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 or my new official account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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

Since the PFAS crisis emerged several years ago, I’ve heard from many parents who are worried about their children’s possible exposure to these chemicals. The lack of information and testing has created further fear for parents regarding the long-term health effects on their kids.

After engaging with affected families and medical experts, I am proud to introduce legislation to provide parents with peace of mind through free blood testing for children in impacted areas.

To learn more about this legislation or to share your PFAS story, visit SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/pfas-testing-for-kids/.

Click here or on the image below to see a short video about this issue and my legislation.

The hardworking people of West Michigan need and deserve a state budget plan that uses their tax dollars in a responsible and sustainable way to meet their needs and improve their lives — not one that increases their taxes and spends more of their money.

Only 25% of Michigan’s fourth graders and fewer than a quarter of our eighth grade students are able to read at grade level. I am a strong supporter of our schools, but this plan does nothing to provide solutions to improve student performance.

During debate on the budget, I offered nearly half a dozen amendments to improve the Senate budget plan — but none of them were adopted. Among my amendments were proposals to:

Plus, as it stands, the Senate plan is more than $500 million over budget. Click here or on the image below to see a short video about my thoughts on the budget plan.

With Democrats currently holding the majority in the state Senate, they have control over the budget process. So far, there has been little to no input from the public, and Michigan residents remain in the dark about how their tax dollars are being allocated.

To restore public trust and increase transparency, Senate Republicans have launched a website where residents can track legislatively directed spending requests. Each Republican senator will publicly disclose their requests, which will be updated throughout the budget process as senators submit new items.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and declared it a federal holiday.

Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. While we can never fully repay them, we honor their memory and the freedoms they helped protect.

Click here or on the image below to see a short video I recorded from the Senate chamber after our annual Memorial Day service.

Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the Grand Rapids Art Museum. For over 100 years, the art museum has been connecting people through art, creativity and design, while inspiring West Michigan to be a vibrant and imaginative community.

Click here or on the image below to join me as I learn more about this creative institution.

I was honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes.

As a state senator and business owner, I have witnessed firsthand the impact Junior Achievement has on West Michigan’s future generations, inspiring and preparing our youth for success. I look forward to continuing to work with Junior Achievement on this important mission.

I want to congratulate YogaSix Knapp’s Crossing in Grand Rapids Township on its grand opening!

Offering more than six different classes, YogaSix is the perfect place for beginners and yoga pros. My office was honored to present this special tribute to welcome the first YogaSix to West Michigan.

Preschool enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open.

Michigan’s PreK for All program is available for children beginning at age 4, at no cost to their families, through programs like the Great Start Readiness Program, Head Start and developmental kindergarten. A variety of programs are available statewide, including full-day, part-day, four-day and five-day options. Some areas of the state are even able to provide transportation.

Visit MiPreKforAll.org to learn more and find a program in your area.

The March ice storm impacted nearly 1 million acres of state-managed lands, including 19 state parks, 54 state forest campgrounds, 169 boating access sites, 3,290 miles of state-managed trails and 3,400 miles of state roads.

Thanks to fast action from DNR crews across the state, all state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations can reopen within days of their scheduled spring opening dates.

Visitors are encouraged to check the DNR’s interactive map and dashboard for status updates on accessibility at state parks, trails, campgrounds and boating access sites.

Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend is just around the corner! On June 7-8, all fishing license fees will be waived, and state parks and boating access points are open to visitors without Recreation Passports. Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish for any species of fish. All fishing regulations and laws apply.

Before you plan your next fishing trip, use the interactive Family Friendly Fishing Waters map to find fishing spots across the state with easy access and a high likelihood of catching fish. Locations can be filtered by the type of fish you want to catch, what kind of fishing you are looking for, and which amenities, like bathrooms or swimming, you prefer.

If your fishing adventure will include boating, visit the newly revamped Michigan Boating Facility Finder. The interactive tool makes it easy to find boat access sites and quickly identify essential information about each site, such as the number of lanes, parking info, closures, and more.

In an ongoing effort to maintain a healthy deer population, the Natural Resources Commission has made two important changes for the 2025 upcoming deer hunting season:

Michigan’s 2025 archery season begins on Oct 1. Visit this link for more information about the NRC, including upcoming meeting agendas and past meeting minutes.

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.