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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
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Governor signs disappointing 2025 budget bills
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The governor recently signed a spending plan for the 2025 fiscal year that significantly increases the size of government, increases state debt, and relies on a permanent tax increase for Michigan taxpayers.
Throughout the budget process, Senate Republicans offered amendments to end corporate subsidies and return that money to taxpayers, repair crumbling bridges, help keep fentanyl out of our communities, and pay down debt. Unfortunately, these amendments were not included in the finalized budget by the Democrat majority.
These fiscally irresponsible budget bills included:
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A budget balanced by a $700 million income tax hike. Michigan families are already struggling to pay for basic necessities like groceries and gasoline, and they cannot afford a tax increase to grow state government. |
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A $670 million raid on the teacher retirement fund. For more than a decade, Republicans have worked diligently to pay down our debts and responsibly fund the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System to ensure these resources will be available for our dedicated teachers. |
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No increase in per-student funding – for the first time in over a decade. This budget fails to address the needs of Michigan students, who continue to perform worse than their peers in other states. |
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A 92% cut to student mental health and school safety funding. This tragic and unnecessary cut further fails our students. |
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Millions of taxpayer dollars in corporate welfare. We should be spending taxpayer dollars on vital infrastructure needs that benefit all Michigan residents, not corporate handouts. |
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Public Act 120 of 2024 is a school aid omnibus budget bill providing funding for the state’s K-12 schools, public universities and local community colleges. Public Act 121 of 2024 is a general omnibus budget bill funding all non-education segments of state government.
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On July 11, the Natural Resources Commission met to review and adopt scheduled deer hunting regulations. While most of the updates will not go into effect until after the 2024 season has ended, some notable updates for the current fall season were adopted, including an expansion of antlerless deer hunting opportunities in parts of the Lower Peninsula. The commission also approved the use of any legal firearm in the northern half of the lower peninsula during muzzleloader season, an early antlerless season in September and a later season in December for the lower peninsula, and expanded hunting opportunities in January.
Regulations that remain in place for the 2024 season include:
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Baiting regulations remain unchanged from 2023. |
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Antler point restrictions, with the exception of Deer Management Unit 122, remain unchanged from 2023. |
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The combination license, with the opportunity for two antlered deer, remains unchanged from 2023. |
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Early and late antlerless season counties remain unchanged from 2023. |
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A full summary of the updates that apply to the fall 2024 hunting season can be found here.
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Early voting begins for Michigan’s Primary Election
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Early voting for the Aug. 6 Primary Election began on July 27 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4. Registered Michigan voters across the state can find their local sites and hours at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.
Voters who have requested and received absentee ballots can bring their completed ballot to their early voting sites or hand-deliver them to local clerks’ offices or secure drop boxes. Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 6, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about voting and elections in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.
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OK2SAY reports continued success
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OK2SAY is Michigan’s nationally recognized prevention-based student safety reporting system. The program allows students to confidentially report threatening behavior and empowers students to prevent violence and make their schools safer.
According to the OK2SAY 2023 Annual Report, more than 50,000 tips have been reported since the program was launched in 2014. In 2023, a total of 9,686 tips were reported involving such issues as bullying, threats of suicide, drugs, and sexual assault or misconduct.
Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone, text, email or through the OK2SAY mobile app. Tips can be reported by:
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Calling: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) |
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Texting: 652729 (OK2SAY) |
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Using the OK2SAY mobile app: Available for download in the Apple and Google app stores. |
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More information is available online, including resources for schools, age-appropriate presentations, and resources for students who need additional support.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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2024 White Lake Community Picnic
Thursday, Aug. 1
5 — 8 p.m.
Goodrich Park
100 N. Lake St.
Whitehall
Description: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the 2024 White Lake Community Picnic. Learn more here.
Onekama Days 2024
Friday, Aug. 2 — Monday, Aug. 5
Downtown Onekama
Description: There is something for everyone, so come and have fun with family and friends. Learn more here.
Onekama Parks Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, Aug. 3
10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Onekama Village Park
Portage Avenue
Onekama
Description: Search for treasures and prizes at the Onekama Parks Scavenger Hunt. A smartphone is required. Learn more here.
Western Michigan Fair
Monday, Aug. 5 — Saturday, Aug. 10
Mason County Fairgrounds
5302 W. U.S. 10
Ludington
Description: Go to the Western Michigan Fair to enjoy fun events, such as the goat show, harness racing, and more! Learn more here.
Pentwater Homecoming
Thursday, Aug. 8 — Sunday, Aug. 11
Pentwater
Description: This is the largest event in Pentwater. Locals and visitors love to come “home” for homecoming. There are numerous activities scheduled for everyone’s enjoyment. Learn more here.
Summer Concert at White River Light Station
Friday, Aug. 9
7 — 8 p.m.
White River Light Station
6199 Murray Road
Whitehall
Description: Listen to local music artists at the Summer Concert at White River Light Station. Bring your own lawn chair and relax. Learn more here.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
Saturday, Aug. 10
12:30 — 6 p.m.
Pere Marquette Park
3510 Channel Drive
Muskegon
Description: Celebrate the surf culture of the Great Lakes at the 2024 Great Lakes Surf Festival. Learn more here.
Frankfort Collector Car Show
Saturday, Aug. 17
8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Mineral Springs Park
630 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: If you are a classic car enthusiast, then this is the event for you. The Frankfort Collector Car Show will feature collector cars from both near and far for all to view and enjoy. Learn more here.
Little Sable Point 150th Anniversary
Saturday, Aug. 17
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Little Sable Lighthouse
287 N. Lighthouse Drive
Mears
Description: Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Fun games and activities for the whole family. Learn more here.
Suds on the Shore Beer and Wine Tasting Festival in Ludington
Saturday, Aug. 17
Noon — 5 p.m.
Rotary Park
West Ludington Avenue
Ludington
Description: An annual craft beer tasting festival that will have dozens of beverages to try. Learn more here.
Oceana County Fair
Monday, Aug. 19 – Saturday, Aug. 24
Oceana County Fairgrounds
1025 S. State St.
Hart
Description: The Oceana County Fair will feature fun and festivities for the whole family that you won’t want to miss. Learn more here.
PaleoJoe: Dinosaur Show
Thursday, Aug. 22
Noon — 1 p.m.
Thompsonville Fire Hall and Community Center
14714 Lincoln St.
Thompsonville
Description: Come learn about dinosaurs at the PaleoJoe: Dinosaur Show. Learn more here.
2024 Float-A-Palooza
Saturday, Aug. 24
1 — 3 p.m.
White Lake
Description: Help attempt to set the world record for the largest raft of kayaks and canoes! For registration, location, and additional information, click here.
Muskegon Polish Festival
Friday, Aug. 30 — Saturday, Aug. 31
11 a.m. — 10 p.m.
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Immerse yourself in Polish culture at the 2024 Muskegon Polish Festival. Enjoy Polish food, polka music, and more. Learn more here.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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