Dear Friends,

To better serve the great people of West Michigan, I’m offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.

I am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my Facebook page, my  official account on X or my Instagram for recent updates.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  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,

Mark Huizenga
State Senator

With less than a week to go until the end of the fiscal year, Michigan has not yet finalized a new state budget. I have heard from many constituents who have expressed a desire and interest in getting the budget done.

From the very beginning of this process, I have worked with my colleagues — both Democrats and Republicans — to find an agreement on a responsible and bipartisan budget.

My top priority is to get a budget done on time that focuses on solving problems facing West Michigan families and ensuring our students get an education that prepares them for success.

I am also fighting for a budget that provides resources for mental health care, protects our communities, fixes our roads, and uses your tax dollars wisely. I remain confident that we will get a budget signed before the Oct. 1 deadline.

For over 20 years, Kids’ Food Basket has been serving children and families across West Michigan, offering free meal programs and education about nutritious food.

My team and I recently had a great morning volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket, picking watermelon from the group’s farm.

Click here or on the image below to see a short video as we toured this local facility.

Thank you to Kuyper College leaders for inviting me to engage directly with their students. It was a valuable opportunity to hear their concerns and share an overview of the budget process.

I appreciate their openness and the pride they show in representing the Kuyper College community.

Congratulations to Catherine’s Health Center on the opening of its new clinic at Harrison Park Academy.

This vital partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools brings accessible medical and behavioral health services directly to students and families in our community.

My office was honored to present a congratulatory tribute and thank health clinic leaders for their continued efforts in building healthier, stronger communities.

Northern Michigan is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. About 1,000 elk live in Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency counties, and visitors often stop by Pigeon River Country State Forest to view the herd.

The best time to see elk is from September to mid-October, when the animals are more active while competing for mates. Just before sunrise or sunset, these large animals gather in open grassy areas and forest openings to feed.

For more information, visit the DNR wildlife viewing page or Pigeon River’s elk viewing guide, which includes upcoming events with wildlife specialists.

Michigan summers are rightfully celebrated, but fall is when the state shows its true colors.

Plan your fall color tour with the Pure Michigan fall color map to find peak viewing of the season’s changes. Along the way, stop at a cider mill or pumpkin patch, or explore a state park.

After Labor Day, the DNR began removing swim buoys and the Great Lakes flag system from many state park beaches.

Once buoys are removed, the area is no longer considered a designated swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended. Beachgoers should watch weather and water conditions.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2025, experts predict that there will be about 10,230 new prostate cancer cases and 1,100 related deaths in Michigan.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate men and their families about healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and early detection to save lives.

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 SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

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.