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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
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 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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Senate Democrats exploring new costly energy mandates
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The Senate Committee on Energy and Technology continued testimony on a package of bills aimed at overhauling Michigan’s energy policy with mandates on green energy that are unattainable in our state.
The plan being pushed by Lansing Democrats is modeled after a failed policy in California and would leave Michigan residents with less reliable energy at a much higher cost. The proposals are government mandates that will raise the cost of doing business in Michigan — ultimately passing the increases on to the paying customers. Michiganders are already paying the highest energy rates in the Midwest and this proposal will only exacerbate that problem.
In May, Michigan received a D grade in energy infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers due to a variety of reasons — but instead of fixing the issues, Democrats in the majority want to disregard years of investment and strategy and start from square one using unproven methods that have not been tested on a statewide scale. Michigan must develop an energy strategy that focuses on reliable, secure energy and storage. A strong and secure energy grid that is consistent in providing power for residents must be maintained over the long term and should be made up of various sources, such as natural gas, propane, and proven effective renewables.
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Free well water testing now available for Michigan residents
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As part of Public Act 166 of 2022, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $5 million to provide free well water testing for Michigan residents who rely on a household or private well for their drinking water.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will work with local water departments across the state to test private wells for the most common water quality concerns. Some of the most common water quality concerns for private wells include bacteria, nitrates, and harmful metals like arsenic.
Private well owners can contact their local health department or visit Michigan.gov/EGLEPrivateWells to request a sample kit. The website also contains information including contact information for local health departments, well records, and an interactive Water Well Viewer that displays the locations of various water wells across Michigan.
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Nominate the next Michigan Teacher of the Year
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Michigan teachers invest in our students’ lives and often do not receive the recognition they deserve.
Each year, the Michigan Department of Education accepts nominations for Michigan Teacher of the Year and Regional Teachers of the Year to recognize teachers who have shown leadership and dedication to the teaching profession. The Michigan Teacher of the Year serves as a representative and advocate for Michigan’s more than 80,000 teachers and works with the other nine fellow Regional Teachers of the Year to make up the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. Regional Teachers of the Year, who are selected from across 10 regions of Michigan, meet regularly to provide their expertise and offer input on proposed state and department initiatives. The Michigan Teacher of the Year also attends the State Board of Education meetings as a non-voting member and serves as Michigan’s applicant for National Teacher of the Year.
Nominations for the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year are open from now until Oct. 24. For more information about the program or to nominate a teacher, visit the Michigan Department of Education’s Michigan Teacher of the Year page. Nominations can also be made using the online form.
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Grants available for invasive species projects and water infrastructure funding
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Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP) is accepting grant proposals from now through Nov. 1. Each year, $3.6 million is made available in grants ranging from $40,000 to $400,000 to help prevent, detect, and control invasive species.
The program is a joint effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, as well as nonprofit organizations and universities are encouraged to apply in support of their invasive species projects in Michigan. The 2023 grant program handbook outlines program priorities and application guidelines.
Since its inception in 2014, MISGP has had a tremendous impact on protecting Michigan’s water, trees, and land from invasive species. The program has awarded over $18 million to 112 projects resulting in management of invasive species, including phragmites, Japanese knotweed and oak wilt on more than 35,000 acres of land and water statewide. Learn more about ongoing MISGP projects and view the funding dashboard.
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Assistance for municipal drinking and wastewater
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Michigan has two State Revolving Funds (SRF), one for Drinking water projects (DWSRF) and one for clean water projects (CWSRF). These funds give local municipalities an opportunity to receive low-interest loan financing that can help assist with construction needs to ensure drinking water is safe and waste is taken care of properly.
DWSRF projects can include assistance with lead water service line replacement, treatment plant upgrades, and distribution improvements. CWSR can include assistance for treatment plant upgrades, pumping station improvements, elimination of combined sewer overflows, and nonpoint pollution projects.
Municipalities not currently in the SRF program may submit an “Intent to Apply” form by Nov. 1, 2023, to be eligible for 2025 funding. Visit EGLE’s CWSR or DWSRF websites to download the applicable form.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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White Lake VFW Post Friday Night Dinner
Friday, Oct. 6
5 — 7 p.m.
White Lake VFW Post 3256
9370 Walsh Road
Montague
Description: Menu: Fish-fry dinner, including coleslaw and baked potato or french fries. Carry-out is available. This event is open to the public. More information here.
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Saturday, Oct. 7
10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Hackley Public Library
316 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: This is Hackley’s first jigsaw competition. Sign up for this exciting competition that is sure to get heated. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Sign up with friends or sign up yourself. More information here.
Onekama Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Onekama Village Park
Onekama
Description: Enjoy free family fun that includes food, games, and music! A craft show will be in the lot next to the school sign. More information here.
Hart Fall ArtWalk
Saturday, Oct. 7
11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
S. State St.
Downtown Hart
Description: Stroll through several unique locations downtown and view original works of art, meet the artists, listen to live music, and enjoy refreshments. More information here.
Ludington State Park Autumn Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7
11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Ludington State Park
8800 W. M-116
Ludington
Description: A family-oriented day of fun activities including horse-drawn hayrides, music, and much more! Free cider and donuts for all participants. No reservations are required. More information here.
Shelby Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7
Noon — 6 p.m.
Downtown Shelby
Description: Enjoy a day of live music, food, Big Wheel races, games, and more. More information here.
Ludington Fire Prevention Open House
Wednesday, Oct. 11
7 — 9 p.m.
Ludington Fire Department
918 E. Tinkham Ave.
Ludington
Description: This open house will promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The campaign works to teach about simple but important safe actions that can be taken when cooking. More information here.
Fire Presentation Open House
Wednesday, Oct. 11
6 — 8 p.m.
Montague Fire Station
5085 Wilcox St.
Montague
Description: Enjoy fire truck rides, cider, donuts, spraying the fire hose, and much more at the Montague Fire Station. More information here.
Rusty Fish 100 Bike Races and Marathon
Saturday, Oct. 14
8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
VFW Walsh Post 4499
1211 28th St.
Manistee
Description: If you enjoy competing in physical events, then this may be for you. With races of varying distances, you have plenty of options to choose from. Learn more here.
Pumpkinfest
Saturday, Oct. 14
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Downtown Montague
Description: This is the 27th annual Pumpkinfest! The event will host a variety of pumpkin-inspired activities. You won’t want to miss the famous pumpkin freestyle roll. Learn more here.
Benzie Area Chamber “Off the Clock”
Thursday, Oct. 19
5 — 7 p.m.
Five Shores Brewing
163 S. Benzie Blvd.
Beulah
Description: Enjoy an evening of locally made beer at Five Shores Brewing while networking with members of the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce. More information here.
Business After Hours
Thursday, Oct. 26
5 — 7 p.m.
Safe Harbor Credit Union
5511 W. US 10
Ludington
Description: Professional networking, food, drinks and door prizes are part of Business After Hours, hosted by Safe Harbor Credit Union and co-sponsored by Ludington Bay Brewing Company. Register now or pay at the door. More information here.
Business for Breakfast
Friday, Oct. 27
7:30 — 9 a.m.
Shoreline Inn & Conference Center
750 Terrace Point Road
Muskegon
Description: This regular chamber event gathers business and community leaders for presentations and conversations about “hot” community topics concerning the business community at large. Networking opportunities abound. More information here.
Fall Festival in Manistee
Saturday, Oct. 28
10 a.m. — 11 p.m.
Downtown Manistee
Description: Local organizers and small businesses are hosting a day of special treats, activities, and trick-or-treating. More information here.
Pentwater Spooktacular
Saturday, Oct. 28
Noon — 2 p.m.
Village Green
231 S. Hancock St.
Pentwater
Description: Everyone will enjoy the costume contest and goodie bags on the Village Green in Pentwater. Spooky scavenger hunt downtown Pentwater immediately following the costume contest. Trick-or-treating with participating Pentwater downtown merchants. More information here.
Downtown Ludington Trick-or-Treat
Saturday, Oct. 28
2 — 4 p.m.
Downtown Ludington
Description: Trick-or-treat at participating downtown Ludington businesses and have fun at trunk-or-treat stations located in the street closure (Ludington Avenue). This event is free to families. More information here.
Mushroom ID 101
Monday, Oct. 30
5 — 6:30 p.m.
Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve
8592 Meinert Park Road
Montague
Description: Join us on an excursion with Lucas Dykstra, stewardship manager for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, as he leads us on a hunt for nature’s Halloween decorations. We will find and learn to identify different types of mushrooms and will discuss mushroom anatomy and terminology. More information here.
Pentwater Trick-or-Treating
Tuesday, Oct. 31
5 — 7 p.m.
Downtown Pentwater
Description: Trick-or-treating in Pentwater Village at homes with their porch light on. There will be free homemade donuts provided by the Pentwater Fire Department at the fire station. More information here.
Frankfort Trunk-or-Treat and Trick-or-Treating
Tuesday, Oct. 31
5 — 8 p.m.
Downtown Frankfort
Description: Come to downtown Frankfort to enjoy a night of trunk-or-treating and trick-or-treating. More information here.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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