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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

State budget update

The state’s full 2026 fiscal year budget has not yet been passed by the Michigan Legislature. However, a continuation budget has been passed and signed by the governor to keep the government open until Oct. 8. The Legislature is working around the clock to pass a full 2026 fiscal year budget before the expiration of the continuation measure.

Currently, disagreements on the school aid budget and a potential road funding package have prevented the Legislature from coming together to pass a budget and keep our state open. Both chambers will continue to negotiate and will work to pass a final budget to keep the government open.

As your state senator, I want you to know that I am displeased that we in the Legislature have not been able to come together before now to get a balanced budget passed to avoid this situation. I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle and across both chambers to build a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that will prevent a shutdown as soon as possible.

Elk viewing

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.

Pure Michigan

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.

Deer hunting updates

▪	Hunters can stop by Deer Drop-In Mondays statewide to bring in a deer or lower jaw for aging and pick up free items like patches, stickers, hand warmers and field dressing gloves. DNR staff will be available to answer questions. Find a location near you.

▪	Successful deer kills must be reported within 72 hours. Reports take 3 to 5 minutes and can be done online or through the DNR app.

▪

Free CWD testing has expanded. For deer harvested in high-impact counties, samples can be submitted through DNR drop boxes and staffed sample submission sites. For deer harvested in other counties, CWD test kits are available at over 50 locations across the state. Results are posted to the DNR lab results webpage.

▪	Hunters who find a deer they suspect has contracted or died from EHD can submit a diseased wildlife report through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field online system.

▪	View or download the Hunting Regulations Summary for a full list of the rules and regulations.

Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District

Depot to Depot: Self-guided color tour
Wednesday, Oct. 1
9 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Muskegon County Visitor Center
610 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon
White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau
124 W. Hanson St.
Whitehall

Description: Experience the beauty of Michigan’s autumn foliage at your own pace. This scenic route stretches from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light at Pere Marquette Beach to the White River Light Station on the White Lake Channel, connecting Muskegon and Whitehall, and into Montague, along the West Michigan Pike Byway. Click here to learn more.

Ludington Lumber Days
Friday, Oct. 3 — Sunday, Oct. 5
Downtown Ludington

Description: Step into Ludington’s past and celebrate the rich lumber heritage that helped build the community during Ludington Lumber Days, a brand-new fall festival weekend packed with lumberjack-inspired fun, history, music and adventure for all ages. Click here to learn more.

Hart ArtWalk
Saturday, Oct. 4
11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Downtown Hart

Description: Come look at the creative offerings displayed in local businesses throughout downtown during the fourth annual Hart ArtWalk. Click here for more details.

Pumpkinfest
Saturday, Oct. 11
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Downtown Montague

Description: Pumpkinfest is a family-friendly day in downtown Montague with many pumpkin-inspired events, contests and features. Click here for more details.

Classic Car and Hot Rod Show — Oktoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 11
All day
Downtown Pentwater
Description: Oktoberfest events include the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show, Stout Stumble 5K Walk and Run, C.O.V.E. Home Tour, live music, seasonal beverages and more! Click here to learn more.

Frankfort Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 11
9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Downtown Frankfort

Description: Enjoy the fall craft fair, parade and other family-friendly events. Click here to learn more.

Pumpkins in the Park Glow Walk
Saturday, Oct. 11
7 — 9 p.m.
Cartier Park
1254 N. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington

Description: This friendly glow walk and pumpkin carving fundraiser benefits West Shore Family Support. Freewill donations to walk the pumpkin path will be accepted at the event. Click here for more information.

Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic
Saturday, Oct. 18
9:30 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Crystal Mountain
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville

Description: The 19th annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic is held in and around the beautiful, gently rolling terrain surrounding Crystal Mountain. Learn more by clicking here.

Village Trick-or-Treat
Saturday, Oct. 18
2 — 5 p.m.
White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington

Description: Dress in your favorite costume for a family-friendly event! Go trick-or-treating at Historic White Pine Village. To learn more, click here.

Harvest Fest
Thursday, Oct. 23
5 — 8 p.m.
Culinary Institute of Michigan
336 W. Clay Ave.
Muskegon

Description: Harvest Fest is a fall fundraising event featuring culinary delights created by the Culinary Institute of Michigan, paired with a variety of local, craft and domestic beverages. Guests will enjoy live music, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and much more! Click here to learn more.

Spooktacular
Saturday, Oct. 25
Noon — 2 p.m.
Village Green
231 S. Hancock St.
Pentwater

Description: Enjoy a costume contest, spooky scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating and more. For more information, click here.

Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 25
Noon — 3 p.m.
Downtown Manistee

Description: Join local organizations and small businesses for festive treats, family-friendly activities and a whole lot of autumn fun! Click here to learn more.

Trick or Treating
Friday, Oct. 31
5 — 7 p.m.
Pentwater Fire Department
486 E. Park St.
Pentwater

Description: Kids may trick-or-treat in the village at homes with their porch light on. Free homemade donuts will be provided by the Pentwater Fire Department. Click here for more information.

Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct. 31
5 — 8 p.m.
Downtown Frankfort

Description: Get ready for a spooky good time at trunk-or-treating in downtown Frankfort. Bring the kids for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks. Click here to learn more.

Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com