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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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Expansion of hemlock woolly adelgid quarantine in the 32nd Senate District
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Effective Aug. 1, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) revised the hemlock woolly adelgid quarantine to include Benzie and Manistee County. Counties already under a quarantine notice are Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Allegan, and Ottawa.
MDARD estimates that there are 170 million eastern hemlock trees in Michigan and the hemlock woolly adelgid can not only be devastating to hemlock trees but could have an impact on wildlife and the surrounding landscape.
Trees infested with hemlock woolly adelgid should be reported by one of the following means:
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To learn more about this invasive species and to do your part in preventing the spread, please visit the Michigan Invasive Species website here.
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Education budget signed into law
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The education budget for the upcoming school year was recently signed into law by the governor.
Over the last several budget cycles, my fellow legislators and I have made increasing our school funding a top priority. In fact, for more than a decade, the per-student funding has gone up every year. In 2021, Republicans equalized funding among K-12 schools, ensuring that all Michigan public schools receive the same minimum amount of per-pupil funding.
The year’s budget maintains that funding model and further increases the minimum per-student funding by $458, which will provide additional educational resources and opportunities for Michigan students. It also includes funding for transportation assistance for rural schools, support for at-risk students, and paying down higher education retirement obligations.
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Over the last few weeks, much of our state has experienced high winds and heavy rain, leading to broken branches and downed trees. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe as you begin to clean up after a storm:
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• Look carefully for downed power lines or branches that are about to fall: Broken tree limbs located near power lines or lying on your home should always be dealt with by professionals. Stay away from debris tangled in power lines and immediately notify your utility company.
• Keep pests in mind when disposing of wood: Wood left behind after trees are damaged by storms can harbor insects or diseases harmful to forests. Do not move debris out of the local area to help mitigate these issues. Check the national Don’t Move Firewood website for recommendations on seasoning and using local firewood.
• Consult your insurance policies: It’s always best to review your insurance policies before beginning any repairs. Take photos or video of the damage and notify your agent to clarify any issues. Damage to your car by falling branches may be covered by your auto policy as well.
• Be aware of scams: After major storms, it is not unusual for scam artists to pose as tree care companies. Before hiring any contractor or signing a contract, check to be sure the company is licensed and insured. Make sure you understand what work you will be charged. Click here for help finding a qualified, insured arborist in your area.
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Michigan is home to more than 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails. On Aug. 19-20, all routes, trails and the state’s six scramble areas are open to riders. During the Free ORV Weekend, trails are open to residents and out-of-state visitors with or without ORV licenses or trail permits. All other ORV rules and laws apply.
Visit the DNR ORV webpage to download the ORV rules and regulations handbook, find ORV-friendly campgrounds, review maps of state-designated ORV trails and routes and state forest roads, and much more!
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Keep a lookout for bald eagles
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It is becoming more and more common to see bald eagles soaring over Michigan’s lower peninsula. With 26,266 inland lakes and 76,439 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan’s landscape is compatible with these majestic birds that enjoy fishing and scavenging.
Recent statewide surveys found approximately 900 breeding pairs across Michigan, and nests have been found in 81 of the state’s 83 counties. This compares to only 359 breeding pairs in 2000 and 83 in 1980. While bald eagles are no longer on the endangered or threatened species list, they are still protected by both state and federal laws.
While enjoying the great outdoors this summer, keep your eyes on the sky to catch a glimpse of our national symbol.
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Cherry tour in Manistee and Benzie counties
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Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending tours of the Westwind Orchard in Bear Lake and Smeltzer Orchard Company processing plant in Frankfort with the executive director of the Michigan Cherry Committee, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development along with other Michigan legislators.
Agriculture is a staple industry in Michigan, especially here in the 32nd Senate District. Fruit farming and processing like that of cherries are one of the more well-known agricultural products from Michigan. According to the Michigan Agriculture Council, the Great Lakes State grows 70% of the United States’ supply of tart cherries.
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Tour of Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington
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Our West Michigan shoreline is exceptionally busy during the summer months, with visitors enjoying our beautiful beaches, state parks and hiking to lighthouses. This month, I was lucky enough to have Mr. Jack Greve, executive director of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, take me on an amazing tour of the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington. This was a great experience and a good opportunity to learn the history of this lighthouse and efforts to help preserve and maintain it for future generations.
With more than 3,200 miles of shoreline Michigan is home to the most lighthouses in the United States. To learn more about our lighthouses and to plan your next trip visit Pure Michigan.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Benzie Senior Resources – Walk-A-Thon – Fundraiser
Saturday, Aug. 5
7:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Country Dairy
3476 S. 80th Ave.
New Era
Description: This Walk-A-Thon is for fundraising for Benzie Senior Resources. More information here.
Copemish Car Show at the American Legion Post 531
Saturday, Aug. 5
10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
American Legion Post 531
18483 Cadillac Hwy.
Copemish
Description: Copemish Car Show at the American Legion Post 531! Food trucks will be available in the Copemish Village park. More information here.
Onekama Days Parade
Sunday, Aug. 6
1 p.m.
Main Street
Onekama
Description: Enjoy the Onekama Days festival by attending the Onekama Days Parade on Main Street. More information here.
Western Michigan Fair
Tuesday, Aug. 8 — Saturday, Aug. 12
All Day
Mason County Fairgrounds
5302 W. US-10
Ludington
Description: Come for the whole week, to experience all that the Mason County Fair has to offer! More information here.
Unity Christian Music Festival
Wednesday, Aug. 9 — Saturday, Aug. 12
1 p.m. Gates Open
Heritage Landing
1050 W. Seventh St.
Muskegon
Description: Four days of the best in Christian music and family fun! See some of the biggest artists in the Christian music scene. More information here.
North Muskegon Family Fun Parade
Thursday, Aug. 10
7:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Ruddiman Drive
North Muskegon
Description: The Northside Family Fest is a three-day event. The event will start the festival with a parade on Thursday night. Other events taking place Friday. More information here.
Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Saturday, Aug. 12 — Sunday, Aug. 13
10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Rotary Park
500 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington
Description: The 40th anniversary of the Gold Coast Artisan Fair, featuring over 170 arts and crafts displays for browsing and shopping. Here, you'll find woodwork, metals, jewelry, clothing, paintings and more. More information here.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
Saturday, Aug. 12
12:30 — 6 p.m.
Pere Marquette Park
3510 Channel Dr.
Muskegon
Description: The Great Lakes Surf Festival is a celebration of Great Lakes surf culture and is open to all types of board sports disciplines that enjoy the surf. The Great Lakes Surf Festival promises to build on this history and pave the way to a rising new generation of Great Lakes surf enthusiasts. More information here.
Pentwater Homecoming Parade
Saturday, Aug. 12
4 — 5:30 p.m.
Downtown
Pentwater
Description: Enjoy the homecoming Parade downtown Pentwater with Grand Marshal Joe Primozich. More information here.
Manistee County Fair
Tuesday, Aug. 15 — Saturday, Aug. 19
All Day
7587 1st St.
Onekama
Description: The 2023 Manistee County Fair is Aug. 15 — 19 at the Manistee County Fairgrounds, Onekama Michigan. More information here.
Read with Skye and Friends!
Wednesday, Aug. 16
12 — 1 p.m.
Betsie Valley District Library
14744 Thompson Ave.
Thompsonville
Description: Read with Skye and Friends! Don and Cecelia are bringing these super-duper friends to the BVDL! Read a favorite story from home or pick out a book from the Library! They would love to see you! More information here.
Frankfort Art Fair
Friday, Aug. 18 — Saturday, Aug. 19
1 — 7 p.m.
420 Corning Ave.
Frankfort
Description: The biggest weekend of the summer in Frankfort will begin on Friday, August 18 when Art Fair exhibitors will be in Market Square Park providing a preview of their art for purchase. More information here.
Arts and Drafts Festival
Saturday, Aug. 19
10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Ross Park
82 Randell Road
Norton Shores
Description: We look forward to celebrating our Arts and Drafts tradition on Aug. 19! Norton Shores’ beautiful Ross Park will host the 10th annual Arts and Drafts Festival. More information here.
Oceana County Fair
Tuesday, Aug. 22 — Saturday, Aug. 26
All Day
1025 S. State St.
Hart
Description: Make your plans to spend a day or two, or come for the whole week, to experience all that the Oceana County Fair has to offer. More information here.
4th Annual Forest Trail Music Festival
Friday, Aug. 25 — Sunday, Aug. 27
All Day
352 W. Forest Trail Road
Free Soil
Description: Join your friends at Forest Trail Music for their fourth annual three-day music festival! Buckle in for a weekend full of camping, live music, craft and food vendors, tie-dye, and more! More information here.
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Saturday, Aug. 26
9 — 11:30 a.m.
Lake Michigan Turn Around
Frankfort
Description: Free Kites on Lake Michigan beach. 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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