Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below, you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

Recently, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced her plans to sue oil and gas companies because the industry profited while knowingly selling products that cause climate change. I joined my Republican colleagues in calling on the attorney general to quit wasting taxpayer dollars on publicity stunts and instead focus her efforts on prosecuting violent crime, human trafficking, and the distribution of deadly fentanyl in our communities.

Instead of attacking Michigan job creators and making it more expensive for Michigan families to pay their energy bills, the attorney general’s efforts would be better focused on defending the people of Michigan against real threats to their livelihoods and well-being. The taxpayers of this state deserve better from their attorney general’s office than to have their hard-earned money irresponsibly wasted on personal political vendettas. They deserve leaders who will work to ensure Michigan remains home to a diverse and robust energy sector that provides reliable and affordable energy to power their homes, cars, and businesses.

This latest effort by the attorney general to push a radical agenda follows immediately after efforts led by the governor and Democrat majority to raise utility rates and reduce the reliability of our energy grid with a California-style “Green New Deal” being passed at the end of last year. The policies being pursued and passed by Democrats sacrifice the affordability, reliability, and efficiency of our grid. We cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket and must instead pursue policies that make our grid more affordable and more reliable in providing power for our families, seniors, and small businesses.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget is looking for a Christmas tree to be displayed in front of the state Capitol throughout the 2024 holiday season.

Since 1985, trees have been selected for this honor from every corner – and peninsula – of the state. To be considered, a tree must meet the following criteria:

The designated tree will be harvested and transported to Lansing, where it will be the central attraction in the tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22, at the 40th Annual Silver Bells in the City celebration in downtown Lansing.

Individuals who want to nominate a tree are asked to email their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree, and information about its size and location to [email protected]. The deadline for tree nominations is Aug.19.

Two bipartisan bills have recently been signed into law to help make medical care more accessible and affordable to Michigan residents.

Nearly 400 farmers markets operate across Michigan, giving customers access to locally produced, farm-fresh foods and the opportunity to develop face-to-face relationships with the farmers who grow them. Programs like the Senior Project Fresh program and SNAP are accepted at most local farmers markets and make fresh, local produce available to even more Michigan residents.

Local farmers markets are also a valuable tool for farmers, providing new farmers and other small businesses with a low-barrier entry point to test the market and grow their business. These markets stimulate local economies and have become an important part of many Michigan communities.

To find a farmers market in your area, visit mifma.org.

With 106 state parks and recreation areas and endless miles of shorelines that come from our thousands of rivers, streams, and lakes, it could not be easier to celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Michigan. Whether you prefer hiking, fishing, mountain biking or camping, there is always a new outdoor adventure to enjoy.