cherry received the prestigious award, which honors lawmakers who are instrumental in legislation supporting township government and who work diligently on townships’ behalf, at the Association’s Capital Conference, held in Lansing on March 4.
“Sen. Cherry was a catalyst in the successful efforts to restore essential funding—statutory revenue sharing—to all Michigan municipalities, including our 1,240 townships,” MTA Executive Director Neil Sheridan said. “For nearly two decades, the vast majority of Michigan townships did not receive this critical revenue. We thank the senator for his exemplary efforts on behalf of Michigan’s communities, and his recognition and support of the essential and valuable services that local governments provide to our state’s residents.”
Sen. Cherry is currently serving his first term in the Michigan Senate representing the 27th Senate District, which includes seven townships: Clayton, Flint Charter, Flushing Charter, Gaines, Grand Blanc Charter, Mt. Morris Charter and Mundy Charter Townships. In addition to his work on behalf of local governments to ensure all municipalities receive statutory revenue sharing, he works tirelessly to lower costs for working families, safeguard Michigan’s natural resources, and strengthen our infrastructure. Prior to his election to the state Senate, he served in the Michigan House. Throughout his time in the Legislature, the senator has been a champion and supporter of townships and all local governments.
In accepting the award, Sen. Cherry shared the necessity for reliable, consistent local revenue sources—and his hopes for continued improvements. “Local governments provide the most essential services that citizens rely on every day, and making sure that you have the resources to deliver those to the people you represent is extremely important to our state,” he said. “I was very happy and proud to be able to partner with many others to advance these improvements to revenue sharing last year, and am hoping to take further steps, with the passage of a revenue sharing trust fund.”
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The Michigan Townships Association advances local democracy by fostering township leadership and public policy essential for a strong and vibrant Michigan.