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 or my new official account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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

In 2017, PFAS became the center of conversation throughout West Michigan as families became aware of potential high levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Parents grew concerned about the impact these chemicals would have on their children.

I recently introduced bipartisan legislation to provide free blood testing to children in areas affected by PFAS contamination. This testing would be at no cost to parents and provides real solutions to give parents the answers they deserve.

To learn more about this legislation or to share your PFAS story, visit SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/pfas-testing-for-kids/.

Click here or on the image below to see a video with a doctor, impacted local mom and a leading PFAS protection advocate about this issue and my legislation.

I have always been an advocate for an all-of-the-above strategy in our energy system. A one-size-fits-all solution is not the right fit for our state. I support reliable energy options that result in the lowest costs for families and small businesses.

My colleagues and I were proud to introduce legislation to would repeal new energy mandates that could harm our economy and dramatically increase costs for consumers.

Families across Michigan continue to struggle with putting gas in their cars and food on their tables due to other heavy-handed mandates passed in recent years.

That is why I am proud to co-sponsor this bill package to restore local control, prevent unnecessary cost hikes, and ensure the people of Michigan have access to reliable and affordable energy.

The package includes:

Click here or on the image below to see a short video from the Senate chamber about the bills.

I want to thank Sheldon Clubhouse for providing me with a tour and overview of their impactful organization. In association with Cherry Health, Sheldon Clubhouse is dedicated to providing adults dealing with mental health issues the support they deserve.

As a state legislator, I am proud to work with organizations like Sheldon to ensure that all Michiganders have proper mental health resources.

To learn more about them and their important work, visit SheldonCubhouse.org.

If you are in downtown Grand Rapids and looking for a sweet treat, head over to Sugar Bar Sips and Sweets for delicious, handcrafted pastries, rich chocolate bars and refreshing crafted cocktails.

At Sugar Bar, they strive to create a welcoming environment where people can come together, share joyful moments and build lasting memories. My office was honored to present a special tribute to congratulate them on their grand opening.

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.

This month, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents on Friday, June 20, 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.

You and your family can enjoy Michigan’s longest-running fair at the Berlin Fair in Marne. For over 170 years, the Berlin Fair has focused on youth and agriculture to provide the community with a financially sound fair that educates, entertains, and encourages community involvement in a wholesome family atmosphere.

This year’s fair is June 16-21. To learn more, visit BerlinFair.org.

The Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) program recognizes outstanding educators from across the state and allows the awardees to share insights on how to better serve students.

Each year, 10 Regional Teachers of the Year are selected through a competitive application process. One of those educators is then named Michigan Teacher of the Year.

The MTOY and the nine regional honorees make up the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council, which allows them to participate in professional development programs, provide input on education policy and bring recognition to their home districts. The MTOY also serves as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education and represents the state as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

To nominate an exceptional Michigan teacher, please visit the MTOY nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Did you know that dairy products are Michigan’s top agricultural commodity? The dairy industry contributes $15.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Most of the milk you buy at the grocery store comes from local farms and processors right here in Michigan. It typically moves from farm to processor to store within about 48 hours. Each container is stamped with a 5-digit code that shows where the milk was processed. The first two numbers represent the state where the milk was bottled. Michigan’s state code is 26.

Spring and summer in Michigan bring budding trees, blooming flowers and the return of orange barrels. While the delays and detours can be frustrating, we all share a responsibility for keeping work zones safe.

Please remember to slow down, follow posted signs and stay alert when driving through construction areas.

To plan ahead, use the Mi Drive Map for up-to-date information on current and future construction projects. The website lets drivers view live images from any of the 665 traffic cameras across Michigan, check traffic speeds and locate incidents — helping you get where you’re going safely and with fewer delays.

My office has also created an interactive map to keep West Michigan families informed about upcoming road construction in our region. Visit SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/Roads to see where road construction projects are happening in our region.

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.