I recently voted to protect the rights of Michigan workers by voting against the repeal of Right to Work. Workers should be able to choose whether they want to join a union — without fear of intimidation, threats or loss of employment.

This legislation amounts to a tax hike for our workers at a time when families are struggling to feed their families and pay their bills. Michigan workers should not be forced to hand over their money to a union if they don’t want to.

Right to Work helped our state recover from the recession and made Michigan more competitive in attracting good-paying jobs. With the repeal of Right to Work, I am strongly concerned that Michigan’s economic development will be hindered and that businesses who would have looked to expand or locate in Michigan will now look to grow their businesses elsewhere.

Unfortunately, the Senate voted to reinstate prevailing wage requirements that have shown to cost taxpayers millions more for roads, bridges and schools each year. Studies have shown that prevailing wage will cost Michigan’s universities, community colleges and school districts hundreds of millions of dollars more each year.

Prevailing wage is anti-competitive, bad for the economy and for Michigan’s workers and small businesses. With this implementation we are eliminating competition, leading to fewer roads and bridges getting fixed, creating a strain on contractors and on state and school budgets, and ultimately paying higher taxes. Michigan taxpayers should not be forced to pay more for government projects.

Spring turkey season runs from April 22 through June 7, and while the spring turkey application period is closed, there are still opportunities to hunt this season.

Hunters who did not enter the March drawing can purchase leftover turkey licenses or a Hunt 0234 license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The Hunt 0234 license is a guaranteed license that offers hunters flexible hunting options between May 6 and 31. This license has no quota and can be purchased throughout the entire spring turkey hunting season.

Learn more about this hunt and season dates in the 2023 Spring Turkey Digest.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” In the more than 200 years since he made that statement, our tax system has only become more complicated.

While sometimes daunting, there are many resources available to help you prepare your taxes prior to the deadline:

My staff and I stand ready to help in any way that we can. If we are unable to help, we
will help put you in touch with someone who can.

The Great Lakes Watershed Field Course is a four-day professional development experience for third through 12th grade teachers throughout the Great Lakes region.

For the 2023 course, educators will visit projects in the Grand Traverse region. Training will include invasive species control and prevention, native species habitat improvements, nutrient runoff reductions and keeping the Great Lakes clean — along with developing and implementing similar projects with their students.

The 2023 course will take place from Aug. 8-11; applications are due April 24. There is no charge to participate, but space is limited. For more information or to register visit the Great Lakes Watershed Field Course.

March 20 marked the first day of spring and the beginning of travel season in Michigan. Many will be embarking on spring break vacations soon or looking ahead to plan their next summer adventure.

Whether you prefer a weeklong stay in a state park or are looking to plan a day trip close to home, Michigan is home to endless travel opportunities. The Pure Michigan website is a great tool to help you discover your next destination. There is even a customized trip planning tool where you can find events and destinations in any city or region of the state.

Opening Day of Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Saturday, April 1 – Oct. 31
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
8960 W. Fox Road
Mears

Description: Silver Lake State Park ORV area is open April 1 – Oct. 31 each year. More information here.

Spring Break Open House
Friday, April 7
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lakeshore Museum Center
430 W. Clay Ave.
Muskegon

Description: Join us for a fun open house-style event filled with programs and activities focused on one of Michigan’s resources — copper. More information here.

Frankfort Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8
10 a.m. – noon
Mineral Springs Park
630 Main St.
Frankfort

Description: The Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Easter Egg Hunt is back on this year over 3,000 eggs have been found in previous years. More information here.

Community Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oceana County Fair Grounds
1025 S. State St.
Hart

Description: Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo will start the hunt with a candy shoot spreading over 70 pounds of additional candy over the Easter eggs on the grounds and the Easter Bunny will be there to greet the kids. More information here.

The Hoppening Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8
Noon – 1 p.m.
Montague Township Park
8875 Whitbeck Road
Montague

Description: Free Easter egg hunt, crafts, and photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. More information here. 

Lakeshore Living Show
Friday – Saturday, April 14 – 15
Fri. 4 – 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center
460 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon

Description: The Lakeshore Living Show features products and services that showcase a unique lifestyle. Meet exhibitors who are experts in home, garden, and outdoor recreation. More Information here.

Lakeshore Mama and Me Expo
Saturday, April 15
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison St.
Ludington

Description: This event is a chance to meet providers in the area that can support you in pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood or browse locally made products from local vendors, More information here.

Hospitality Appreciation Night
Wednesday, April 19
5 – 7 p.m.
Five Shores Brewing
163 S. Benzie Blvd.
Beulah

Description: This is a free event to celebrate hospitality workers; All members of the local hospitality community are invited. More Information here.

Benzie Chamber Off the Clock Event
Thursday, April 20
5 – 7 p.m.
Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce Office
826 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia

Description: Enjoy a night of networking and relaxation with other businesses from Benzie. More information here.

The Masked Singer: Fundraising Event at Sandcastles
Friday, April 21
6 – 10 p.m.
Sandcastles Children’s Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington

Description: Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment with Sandcastles Children's Museum 1st Annual The Masked (Local) Singer. More information here.

Family Story Time
Tuesday, April 25
11:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Montague Library
8778 Ferry St.
Montague

Description: Designed to reach children ages birth through elementary. Contains elements of preschool story time, toddler time, and tiny tots. More information here.

Portrait Sketch Party
Wednesday, April 25
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Arts Council of White Lake
106 E. Colby Road
Whitehall

Description: Join MJ Ernst for a unique approach to portrait sketching — we will make it a party of sorts! Students will learn basic face proportions and some strategies to sketch a face in 10 minutes. More information here.

Ludington and Scottville Area Business After Hours
Thursday, April 27
5 – 7 p.m.
Crown and Cork
502 W. Loomis St.
Ludington

Description: Join the Chamber Alliance and local business professionals for a time of networking! This event is held monthly from 5 – 7 p.m. and includes food, drinks, and door prizes. More information here.