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Dear Friends,
To better serve you, I am offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions about any of the content discussed in this e-newsletter or if I can be of assistance to you or your family. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8030 or email . Also, please check out my . 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,
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Mark Huizenga
State Senator
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Senate budget plan missed opportunities for Michiganders in need
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Last month, I sponsored several amendments to the Senate’s fiscal year 2024 budget plan to solve problems for West Michigan families and the most vulnerable.
My amendments would have provided more funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers, domestic violence prevention and victim support, at-risk students, local food banks, and more. I also put forward an amendment that would have tripled the 8% reimbursement rate for foster and adoptive families and juvenile guardians. Being a foster and adoptive parent comes with challenges and expenses, and it’s always important that we support these families any way we can.
For those young adults looking to attend college, tuition and rising costs continue to make affording higher education more difficult. That’s why I proposed a tuition freeze for Michigan’s 15 public universities and all our community colleges.
to see a full list of my amendments to the Michigan Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, K-12 School Aid, and Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity budgets.
to read my release on my tuition freeze amendments to the Higher Education and Community College budgets.
Unfortunately, my proposals didn’t get enough votes to be included in the Senate-passed budget plan.
We can and must do better. As we finalize a state budget over the coming weeks, I will continue to work toward a responsible spending plan that effectively meets the needs of West Michigan families, grows our economy, protects our communities, and is sustainable for the long term.
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Nationwide, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage starting this year to comply with the end of the federal Public Health Emergency declaration. In Michigan, annual renewals .
If you receive notice that you or a family member are no longer eligible for Medicaid or MIChild benefits, don’t worry, you have other options, including options for low or no-cost coverage:
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• Purchasing a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Many Michiganders are eligible to buy a Marketplace plan for less than $10 per month. Free local enrollment help is available in-person, over the phone, or by email to help you choose the plan that meets your needs and budget.
Losing Medicaid coverage is a qualifying life event, allowing you to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the normal open enrollment period. You can enroll as early as 60 days before you expect to lose coverage. People who are signing up for a Marketplace plan because they lost Medicaid coverage have up to 60 days to select a plan after submitting a Marketplace application — but signing up right away reduces the risks that come from a lapse in coverage.
To shop and compare available health plans, visit or call 800-318-2596. For free local help, visit .
• Enrolling in employer-sponsored health coverage through your job. Many employers offer health insurance to their employees, and those plans often offer a special enrollment period, generally at least 30 days, for employees who experience a qualifying life event, such as losing Medicaid coverage. Contact your employer’s benefit office or human resources department to ask about enrolling.
• Enrolling in Medicare. Eligible seniors who lose their Medicaid coverage can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B up to six months after their Medicaid coverage ends. For Medicare Advantage Plans (also known as Part C), newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for a plan within three months after the start date of their Medicare coverage.
Michiganders who turned 65 during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and missed their initial enrollment window may also sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan, thanks to a recent from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
To enroll in Medicare or shop for a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, visit or call 800-772-1213. Michigan Medicare Assistance Program counselors also are available to provide free help with Medicare enrollment. For more information visit or call 1-800-803-7174 to speak with a counselor.
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For questions about purchasing a health plan on , visit or call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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‘Three Free’ weekend June 10-11
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With 103 state parks and recreation areas across Michigan, there are endless opportunities to enjoy all that our state has to offer. June 10-11 is Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend.
During these two days, Michigan residents and visitors can grab a fishing pole, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks and boating access sites — all for free. Recreation Passports will not be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas, all fishing license fees and ORV license or trail permits will be waived.
The free fishing weekend is a tremendous opportunity for families to pass down the love of fishing to the next generation. Anglers can fish without a license on these two days, although all fishing regulations still apply. Visit for more information.
All state parks and boating access points are open to visitors without Recreation Passports. In addition, June 11-12 marks the first of the state’s two summer free ORV weekends, when off-road enthusiasts can ride on designated routes and trails without an ORV license or trail permit. All ORV rules and laws apply. Riders can find out more at .
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Fostering Futures scholarships available
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The Fostering Futures scholarship is a fantastic way for students to continue their education beyond high school. Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after age 13 are eligible to apply for a .
The application period for the 2023-24 academic year is currently available, and the priority deadline is Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
Find more information at the .
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June is — a time to recognize our state’s dairy farmers and dairy processors and the important contribution they make to the state’s economy. Dairy is an important part of Michigan’s farming industry. Michigan is home to over 900 dairy farms — and more than 9 of every 10 of them are family-owned, with many having been owned by multiple generations of the same family.
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As part of the fiscal year 2023 budget, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $12 million to establish and operate the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program.
Grant awards of up to $10,000 are available to eligible fire departments in cities, villages, townships or tribal governments or commissions. The application period is now open. Applications are accepted through the Michigan Department of Treasury through July 10.
Additional information, answers to FAQs, program guidelines, and application materials are available at .
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June is Great Outdoors Month
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With 103 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. This month-long celebration reminds us all just how beneficial spending time outdoors can be to our physical and mental health.
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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 .
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.
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Senator Mark Huizenga
201 Townsend St., Suite #7200
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at:
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