Dear friends,

The recent months have been full of challenges and blessings for many 36th District residents. The severe ice storms that wreaked havoc across Northern Michigan left thousands and thousands of homes and businesses without power and an incredible path of destruction. Thankfully, our first responders and dedicated linemen met the challenge in heroic fashion, and our communities came together to support one another through this difficult experience. As spring blooms and moves into summer, I hope we can celebrate our many annual local festivals and parades with a renewed sense of gratitude for the amazing communities that we call home.

The Michigan 211 hotline is the best point of contact for information regarding storm resources. If you still need assistance connecting with state resources, I encourage you to visit my storm recovery webpage to learn more and fill out the Casework Hotline Form to connect with my office.

Over the next few weeks, the Legislature will be working to complete the state budget for the next fiscal year. Please be assured that I will continue advocating for the priorities of our district and responsible government spending. I will never stop fighting for Northern Michigan values.

My team and I are always available for you. If you have any questions, want to set up a meeting or need help with casework, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at SenMHoitenga@senate.michigan.gov or 517-373-7946.

Sincerely,

Michele Hoitenga
State Senator
36th District

I recently enjoyed meeting with local residents and leaders as I traveled throughout the 36th District to discuss shared concerns and important issues that affect residents across Northern Michigan. Below are photos from some of my stops:

I attended the annual Cadillac Chamber of Commerce Governor’s Breakfast and got the chance to catch up with some of my colleagues like Reps. Tom Kunse and John Roth.

I hosted a coffee hour with local constituents in Alpena to discuss state issues important to them – thank you to those who chose to join us! I enjoyed speaking with you and greatly appreciate your input.

I toured the new APlex event center in Alpena with Congressman Jack Bergman. This state-of-the-art event venue is an amazing resource that supports the community and economy of the Alpena area, and I’m grateful for all the hard work they do.

It was great fun to participate in the National Trout Festival parade in Kalkaska. This annual event celebrates the opening of trout fishing season and has been going strong since 1935. It is a fantastic way to help recognize Michigan as one of the top trout fishing states in the nation. I also was able to enjoy time with Miss Kalkaska at her “Princess and Me Dress Up Tea.”

Accompanied by state Rep. Cam Cavitt, I had the opportunity to visit MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena — a truly exceptional facility. With its cutting-edge technologies and committed staff, this hospital provides invaluable services to rural Michigan. I am thankful for the informative tour that was led by MyMichigan Vice President for Corporate Communications and Legislative Relations Diane Shields and appreciate the hard work of the entire health center team.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to host a meet and greet at Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning, thanks to the hospitality of Northwoods’ fantastic owner, Michael Pavan. It was great to see so many constituents stop by and share their feedback!

I enjoyed some engaging and productive discussions with a group of outdoorsmen in West Branch before heading to Roscommon for a chat with elected officials about local issues.

Addressing the infrastructure needs of the Cadillac culvert is a top priority for me during this year’s budget season. I have been strongly advocating for state funding to support this effort, including $2 million to be set aside in this year’s budget to repair the Cadillac culvert. Recently I spoke with 9&10 News about these ongoing efforts. Click on the image below to see the report.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with 9&10 News in Cadillac about the impact PFAS is having on Michigan communities like Cadillac. You can read more about that here.

People across Northern Michigan are feeling the financial burden of high taxes — especially our seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income and have worked their whole lives, only to now face losing their homes due to skyrocketing property tax increases. Last week, I introduced a bill that would end property taxes in Michigan for seniors over 70, which has gotten both national and local attention.

Read more about it in Newsweek here or read The Alpena News feature on this legislation here. 

Michigan’s Green New Deal energy policies are failing Northern Michigan, and families are feeling it in the rising energy costs they are facing.

I have introduced legislation with Senate Republicans to restore local control for utility solar projects and remove the liberal Green New Deal mandates put in place by the previous Democrat-controlled trifecta of both legislative chambers and governor’s office. Hardworking families and small businesses deserve a pragmatic, all-of-the-above approach to energy that provides affordable and reliable power to heat their homes and turn on the lights.

Is there an issue that is important to you, something I should know, or feedback you’d like to provide?

I care what you have to say. One easy way to make your voice heard is by taking my survey, where you can tell me what matters most to you, and what you’d like to see me focus on in the upcoming legislative session.

To take the survey, please click here.