I recently voted to finalize the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget plan, which the governor signed this week. The budget funds priorities like education and infrastructure without raising taxes on hardworking families.

Michigan is emerging from a difficult year, and our healthier and growing economy is reflected in the state’s new budget. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I fought to support vital programs and services that West Michiganders rely on every day, like our schools, police and fire departments, and job training programs. We’re also increasing our investments in critical infrastructure, like bridges and dams, and protecting our clean water resources.

Significant investments were incorporated in the finalized budget to clean up the environment and expand economic development opportunities in Muskegon. It includes $2 million to assist the city of Muskegon with an environmental cleanup project to reduce potential health risks along the harbor of Muskegon Lake. Once the mitigation is completed, the site is expected to become the center of a residential and commercial development project. The funding in this budget will be critical to mitigating environmental risks in downtown Muskegon, and I’m proud to have this funding included in the budget.

Senate Bill 82, which is the general omnibus budget bill, also includes:

House Bill 4400, which is the higher education-focused budget bill, includes increases for community colleges and public universities and $86 million to reduce university public school employee retirement obligations — building on the $140 million investment to reduce school unfunded liabilities included in the previously signed K-12 school aid budget finalized in July. It also provided a record level of state school funding for the current school year and boosted every school district’s foundation allowance up to at least $8,700 per student.

The state’s new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

The fiscal year 2022 budget, which was approved last week with unanimous support of Senate Republicans and Democrats, included important oversight requirements concerning the behavior of state government.

As approved, it requires transparency and accountability from the office of the governor during an emergency, and it requires the secretary of state to keep branch offices open to walk-in customers.

Throughout our state’s battle against the coronavirus, residents were left in the dark about important decisions made by their governor directly affecting their lives. The new budget will require transparency and accountability from the governor during an emergency.

And even now as most of Michigan has reopened for business, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is keeping her branch offices permanently closed for same-day and walk-in services. This has left Michiganders scrambling for a limited number of appointments, some of which are months away. Secretary Benson has also ended evening and weekend hours, making it even harder for busy Michiganders to do business with her office. The budget will require the secretary of state to keep branch offices open to walk-in customers.

One provision in the Senate-approved budget prohibited state and local governments and community colleges and universities from forcing people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. I am disappointed that Gov. Whitmer rejected another part of the budget that prohibited local health departments from unilaterally enacting local mask mandates, which she claimed as unconstitutional and unenforceable. This provision was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support, because we believe it is the people’s right to make their own personal health care decisions.

State government needs to be more accountable to our residents, especially in times of emergency. That’s why this budget sought to ensure our government is open to serve people’s needs, and Michiganders’ right to make their own personal health decisions regarding vaccines is protected.

As chair of the DNR and EGLE budgets, I’ve made protecting our clean water and natural resources a legislative priority.

Preserving and protecting our natural resources is essential to our state’s long term health and economic success. The Department of Natural Resources budget included funding to support important programs and services in that effort without increasing user fees.

The budget included $320,000 to improve the online search tool that people can use to find state parks, recreation areas, and state forest campgrounds based on location and types of available activities and recreation.

We also provided funds for the Land and Water Fund Authority, and to make our fish hatcheries operate more efficiently.

Key funding highlights from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy included:

I was proud to accept the 2021 Legislator of the Year award from MMA President John Walsh

The Michigan Manufacturers Association recently named me one of its legislators of the year in appreciation for outstanding leadership on behalf of Michigan manufacturers.

The MMA cited my efforts as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to ensure that manufacturers throughout the state are be able to use their best judgement as to how to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep COVID-19 out of the workplace.

My thanks to the MMA, President John Walsh, and all manufacturers throughout our district and the state for all they do to make Michigan a great place to work, live and raise a family.

The state of Michigan currently has personal protective equipment available at no cost for schools and ISDs in Michigan. Items are designated for use in protecting against COVID-19 and will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include:

For questions or to request additional PPE, please email the Department of Technology, Management and Budget with quantities desired at [email protected].

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

17th Annual Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour
Saturday, October 2, 9, 16 and 23
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
124 W Hanson Street
Whitehall, MI 49461

Description: Travel along some of Michigan’s most beautiful scenic drives during the annual Depot to Depot, Muskegon County Fall Color Tour. Travelers have four Saturdays in October to experience the vibrant colors of the woods, dunes and water! More information can also be found here.


No Fleas Flea Market
Saturday, October 2
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bellwether Harbor
7645 W 48th ST
Fremont, MI 49412

Description: Bellwether Harbor would like to invite you to participate in our first ever No Fleas Flea Market fundraising event. The No Fleas Flea Market will be open to bargain hunters, vendors, and crafters from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 2nd.More information can also be found here.


Hoffmaster State Park - Children's Harvest Festival
Friday, October 8 - Sunday, October 10
Hoffmaster State Park
6585 Lake Harbor Road
Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: Help celebrate fall at our 24th annual Children's Harvest Festival. This camper-only event has become a popular fall camping weekend, so be sure to make your reservation well in advance. The event is aimed at getting children outdoors and to provide families a safe location to appreciate a Michigan fall weekend and harvest season. More information can also be found here.


25th Annual Pumpkinfest
Saturday, October 9
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Downtown Montague
Montague, MI 49437

Description: Pumpkinfest includes a full-day of family-friendly and many pumpkin-inspired events and contests including the pumpkin roll, pumpkin painting and carving, pumpkin seed spitting contest, pumpkin weigh-ins, and pet costume contest. Other events include hay rides, bake sale, apple cider mill, face painting, food vendors, Farmer’s Market, Arts & Crafts fair, and more! More information can be found here.


Run for Camp 5K Trail Run & Walk
Saturday, October 16
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Camp Henry
5575 S. Gordon Ave
Newaygo, MI 49337

Description: The 2021 Run for Camp 5K is back in person! We are excited to welcome runners and walkers back to Camp Henry. Can't make it? No problem! Register for the Virtual option and you choose your place to rock your 3.1 miles! The 5K Trail Run & Walk will provide you the opportunity to take in the sights that Camp Henry has to offer as you wind through scenic trails on Camp Henry's 212 acres. More information can be found here.


Beanies, Brunch and Brews
Saturday, October 23
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hackley Park
350 W. Webster Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Muskegon Lakeshore will rock from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lively music, great brunch food, outdoor games and tastes of local Pigeon Hill Brewing craft beers! More information can also be found here.


Trail Town Hallow 2021
Saturday, October 30
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
White Cloud County Park
680 E. Wilcox Ave
White Cloud, MI 49349

Description: This year’s annual Halloween Celebration - The Trail Town Hollow – is complete with a Costume Contest and Trunk-or-Treat at the White Cloud County Park. Parking for the event is across the street in the Junior and High School Parking Lots. Those requiring handicap parking are encouraged to use the Junior High Parking Lot. Have a great time connecting with the community. More information can be found here.


Camp 'n Treat 2021
Sunday, October 31
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Camp Henry
5575 S Gordon Ave
Newaygo, MI 49337

Description: Looking for an awesome way to celebrate Halloween? Camp Henry is hosting Camp 'n Treat - with trick or treating and safe activities! Camp 'n Treat will include trick or treating, pony rides, fall activities, a costume contest, snacks, and more! More information can be found here.