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

On Feb. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her eighth and final State of the State address.

I am deeply concerned about the rising costs of living, which are putting a squeeze on families across Michigan. We don’t need to compound that problem with higher taxes. We need practical, bipartisan solutions that meet our needs and strengthening the foundation our of communities.

When we make homeownership more affordable and keep property taxes fair, we give families the stability they need to plan for the future and create an environment where children can thrive. And by investing in classrooms, supporting teachers and improving reading and learning outcomes, we ensure that the next generation has the tools to succeed and carry Michigan forward.

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 when many families are still struggling to make ends meet, the governor is proposing $800 million in new taxes and withdrawing $400 million from the state’s emergency savings fund.

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.

Join me for my first episode of Conversations with Mark, where I’m joined by Bev Thiel, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.

In this episode, we discuss how Habitat has impacted families here in West Michigan, how the organization fosters a strong volunteer culture and its impressive ReStore.

Click here or on the image below to watch the podcast. The episode is now available on all major platforms, and new episodes drop every other Thursday at noon.

I’m excited to share our 2026 Reading Contest for students across Michigan’s 30th Senate District. From March 1-31, K-12 students can read as many books as they’d like, take a photo with their books and enter for a chance to win a day in Lansing.

The winner will enjoy a tour of the Michigan Capitol, time on the Senate floor and lunch with me and my team. It’s a great way to celebrate learning and the power of reading. Check it out at SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/reading.

Click here to watch a short video highlighting the importance of reading and the contest from the Library of Michigan.

I hold in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and receive help with a variety of state issues.

On Monday, March 23, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:

It was my honor to have Grand Rapids Fire Department Chief Brad Brown as my guest at the Capitol for the governor’s State of the State address. I’m grateful for his leadership, his service to our community and his commitment to keeping Grand Rapids families safe.

I was honored to attend a farewell party for Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. During his time with the city, I had the pleasure of getting to know him and seeing firsthand his dedication to his officers and the communities he served. I presented him with an honorary tribute to thank him and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

After being inspired by Team USA in the Winter Olympics, I joined Sen. Jon Bumstead at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park to learn more about the sport and this incredible facility. We then hit the track and each took luge sled runs.

Click here or on the image below to watch a full video of our visit to the facility.

Blandford Nature Center is hosting its 56th annual Sugarbush Festival, a hands on celebration of Michigan’s maple sugaring season. Families can explore the Sugarbush Trail, watch live syrup making demonstrations, enjoy wildlife encounters, crafts, music and plenty of maple treats.

This year’s festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, offering a fun and educational way to welcome spring. Click here to learn more about the 2026 festival.

Coopersville is moving forward with plans to expand the North Bank Trail, an 18 mile pathway that will eventually connect the Grand Rapids area to Lake Michigan. The community is rallying behind the project through the upcoming Celebrate Coopersville fundraiser, which will help cover engineering and grant matching costs needed to keep the trail on track.

This effort highlights the strong local commitment to improving outdoor recreation and strengthening regional connectivity. Click here to learn more.

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.

Winter may be ending soon, but there’s still time 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.

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.

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.