Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

Democrats in Lansing have once again refused to work together to solve a crisis that is impacting Michigan families.

President Joe Biden’s inaction to resolve the border crisis has led to a flood of fentanyl into our local communities and the results have been tragic.

In just one instance, federal officials captured 20 kilograms of fentanyl in Oakland County – enough to kill everyone in the state of Michigan.

Republicans in the Michigan Senate introduced the Stronger Borders, Safer Communities plan, which seeks to curb the rise in fentanyl-related crimes and deaths and includes increasing penalties for the production, delivery, or possession of fentanyl. The plan also calls on the president and Congress to put Americans first and immediately and fully resolve the ongoing border crisis.

Senate Democrats struck down two measures to tie-bar the Stronger Borders, Safer Communities bills to other legislation, using their slim majority to block commonsense solutions to protect the people of this state from the lethal trafficking of fentanyl into our local communities.

This winter has been unseasonably warm. Snowfall in Grand Rapids is more than three feet below its seasonal average. On Feb. 27, the temperature in Detroit reached 73 degrees, and in the Upper Peninsula, the annual UP200, Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, and the Copper Dog 150 all had to be canceled due to lack of snow.

Forty-two counties in Michigan are covered by a disaster designation for drought from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making businesses in those counties eligible for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Economic Injury Disaster Loans, through the U.S. Small Business Administration, are designed to help businesses through disaster situations. Loans up to $2 million are available to help businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period. Businesses must apply by the application deadline for their county.

For more information or to apply, visit lending.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955.

It is springtime in Michigan, and the orange barrels are going up. While the delays and detours are frustrating, we all play a part in keeping each other safe. When driving through work zones, remember to slow down, follow all posted signs and be alert.

Mi Drive is a construction and traffic website that provides instant and up-to-date information about current and future traffic projects. Before heading out the door, motorists can view traffic cameras and speeds, locate incidents and search construction projects, helping them plan their commute to work or a vacation.

This spring, before burning yard debris like brush and leaves, check the DNR’s Burn Permit Management System map to see if weather conditions are safe for burning. The interactive map provides detailed information, by county, as to whether or not burning is permitted and is updated daily. The site also provides detailed contact information where permits are issued by local municipalities.

In Michigan, a burn permit is required for open burning any time the ground is not completely covered by snow. Burn permits are available from the DNR for counties in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. In the southern Lower Peninsula, permits may be obtained from the local fire department or local governing body.

The 2024 Michigan fishing guide is now available. New regulations go into effect on April 1. The fishing guide is a one-stop resource for current rules, regulations, and license information. An all-species fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 17 to fish in Michigan’s lakes or rivers. Annual and short-term licenses are available online at MDNR-elicense.com or at participating retailers. License fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military.

Every March, we celebrate reading. Studies show that reading improves brain and memory function, increases vocabulary and comprehension, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reduces stress and improves sleep patterns. Reading is a privilege. It is through reading that we gain knowledge and information.

Reading is contagious, and there is no better way to bond with family than to share a great book together.