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.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. 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

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed my legislation as part of a bipartisan package designed to implement the financial disclosure measures of Proposal 1 of 2022.

These financial disclosure requirements are a good step toward a more transparent state government and toward better ensuring elected officials are making decisions for the people of Michigan and not for their own personal benefit. They are also examples of the positive solutions we can achieve when we work together — and I hope to see more bipartisan efforts like this in the new year.

In November 2022, Michigan voters approved Proposal 1 with over 66% of the vote. The constitutional amendment included language to require statewide officeholders and members of the Legislature to file an annual financial disclosure report with the state.

Public Acts 281-284 of 2023 implement Proposal 1’s financial disclosure section by requiring the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, members of the Legislature, candidates for those offices — and spouses in limited instances — to disclose certain financial information every year.

I recently had the privilege of touring Calvin University’s nursing program with the School of Health Dean Dr. Adejoke Ayoola.

This year, I was able to secure $1 million for Calvin’s workforce development partnership program. This will allow Calvin University to partner with organizations like Exalta Health, which provides health and wellness services to those in need.

To watch a video of my tour of the nursing program, click here or on the image below.

As we come together to celebrate the Christmas season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this special time of year.

Our West Michigan community is made special by all the wonderful people who call it home. I want to thank you for your continued efforts in making West Michigan an amazing place to live.

From my family to yours, I wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas filled with love and cherished moments. May the new year ahead be one of hope, prosperity, and togetherness. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

To watch a video I recorded in front of the Capitol Christmas tree, click here or on the image below.

The Growing Michigan Together Council was established by Gov. Whitmer in June of 2023 to develop a plan to address Michigan’s population decline. On Dec. 14, the council released its report.

Michigan’s declining population is a serious concern for the future of our state, but the council’s recommendations call for $2.5 billion in additional spending. With so many people leaving the state, the only way to raise revenue is to increase taxes on the residents who still live here. With prices on everything from groceries to homes so high, the last thing Michigan needs is more taxes.

Raising taxes will only worsen Michigan’s population woes, forcing even more people to seek prosperity in other states. Now is not the time to grow state government or increase taxes. Senate Republicans will continue to advocate for reducing state taxes and leaving more resources for families and small businesses, expanding freedom, and encouraging hard work and investment to build up a healthier economy and brighter future for all Michiganders.

Michigan’s winter weather can make driving dangerous. A little preparation before you head out can go a long way to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

Always check the road conditions before you leave and allow yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going. Drive slowly and allow extra space between vehicles. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Some items to keep in your car include water bottles, jumper cables, a battery charger, warm blanket, ice scraper and shovel. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information and tips for driving in winter weather.

Have you tried fat tire biking yet? The sport is quickly becoming a favorite winter activity across Michigan. Fat tire bikes have tires up to five inches wide, making them capable of floating across snow and perfect for traversing the hundreds of miles of Michigan trails.

Fat tire bikes are permitted on any trail that allows bicycles, and thanks to the dedication of volunteers across the state who keep trails groomed all winter long, Michigan is home to some of the best fat tire trails in the county.

Silver Lake State Park has a designated fat tire biking season, offering riders 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes.

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 [email protected].

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.