Stamas bill to help veterans transition into civilian life headed to the governor

My legislation to help connect military veterans returning home was recently signed by Gov. Snyder.

Our veterans and their families make tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms and way of life, yet many of them face real challenges when returning home from duty. This reform is part of our ongoing effort to show our appreciation to Michigan's 650,000 veterans by ensuring our state is doing its best to assist their transition into civilian life and new careers.

Under Public Act 38, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will take over responsibility of putting together and sending a "welcome home" letter to veterans returning home about veterans service organizations in Michigan and useful tools to help them transition to a civilian lifestyle.

We created the state's Veterans Affairs Agency as a one-stop-shop for veterans, and it just makes sense that our outreach to veterans returning home comes from the agency dedicated to them. I sponsored this legislation to help better connect veterans with the benefits they earned and employment and education opportunities that can help them live the American Dream that they honorably served to protect.

I thank my colleagues and the governor for their support.

If you are a veteran and have questions, or for more information about the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, visit the agency's website or call them at 1-800-MICH-VET.

Michigan job growth recognized

An analysis released by the Pew Charitable Trusts organization ranked Michigan as a top performer in job growth since the Great Recession. Michigan has added 417,900 jobs since March 2010, leading to an employment growth rate of nearly 11 percent, better than any other Great Lakes state.

The study called Michigan the "biggest success story," noting the state fell further than any other state and had a bigger hill to climb coming out of the recession.

Unemployment drops in Michigan!

Getting Michigan back to work has been and continues to be my top priority. We've made great progress, but we are not done yet!



Stamas resolution recognizes Iosco County as a premier birding destination

I introduced Senate Resolution 51 to recognize Iosco County as a premier birding destination in the state of Michigan. The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail originates in Iosco County and travels 150 miles along Lake Huron up to Mackinaw City.

Recognizing Iosco County as a premier birding destination in Michigan is well-deserved. The Tawas Point Birding Festival in May attracts avid bird watchers every year from around the world, and the new Sunrise Coast Birding Trail was recently opened to help bring even more birding enthusiasts to Northern Michigan.

Click here for more information on Senate Resolution 51.

Office Hours in Alpena

I will conduct office hours in Alpena on Monday, June 8, 2015 from 3-4 p.m. at Cabin Creek, on 201 North 2nd Ave. Please join me and express your opinions or concerns about state government. I encourage anyone who needs help or wants to express a viewpoint to stop by. For more information please visit my website.

Senate adopts resolutions to prevent Asian carp in Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a vital part of Michigan's economy, supporting jobs in recreation, tourism, shipping, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and more, all while providing an enviable quality of life.

Asian carp pose an imminent threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. I recently supported Senate Resolutions 22, 23 and 25 urging the Obama Administration and Congress to move quickly and decisively to implement a long-term solution to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes basin.

Mark your calendar!

Michigan's annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend is right around the corner. All fishing license fees are waived for two days on June 13 and 14, 2015. All fishing regulations still apply. Find more information, including sponsored and state park events at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

If you're taking the kids with you, check out the DNR's Family Friendly Fishing Waters website. The site identifies locations that are easy to access and have a high likelihood of catching fish, along with amenities such as picnic tables, grills and restrooms. Visit www.michigan.gov/fishing and click on Fishing in Michigan on the left sidebar.

Here are some photos from Memorial Day 2015. Thank you to all who have served and paid the ultimate price. We are forever grateful and will never forget your sacrifice.






I am pleased that I was able to join the Michigan Works! Association in celebrating of their Prosperity Awards in Lansing. The Prosperity Awards highlighted areas of success through Michigan Works! and the Skilled Trades Training Fund, which keeps Michigan workers in motion by helping job providers connect their team with targeted, high-quality training. Click here to learn more about this program.




It was a pleasure meeting Greg Rogers, president of the MidMichiagn Medical Center in Midland.


Senator Stamas and Greg Rogers, president of MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland.

It was a great attendance at the Good Morning Alpena breakfast at the Art in the Loft. And a special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for their support of the Michigan Activity Pass. We appreciate what you do across Michigan!




Congratulations on the new farmers market in Tawas. What an excellent location-right on the water! What a great placed for family and visitors to enjoy! Click here for more information about Tawas City's Gateway Park.

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