Dear Friends,

To better serve the great people of West Michigan, I’m offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.

I am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my Facebook page, my  official account on X or my Instagram for recent updates.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.

Working for you,

Mark Huizenga
State Senator

I hold in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and receive help with a variety of state issues.

On Friday, Dec. 12, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:

Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids. Founded in 1996, it is dedicated to improving health and advancing biomedical research and education. Since 2015, the state of Michigan has supported its mission, and last year I helped secure $1 million to strengthen its work.

The building on the Medical Mile is impressive, but the real treasure is inside, where scientists and students are working to better understand diseases and create solutions that impact West Michigan, our state and the world.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video we recorded during our visit.

Sometimes things that seem simple aren’t so easy. The Michigan State Police building in Rockford is no longer being used, but as a state, we can’t just sell it outright. It requires legislation to make that possible.

I’m working hard to ensure we can move this property back into the hands of the community, where it can become a valuable resource for everyone.

Click here to watch a short video I recorded about this legislation.

When it comes to our kids and school safety, we as state legislators have a responsibility to provide the proper resources and funding to all schools.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic School in Plainfield Township and saw firsthand how these funds can be used to create safer learning environments.

As your state senator, I am committed to ensuring that all kids can attend school and feel safe every day.

Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County on its new headquarters!

This incredible space brings together its offices, ReStore and warehouse under one roof, making it easier than ever to serve families and strengthen neighborhoods across West Michigan.

Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building homes, hope and opportunity reflects the very best of our region.

I was honored to join Corewell Health for the opening of its new Trauma Recovery Center. This center will provide vital support for survivors, offering counseling and resources to help individuals and families heal.

Thank you to Corewell Health and all the dedicated professionals who made this vision a reality. This is a powerful step forward for West Michigan.

Horizon is an exciting new residential community that will soon stand as a landmark of growth and opportunity in Grand Rapids.

This five-story, 130,000-square-foot development will add modern housing, retail and community amenities to our city. Backed by over two years of planning and a $40 million investment, Horizon Apartments showcases the vision and collaboration of Sun Title, Pinnacle Construction Group and their partners.

My office was honored to present Horizon with a special tribute to commend their hard work and commitment to strengthening our community.

Did you know that most snowplow-passenger vehicle crashes occur when passenger vehicles hit plows from behind or while attempting to pass them?

Snowplows are considered authorized vehicles under the Michigan Move Over Law, which means vehicles must move over, if possible, and slow to 10 mph below the posted speed. A new 2024 law also requires drivers to stay 200 feet behind a moving snowplow unless they are passing and at least 20 feet behind one stopped at an intersection. It is illegal to pass a snowplow on the right, but drivers can pass on the left when using extreme caution.

Drivers can use MDOT’s snowplow tracker to see where plows are operating and view road conditions through MDOT’s in-truck camera network. Click here or on the first image below to watch a video we recorded about winter roadway safety.

Firewood from select state-managed land in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula can be collected for personal use with a $20 fuelwood permit. Wood must come from already dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road. Permit holders may gather up to five standard cords of wood, a stack measuring 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet. The limit is raised to 10 cords in the 12-county area affected by the severe ice storm in March.

Fuelwood permits are valid through Dec. 31 and can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com, in person at DNR customer service centers, or by mailing this application to the DNR office that manages the state forest land where you plan to collect wood.

Keep these guidelines in mind when collecting fuelwood from state-managed land:

For more information on fuelwood permits and a list of frequently asked questions, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.

Nineteen Michigan Department of Corrections facilities maintained and harvested gardens this year, providing 116,455 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries, residential care facilities, churches and community organizations.

The MDOC operates two career and technical education vocational programs in horticulture, while 17 facilities operate recreational gardens tended by inmates. The produce grown through these programs is donated or sold to raise funds for various charities across the state.

The programs also teach certifiable skills, including the fundamentals of plant science, soils, nutrition, propagation and pest management.

Nonprofits and pantries interested in partnering with MDOC for the 2026 harvesting season can contact MDOC Public Information Officer Jenni Riehle.

There are still a few weeks left to enter the 2025 Pure Michigan Hunt. For just $5, applicants receive a chance to win an incredible prize package, along with hunting licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, antlerless deer, and first pick at a managed waterfowl hunting area for a reserved hunt. Entries for the prize package can even be purchased as a gift for another hunter. Each $5 entry supports Michigan’s wildlife habitat restoration and management efforts.

Applications for the 2025 prize package are available through Dec. 31. In January, three winners will be randomly selected. After the 2025 winners are announced, entries for the 2026 prize package will go on sale.

Serving the people of West Michigan is very important to me and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may contact me by calling toll-free 1-855-347-8030 or emailing SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

I look forward to serving you, and I encourage you to contact me if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.