Dear Friends,

To better serve the people of the 30th Senate District, I am offering this “Week in Review.” I hope you will find it informative about what is happening in Lansing.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issue. You may call 517-373-6920 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,
Roger Victory
State Senator

Last week, the state Senate approved a fiscal year 2023 state budget plan that prioritizes taxpayers and education. The plan includes an increase in per-student funding and in local revenue sharing, pays down debt and sets aside $2 billion to provide tax relief for everyone in Michigan.

I amended the transportation budget to direct more dollars into fixing our local roads. Now, the Senate plan invests nearly $2 billion into local roads while living within our means.

Senate Bill 842 would provide a nearly $996 million increase for higher education, including $361 million for a new Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which would cover up to $3,000 annually at a community college or $6,000 annually at a university. Students could use the scholarship at public or private colleges, community colleges and qualified private training institutions.

The budget plan also includes $55 million for the Going Pro program to provide grants to support employee training and a $1 million increase for Secondary Road Patrol grants that help support emergency response and traffic enforcement on local county roads.

SBs 827-843 have been sent to the state House for consideration. Formal negotiations with the House and the Administration are planned to begin after next week’s May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, which will set official revenue numbers for the next state budget.

On Thursday, I introduced legislation to suspend the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel fuels for four months to provide relief to Michigan drivers.

The good people of Michigan are struggling with increased costs due to the highest inflation in over 40 years and record-high gas and diesel prices. This tax relief measure would reduce the burden on virtually everyone in Michigan — including families trying to make ends meet, businesses facing higher transportation costs, farmers growing the food we need, and an entire tourism industry relying on visitors vacationing in our state.

The state of Michigan currently imposes a 27.2-cents-per-gallon excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel. Senate Bill 1029 would suspend the state’s motor fuel tax from May 15, 2022 through Sept. 15, 2022.

According to AAA, as of May 9, the average per gallon for regular gasoline in Michigan is $4.33. It was $2.96 a year ago. The average diesel price is currently $5.26, over $2 more per gallon than a year ago.

Both prices are the highest recorded average price in Michigan history.

A gas tax holiday is the right thing to do, and I hope the governor this time will join with us to provide hardworking folks in Michigan this important relief.

We’ve had a great response to our office hours in the past, and I look forward to holding them frequently throughout the district to meet with the good people of Ottawa County about state issues and talk with them about their priorities.

Next week, I will be available to meet with constituents at the following dates, times and locations:

Monday, May 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Good Earth Cafe, 14 E. Seventh St., Holland.

Saturday, May 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Sprinkles Donut Shop, 6450 28th Ave., Hudsonville.

Office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or concerns about state government or to request assistance with a state issue. No appointment is necessary, but space may be limited.

Please stay tuned to these weekly updates for the next set of office hours. If you were unable to attend any of the office hours this month and need assistance, click here to contact my office.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Anyone can have a stroke at any age, but almost three-quarters of all strokes happen in people over age 65. Because early treatment is crucial to help minimize the lasting effects of a stroke, knowing the signs or symptoms is important.

A stroke is treatable if you act F.A.S.T.! The warning signs of a stroke are Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. By being aware of these signs, you can help save a life.

Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 30th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.