The fiscal year 2023 education budget was recently signed into law, which includes increases in funding for K-12 schools and boosts the per-student investment to a historic level.

Senate Bill 845 features a nearly $2.6 billion increase in K-12 school funding and boosts the minimum foundation allowance to $9,150 per student. It also provides $295 million to address student mental health, $305 million in scholarship funding to help address teacher shortages, and $168 million in school safety grants.

SB 845 also includes a 5% increase for university and community college operations, $300 million to pay down debt in the higher education retirement system, and $250 million in a fund for a new student scholarship program, details for which will be negotiated this summer.

In addition to the Legislature focusing on education there were a multitude of highlights in the budget that will positively impact West Michigan families for many years to come, including improving our roads, water infrastructure, paying down debts, and helping families across Michigan. We were able to do all of this without increasing taxes.

House Bill 5783, which is the general omnibus budget and also signed by the governor, also includes $600,000 for watershed council grants for education, administration, or conservation activities. In addition, it provides $3.4 million for Muskegon Family Care to help support the health care of area residents, and Shelby Township will receive $650,000 for local road projects.

HB 5783 also includes:

The Michigan Unemployment Agency is warning of a new text message phishing scam targeting residents who may have filed for unemployment insurance during the pandemic.

If you have filed for unemployment benefits and receive a text message claiming to be from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, ignore it — it’s a scam. UIA does not use text messaging to correspond with claimants or to process payments.

The agency’s anti-fraud investigators have learned of a recent phishing scheme to try to steal money and personal information from Michigan workers. The text message comes from an out-of-state phone number and provides a link to claim back payments. Do not click on the link. Report it as junk or spam and delete the text.

UIA communicates with claimants through their Michigan Web Account Manager account, letters mailed to the current address on file or by phone.

The suspicious text message is from a phone number with a 210 Area Code, which is in Texas. The message reads in part: “MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Your back payment deposit of $2,800 is now pending on your profile.” It then instructs the recipient to click on a strange link to receive payment. The link is to a fake, replica UIA website.

This is an example of a government imposter scam. More information on these types of scams can be found on the Attorney General's Consumer Alerts page.

Below you will find some additional tips from the UIA that can be helpful with protecting your personal information:

If you suspect fraud or identity theft, report it by clicking on the Report Fraud and Identity Theft link at Michigan.gov/UIA and fill out a referral form. Be sure to fill out all the information and make sure it is current. You can also view this video from the UIA that explains how to report identity theft.

I sponsored Senate Resolution 161, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate to declare July as Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month in Michigan.

Hunters and anglers were among the first conservationists in our state, working within a complex system to establish an active presence of wildlife management and conservation to ensure that wildlife and natural resources in our state can be enjoyed for future generations.

Annually, hunters and anglers contribute upwards of $11.2 billon to Michigan’s economy and create close to 200,000 jobs. Licenses and tags purchased by hunters and anglers help to preserve conservation practices across our state, so Michigan’s outdoor heritage is not lost for future generations.

Ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road trails or the state’s five scramble areas during the second Free ORV Weekend of 2022.

Michigan residents and visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails from Aug. 20-21 without an ORV license or permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.

I want to remind area-residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks.

White Lake Community Fireworks
Saturday, July 30
9:30 p.m. – Midnight
Downtown Whitehall / Montague

Description: Join us for free community fireworks over White Lake on Saturday, July 30. Fireworks will begin at dusk! All are welcome to join in either downtown Montague or Whitehall to watch the show.

Rockin’ Rotary Park in White Cloud
Wednesday, August 10
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Rotary Park
White Cloud, MI 49349

Description: Rockin' Rotary Park is a free, family friendly Summer Concert Series. More information here.

Pentwater Homecoming
August 11 – 13
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Downtown Pentwater

Description: The largest event in Pentwater filled with a multitude of activities. More information here.

City of North Muskegon Parade
Thursday, August 11
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Downtown North Muskegon

Description: The City of North Muskegon along with RE/MAX West are hosting the annual parade. The route is along Ruddiman from Fleming to Charles. More information here.

Library Confidential
Thursday, August 11
5:30 p.m.
Hackley Library
316 W Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: Come to Hackley Library after hours to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the library works. More information here.

Great Lakes Surf Festival
Saturday, August 13
12:30 – 6 p.m.
Pere Marquette Public Beach
3510 Channel Drive
Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: Fourth annual surf festival, watch learn and enjoy a day on the beach. More information can be found here.

FORE Fun Golf Outing
Wednesday, August 17th
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Waters Edge Golf Course
1100 N Ramshorn Drive
Fremont, MI 49412

Description: Second Annual FORE Fun River Country Golf Outing. More information here.

Arts and Drafts Festival
Saturday, August 20
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ross Park
82 Randall Rd.
Norton Shores, MI 49441

Description: An Arts and Crafts, the Arts and Wheels Car Show, live music and food and plenty of food and beverages. More information here.

Oceana County Fair
August 23 – 27
Oceana County Fairgrounds
1025 S State St.
Hart, MI 49420

Description: Featuring food, fun, and exciting events, the fair is a great finish to summer in Oceana County. More information here.

Pentwater Sidewalk Sale
August 26 – 27
All day event
Hancock Street
Pentwater, MI 49449

Description: Participating merchants along Hancock Street will have special deals and promotions during Sidewalk Sales! Great weekend to do some shopping in town.