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Fiscal year 2027 state budget passed by the Legislature
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The Michigan Legislature recently passed the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which has been signed by the governor.
In February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed an $88 billion budget that increased spending, raised taxes and raided the state’s emergency savings. After Republicans fought back against those proposals, the final budget reduces overall spending by $1 billion, doesn’t raise taxes and protects the state’s savings account.
The budget also increases per-student funding to $10,300 and invests in phonics training for teachers to help kids learn to read.
As the minority vice chair of Senate Appropriations, I was proud to advocate for and help secure funding in the new budget for several important projects and community initiatives across the 32nd Senate District. Below is a list of investments that will directly benefit our district and support our communities for years to come:
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Access Health Muskegon — $1.3 million |
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Muskegon County Road Commission, Blackmer Road repair — $3.3 million |
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Shelby Township Training Facility — $2 million |
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Shelby Township community infrastructure — $1 million |
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West Shore Community College renovation — $5.9 million |
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Oaks Correctional Facility new Level IV housing facilities — $77 million |
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Muskegon Community College, School Aid increase of 1% — $10.8 million |
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West Shore Community College, School Aid increase of 2% — $3.059 million |
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Chobani Business Development Program grant for expansion — $5 million |
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Make It in Michigan grant to support Mitra Future Technologies — $50 million |
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Muskegon County Strategic Site Readiness funding to repair and modernize a wastewater system — $28 million
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City of Coopersville Strategic Site Readiness funding for infrastructure upgrades to the regional water system supporting an expansion by Fairlife — $17 million
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Pomona Park shoreline access and trail development DNR trust fund project, MNRTF — $400,000
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Grass Lake development project, MNRTF — $90,000
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Paving the Betsie Valley Trail, MNRTF — $299,100
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Cullen Field improvement project, MNRTF — $400,000
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Lake Harbor Park splash pad, MNRTF — $194,500
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Hartshorn Marina expansion, MNRTF — $730,200
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Muskegon State Game Area land consolidation, MNRTF — $1.6 million
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Guardianship reforms signed into law
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New laws to reform Michigan’s guardianship system and better protect vulnerable individuals and their homes have been signed into law.
Public Act 69 requires court approval before a guardian can change an incapacitated person’s residence after demonstrating to the court that the move is necessary and appropriate for the individual’s needs. Public Act 68 requires a licensed appraisal before a protected person’s home may be sold.
The new reforms strengthen oversight and accountability in Michigan’s guardianship system.
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to investigate the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. The state typically identifies 50 cases a year. This year, more than 10,000 cases have been reported.
Previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. Although the exact source of this outbreak has not been identified, MDHHS recommends the following lettuce safety tips:
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Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad kits. |
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Discard the outer two or three layers of leaves before preparing the lettuce. |
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Wash the remaining inner leaves thoroughly under clean running water. |
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Cook greens when possible. The parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection, and washing alone can’t guarantee its removal. Cooking to an internal temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option. |
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To reduce the risk when eating other fruits and vegetables, cook the produce when possible. For produce with removable skin, wash it under clean running water before peeling. Prewashed lettuce is not guaranteed to be safe, and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove the parasite.
Click here for the latest information on the cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan.
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Stronger protections for missing children become law
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New laws expanding protections for missing children in Michigan have been signed into law.
Public Acts 55 and 56 expand Michigan’s child alert system by allowing public broadcasts for missing children who are not believed to have been abducted. The laws also authorize the use of social media to distribute information and alert the public about missing children.
In addition, the laws require the Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert for a missing child with special needs or any missing child determined to be in danger following a preliminary investigation.
The changes expand Michigan’s child alert system and address gaps in the Amber Alert process.
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Michigan’s 2026 primary election will be held on Aug. 4.
Michigan voters will nominate candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the Michigan Senate and Michigan House. Voters may also decide local races and ballot proposals, including county, city and township elections.
Statewide early voting began July 25, giving voters the option to cast a ballot in person before the Aug. 2 deadline. Early voting locations and hours can be verified through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your voter registration, view a sample ballot or find your polling place.
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New laws allow paid military leave
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New laws have been signed to better support firefighters and police officers who also serve in the National Guard or reserves.
Public Acts 57 and 58 ensure eligible first responders receive at least 26 days of paid military leave each year, allowing them to fulfill military training and deployment obligations without using vacation time or taking unpaid leave.
The new acts help ensure first responders can meet their military obligations without losing income.
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E-biking on Michigan’s roads and trails
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An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with a rechargeable electric motor that assists while pedaling or can power the bike on its own. Some e-bikes may be used on DNR-managed trails and other paths within state parks and recreation areas.
Michigan classifies e-bikes into three categories that determine where they can be ridden:
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Class 1: Pedal-assisted up to 20 mph. Allowed on DNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are permitted, except in state game and wildlife areas, the North Country Trail, High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways in Pigeon River Country. |
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Class 2: Throttle- and pedal-assisted up to 20 mph. Allowed only for mobility use with a free DNR-issued permit on DNR-managed trails. |
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Class 3: Pedal-assisted up to 28 mph. Not permitted on state-managed trails. |
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E-motos, such as electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes, are not considered e-bikes and are not allowed on DNR-managed trails.
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Digital kill tags available for deer season
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The Department of Natural Resources is offering eHarvest as an optional digital tagging system for deer hunters this fall. Hunters may use the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to electronically tag harvested deer instead of using a paper kill tag. Hunters may continue using paper tags if they prefer.
The system allows hunters to validate their harvest directly after the animal is taken and works without a cellular connection. Once validated, the tag is recorded and time-stamped on the hunter’s device.
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Help monitor Michigan wildlife
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The Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report sightings of several wildlife species.
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Wild turkeys: The annual wild turkey brood survey helps scientists monitor turkey populations and reproductive patterns. Residents can report sightings of wild turkeys and turkey broods through the online survey, which is open through Aug. 31. |
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Gray foxes: Recent research suggests gray foxes may be less common than previously believed. Although red foxes are more familiar to many Michiganders, gray foxes are also native to the state. Residents can report sightings through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field reporting system. |
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ORV safety training grants
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Grant funding is available to help county and local governments, school districts, colleges and universities offer ORV safety classes taught by certified instructors.
Michigan law requires ORV operators younger than 16 to complete an approved ORV safety course. Courses cover safe riding practices, proper use of safety equipment and trail rules and regulations.
For more information or to apply for an ORV safety education grant, click here.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Blue Lake Summer Arts Festival
Saturday, Aug. 1
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
300 Crystal Lake Road
Twin Lake
Description: Enjoy a free outdoor concert as part of the Blue Lake Summer Arts Festival at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. To learn more about this event, click here.
52nd Annual Old Engine and Tractor Show
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Scottville Riverside Park
700 S. Scottville Road
Scottville
Description: Enjoy viewing all makes of tractors, trucks, stationary engines and more at the 52nd Annual Old Engine and Tractor Show. Click here to learn more.
Maritime Festival
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Various locations around White Lake
Description: For the first time since 2012, this three-day celebration will honor the area’s strong maritime traditions with events and activities for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
Hackley and Hume Historic Site After Dark Tour
Friday, Aug. 7
9 – 10 p.m.
Hackley and Hume Historic Site
484 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Explore the Hackley and Hume Historic Site after dark! Click here to learn more.
2026 Barnyard Boogie
Saturday, Aug. 8
8 – 10 a.m.
Mason County Fairgrounds
5302 W. U.S. 10
Ludington
Description: This is the 5th Annual Barnyard Boogie 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run! Click here to learn more.
43rd Annual Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Saturday, Aug. 8 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Rotary Park
100 N. Lewis St.
Ludington
Description: Browse and shop items from over 150 vendors at the 43rd Annual Gold Coast Artisan Fair. Click here to learn more.
Bioblitz Exploration Day at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary
Sunday, Aug. 9
9 a.m. – noon
2890 Lakeshore Road
Manistee
Description: Enjoy a special day of exploration and discovery with Michigan Audubon staff. Click here to learn more.
Pentwater Homecoming
Thursday, Aug. 13 – Sunday, Aug. 16
All day
Downtown Pentwater
Description: There are numerous activities scheduled for everyone’s enjoyment. Highlights include the Strawberry Shortcake Social, a combined concert with the Pentwater Civic Band and Scottville Clown Band, a sand sculpture contest, horseshoe tournament, Big Ten preseason tailgate party, grand parade, fireworks, pancake breakfast and more. Click here to learn more.
Frankfort Art Fair
Friday, Aug. 14 – Saturday, Aug. 15
Market Square Park
415 Crystal Ave.
Frankfort
Description: Visit one of Michigan’s most prestigious art events that features over 100 fine art vendors. Click here to learn more.
Jog with Dogs
Saturday, Aug. 15
9 – 10 a.m.
811 Paws Trail
Manistee
Description: Love dogs? Come help give some exercise to canine friends at the Homeward Bound animal shelter. Click here to learn more.
Muskegon Lake Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 15
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grand Trunk Pavilion
2090 Lakeshore Drive
Muskegon
Description: Celebrate the cleanup and restoration of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern while enjoying a day at the lake. Click here to learn more.
Marsh Wildflower Hike
Wednesday, Aug. 19
10 a.m. – noon
Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve
16791 Northwood Highway
Arcadia
Description: Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Click here to learn more.
Pentwater Sidewalk Sales
Friday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 22
Downtown Pentwater
Description: Take a stroll through beautiful downtown Pentwater as local merchants bring their best deals and must-have finds right to the sidewalk. Click here to learn more.
Wings Over Muskegon
Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23
Muskegon County Airport
99 Sinclair Drive
Muskegon
Description: This family-friendly air show features historic warbirds, military aircraft, jet-powered demonstrations, pyrotechnics, music, aircraft displays and more! Click here to learn more.
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Saturday, Aug. 29
3 – 5 p.m.
Frankfort Beach
Description: Get outside and fly a kite at the final Let’s Go Fly a Kite event of the summer. Click here to learn more.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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