On Feb. 8., the governor released her budget recommendations in a joint House and Senate Appropriations meeting. In the meeting, the governor presented her recommendations alongside State Budget Office Director Christopher Harkins.

Each year the sitting governor releases their budget recommendations to the Legislature in February, which then marks the official beginning of the budget season. The governor does not have the authority to make or set a budget, so this presentation highlights what their priorities are for the fiscal year.

This year’s budget recommendation by Gov. Whitmer is the largest ever in state history, totaling $79 billion. The proposed budget would reduce our current $9.2 billion surplus down to just $250 million. As minority vice chair of Appropriations, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow appropriations members on funding priorities that we have in common. With a proposed budget of $79 billion, we need to make sure that we are being fiscally responsible and funding programs and projects that have a lasting impact on the state and our residents.

To view the governor’s proposed budget recommendations please visit the link here.

Michigan’s state parks are largely self-supporting thanks to the Recreation Passport program. Funds derived from purchase of a Recreation Passport go directly into maintaining and improving our state parks.

The Recreation Passport program was established by the Legislature in 2010, giving residents the opportunity to purchase a passport through the secretary of state when renewing a license plate. A Recreation Passport gives year-round access to over 100 state parks and recreation areas, more than 1,000 state-managed boating access sites, over 140 state forest campgrounds, and parking at thousands of miles of trails and other outdoor spaces.

The 2010 statute that created the program included a provision to adjust the fee based on the Consumer Price Index. This fee structure ensures the rates keep with the pace of the economy. Effective March 1, the Recreation Passport resident vehicle fee increases from $12 to $13 and from $6 to $7 for motorcycles. This is the first such increase since 2020.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is now available to all students who graduate from a Michigan high school with a diploma or certificate or have achieved a high school equivalency certificate.

In 2022, the Michigan Legislature passed Senate Bill 842, allocating funding from the fiscal year 2023 budget to a new scholarship program, helping students cover the cost of attending a college, university or qualified occupational training programs and trade schools.

Starting with the class of 2023, high school graduates will be eligible for financial aid, up to:

To apply, For more information, students can register for one of several informational webinars.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has unveiled a brand new Master Angler Program map. The user-friendly, interactive tool displays information on all state-record and Master Angler catches – showing you where thousands of other anglers have had success.

The map offers clear instructions for navigation, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

For more than 30 years the Master Angler Program has helped promote statewide fishing opportunities and provides anglers with valuable information on where and when big fish have been caught in Michigan waters. It also gives details on the successful fishing methods, baits and lures used to catch them.

Full Moon Owl Prowl
Thursday, March 7
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Otto Nature Preserve
3001 16th Ave.
Shelby

Description: Join Oceana Conservation District staff members Adam Chandler and Sky Harsch on a guided night hike through Otto Nature Preserve. More information here.

Smelt: The Fish That Made Beulah Famous
Thursday, March 9
4 – 5 p.m.
The Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia

Description: Local historian Jerry Heiman will explain that one of the main reasons for the fame of Beulah as a tourist destination in the 1920s-1930s was a six-inch silvery fish, the Atlantic Rainbow Smelt. More information here.

Pi(e) Day at Fetch Brewing
Tuesday, March 14
6 – 8 p.m.
Fetch Brewing Company
100 W. Colby St.
Whitehall

Description: We’ll have a few pies on hand and we invite you to bring in your pie creations as well! Let’s fill up the tables and sample all the pies! More information here.

Ludington and Scottville Chamber After Hours
Thursday, March 16
5 – 7 p.m.
Lakeshore Food Club
920 E. Tinkham Ave.
Ludington

Description: Head to Lakeshore Food Club after work for professional networking, food, drinks and fun. More information here.

Babysitting Basics
Friday, March 17
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Viking Athletic Center
541 E. Slocum St.
Whitehall

Description: In this fun and informative class, future babysitters will learn the basics of caring for, entertaining and protecting infants and young children. We will also have professional first aid, CPR and safety demonstrations. More information here.

Michigan Makers Market
Saturday, March 18
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center
460 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon

Description: The Michigan Makers Market is an indoor shopping event featuring 80+ craft and fine art exhibitors, highlighting products that are handcrafted in our magnificent state of Michigan. More information here.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 18
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon
Western Ave., Sixth St. to Second St.
Muskegon

Description: The annual Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns for its 10th year on March 18. More information here.

Manistee Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
Saturday, March 18
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Little River Casino
2700 Orchard Hwy.
Manistee

Description: The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan. All funds raised by plungers help Special Olympics Michigan. More information here.

Oceana County Conservation District Annual Banquet
Monday, March 20
6 – 9 p.m.
West Michigan Research Station
5185 N. Oceana Drive
Hart

Description: There is an added cause for celebration at our annual Agricultural and Natural Resource Banquet this year; Oceana Conservation District is commemorating 50 years of conservation work in Oceana County. More Information here.

Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, March 25
7:30 a.m. – noon
Whitehall High School
3100 W. White Lake Drive
Whitehall

Description: The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be held on conjunction with the White Lake Area Community Business Expo. More information here.

White Lake Community Business Expo
Saturday, March 25
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Whitehall High School
3100 W. White Lake Drive
Whitehall

Description: Take a first-hand look at the diverse products and services offered by White Lake Area businesses at the 10th Annual White Lake Community Business Expo. More information here.

Let’s Make Discory! 4-Man Disc Golf Charity Fundraiser
Saturday, March 25
10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
West Shore Community College
3000 N. Stiles Road
Scottville

Description: Four-man scramble-style tournament! Four-person teams, best shot! All proceeds go to the three local charities. More Information here.

Benzie Conservation District Readers Club
Tuesday, March 28
Noon – 1 p.m.
Virtual

Description: Join the Benzie Conservation District over Zoom to discuss “The Treeline” by Ben Rawlence. More information here.