Dear Friends,

To better serve the great people of West Michigan, I’m offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.

I am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my Facebook page, my  official account on X or my Instagram for recent updates.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  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,

Mark Huizenga
State Senator

For one night, the iconic Blue Bridge turned red in celebration of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle kickoff. Since 1890, the Salvation Army has used the Red Kettle fundraiser to support local food pantries and seniors right here in Kent County. Roughly 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to directly help local residents.

According to the Salvation Army of Kent County, last year 9,029 individuals received groceries at the Emergency Food Pantry, 6,805 meals were served though the senior program at Fulton Heights Citadel, 12,124 calls were received for housing assistance through the Housing Assessment Program, 2,016 households received assistance through the Angel Tree Campaign, 374 households received utility assistance though Emergency Assistance Services, and 64 men were given fresh starts through the Adult Rehabilitation Center.

This year’s kickoff goal is $1.45 million to help uplift our West Michigan community members.

As a proud board member and supporter, I encourage families to spend time ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. You can learn more about the Red Kettle fundraiser and discover how you can make a difference this holiday season by clicking here.

John Ball Zoo is a West Michigan staple, inspiring conservation and community engagement.

I proudly supported legislation to help the zoo continue its work with large animals, including Booboo, a 31 year old brown bear. Through expert care, enrichment and habitat design, they ensure these animals thrive while promoting wildlife protection.

Click here to watch a short video I recorded about this legislation.

Coopersville is just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids and full of history, agriculture and small-town charm.

From the Marne Railway to the Coopersville Farm Museum and downtown shops, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy true West Michigan hospitality.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video we recorded in Coopersville to highlight the community.

Seven miles of the North Bank Trail are already open, connecting Spring Lake to Marne and linking to regional favorites like the Lakeside and Spoonville trails.

Future phases will stretch through Nunica to Coopersville, creating a seamless route for walkers, bikers and even kids heading to school. I’m excited to see what’s ahead for this incredible West Michigan pathway.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video we recorded as we explored this great trail.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for the trust you place in me to represent you in Lansing. This season has long been a time for gratitude and reflection, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.

I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

Click here or on the image below to watch my Thanksgiving remarks recorded from the Senate floor.

Thank you to Japan Consul General Jimmy Kishimori for inviting me to attend a Matsuri, a traditional Japanese celebration, during his recent visit to Lansing.

The event was filled with rich culture, from the tea to the food and sake. It was wonderful to get to know our Japanese counterparts and learn more about their traditions.

I recently stopped by the Blandford Nature Center to see the latest updates at The Highlands, a 121-acre natural haven right in Grand Rapids.

With new entrances, expanded parking and a nature playscape, it’s becoming a vibrant space for families, students and outdoor lovers to explore and grow.

Thank you to Herb from Marne for providing me with a harvest ride-along. It was incredible to witness the hard work and dedication our farmers put in every day to put food on our tables.

I’m proud that Michigan is the second-most diverse agricultural state in the U.S. and grateful to all those in farming who make it possible.

The Michigan Legislature has approved a bipartisan transparency package to make the state budget process more open and accessible to the public.

House Bill 4420 and Senate Bill 596 require that all proposed enhancement grants be posted online at least 45 days before any budget vote.

Each earmark request must include the name of the funding recipient, project location, a description of the public benefit and a conflict-of-interest disclosure before it can move forward.

These reforms aim to build trust in state government by helping taxpayers understand how decisions are being made and how their money is being used.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on two initiatives.

The first is a proposed update to state forest road maps. These proposed updates are intended to maintain road quality and access while protecting surrounding natural resources. They are a result of changing conditions, evolving recreational use and community feedback.

To view an interactive map or download the proposed updates by county, visit Michigan.gov/ForestRoads. Comments can be emailed to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov or shared at the Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in January. Updated state forest road maps will be published online and take effect April 1, 2026.

The second proposal would lengthen harvest time for elk hunting in the northern Lower Peninsula for the 2026-27 season, as follows:

The proposal would also give hunters 72 hours to register their elk, instead of the current 24 hours.

Feedback can be emailed to DNR-Elk-Hunt@Michigan.gov by Jan. 23, 2026. Final regulations and license quotas for 2026-27 will be presented to the NRC in March and adopted at the April meeting.

Now is the time to plan your summer camping trips. Reservations for state campsites, overnight lodging and harbor slips open six months in advance. This means reservations for Memorial Day Weekend will open Nov. 22.

Visit the Michigan State Parks Reservation System for information. You can also use the DNR recreation search tool to find amenities or specific activities for your trip.

Michigan Christmas tree farms will supply nearly 2 million trees this year. Before bringing a fresh-cut tree indoors, inspect it for signs of insects like the spongy moth or balsam woolly adelgid, two invasive pests on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s watch list.

Balsam woolly adelgids are tiny, sap-sucking house insects that are small, oval-shaped and typically covered in a cottony or waxy white substance, which makes them look like tiny bits of snow or fluff clinging to branches.

Spongy moth caterpillars hatch from egg masses that look like fuzzy sponges. The caterpillars spend spring and early summer months eating the leaves off oaks, aspens and other trees, but the tan, fuzzy egg masses can survive Michigan winters and pose a risk to Christmas trees.

Neither of these pests pose a threat to your home. If you suspect an infestation, notify MDARD at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s reporting tool.

Serving the people of West Michigan is very important to me and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may contact me by calling toll-free 1-855-347-8030 or emailing SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

I look forward to serving you, and I encourage you to contact me if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.