On Feb. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her eighth and final State of the State address. Her message was the same as it has been for the last seven years. The governor continues to believe that the answers to all of Michigan’s problems are more government, more regulations, more taxes and more spending.

After two terms of Gov. Whitmer in office, Michigan ranks 45th in employment, 40th in per capita income, 41st in electric rates and dead last in electrical reliability. Her mandates have taxed and regulated businesses out of the state and grown state spending by more than 40%.

On top of the economic failures, Michigan is facing an education crisis. Despite having one of the largest school budgets in the country, 75% of fourth graders are not reading at grade level and only 25% of eighth graders are proficient in math. Improving outcomes will require greater accountability and increased flexibility for parents and local schools.

The only way back is a complete U-turn. We need to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government and return Michigan to a place where families and businesses can build a future.

The Department of Natural Resources is expanding its eHarvest digital tagging system to include most species that require a kill tag.

Beginning with the 2026 license year, hunters may tag harvested animals in the field using the HuntFish mobile app. The system allows for immediate validation. Once validated, the tag is recorded and time-stamped on the hunter’s device. It does not require a cellular connection to use.

Traditional paper and point of sale tags will still be available.

There’s still plenty of winter left to squeeze in another ski trip.

The Cold is Cool Passport gives Michigan’s fourth and fifth graders a chance to ski or snowboard at participating resorts across the state. For a one-time $30 fee, students may receive up to three lift tickets at each participating location when accompanied by a paying adult.

To sign up, download the Cold is Cool Passport app and activate the passport. The app also includes a list of participating ski hills and other available discounts.

The Department of Natural Resources recently completed a successful moose collaring and capture project to study the population of the western Upper Peninsula herd.

Researchers from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Northern Michigan University and the DNR used GPS collars, drones and field investigations to better understand moose health, reproduction, movement and mortality.

From Feb. 14-17, crews captured 41 moose and recollared two others. The total includes 20 adult females, 10 adult males and 11 calves. The team now has 56 collars deployed, including the moose collared in last year’s capture efforts.

Click here for more information about the moose population in Michigan, including quarterly research updates.

Mackinac Island is known worldwide for its horse-drawn carriages and incredible fudge. The small island, located between Michigan’s Lower and Upper peninsulas, is home to the historic Fort Mackinac, breathtaking views, spectacular rock formations and miles of nature trails.

On March 3, 1875, the U.S. Congress designated Mackinac Island as the nation’s second national park. Increased tourism led to the construction of hotels, including the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887.

The federal government operated the fort and the island until 1895, when it was transferred to the state of Michigan and became Michigan’s first state park. Today, more than 80% of the island is state park property, and much of the land remains in its natural condition for visitors.

It’s never too early to plan your next trip to Mackinac Island.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently presented her executive budget recommendation to the House and Senate appropriations committees. The proposal totals $88.1 billion in state spending, nearly a 50% increase since she took office.

To fund this record level of spending, the governor proposes $800 million in new taxes and a $400 million withdrawal from the state’s emergency savings fund.

State spending has continued to rise as many families struggle to afford groceries and utility bills. Last year, the Legislature reached a compromise that reduced state spending while still providing meaningful tax relief and investing $2 billion annually in roads and infrastructure.

As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure state government lives within its means, just as families do with their own budgets. I’m committed to working on a budget that makes life more affordable for Michiganders, helps resolve our literacy crisis and strengthens the state’s economic future.