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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
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 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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Muskegon County receives infrastructure and business support
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On March 24, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved state support for a major wastewater infrastructure project and business investment in Muskegon County.
The MSF board approved a $28 million Strategic Site Readiness Program grant for the city of Norton Shores and Muskegon County to repair and modernize an aging wastewater system serving Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Fruitport and the city of Muskegon. The system is more than 50 years old, and the total project cost is estimated at $64.5 million.
In addition, the MSF board approved a $5 million performance-based Michigan Business Development Program grant for Chobani subsidiary LCT Opco LLC to expand the La Colombe ready-to-drink Draft Latte coffee manufacturing facility. The expansion is expected to create 337 new jobs and retain 312 existing positions.
This long-term infrastructure investment will support economic growth in West Michigan and improve quality of life for residents. The upgraded wastewater system helps advance Chobani’s plan to invest $567 million in the La Colombe facility in Norton Shores, strengthening the region’s agricultural and manufacturing economy.
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Senate passes bills to cap medical debt
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The Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan package of bills aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical debt and helping prevent a medical emergency from causing long-term financial harm.
Senate Bills 449, 450, 451, 701 and 702 would significantly rein in debt collection practices such as personal liens, wage garnishment and home foreclosures. The bills would also cap interest rates applied to medical debt.
Nonprofit hospitals are already required to maintain financial assistance programs under federal requirements. Under this legislation, all Michigan hospitals would need to offer financial assistance programs to provide patients with repayment options.
The bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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Design the “I voted” sticker
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Nearly 500 designs were submitted in the 2024 “I voted” sticker design contest. The contest is returning for the 2026 election cycle, and entries are now being accepted.
Entries can be submitted online in one of three categories: elementary/middle (K-8), high school (9-12) or a general entry for residents of all ages. Artwork must be original, nonpartisan and include the phrase “I voted.” Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on May 1.
The public will vote for finalists in June. Winners will be announced later this summer, and stickers with the winning designs will be available for election clerks to order for the November election.
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New coyote management season now open
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In response to ongoing concerns about overpopulation, the Natural Resources Commission established a coyote management season running from March 2 to Oct. 14.
The hunting and trapping season runs from Oct. 15 to March 1, with a management season for the remainder of the year, except on state park and recreation lands where hunting is prohibited from April 1 to Sept. 14. During the management season, the lethal take of coyotes is allowed from March 2 to Oct. 14 to address interspecies conflict and overabundance on private and public lands.
The NRC restored the ability to take coyotes year-round but limited the scope of the hunt during the management season.
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about coyote management.
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Spring fishing regulations
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The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations guide is now available for the license season beginning April 1. The guide includes current rules, regulations and license information.
A fishing license is required for anyone age 17 and older. Annual and short-term licenses can be purchased online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Users can select auto-renew at the online checkout or in the Auto Renewals section of the app to automatically purchase future licenses as they become available. License fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Opening Day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
Wednesday, April 1
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
8960 W. Fox Road
Mears
Description: Enjoy spring at the opening day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area. Click here to learn more.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4
Noon – 1 p.m.
Oceana County Fairgrounds
1025 S. State St.
Hart
Description: Search for 10,000 plastic eggs with prizes at the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Hart. Click here to learn more.
Pentwater Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4
Noon – 1 p.m.
Pentwater Village Green
327 S. Hancock St.
Pentwater
Description: Enjoy your Saturday at Pentwater’s Easter Egg Hunt! Click here to learn more.
Spring Break Family Night
Thursday, April 9
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Muskegon Museum of Art
296 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Celebrate spring break with a free evening at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Click here to learn more.
Neighborhood Network Mixer
Tuesday, April 14
6 – 8 p.m.
Five Shores Brewing
163 S. Benzie Blvd.
Beulah
Description: Enjoy the outdoors and planting trees? Come meet and hang out with like-minded community members to discuss tree planting projects co-hosted by the Benzie Conservation District and Michigan Forest Association. Click here to learn more.
Rhonda’s Bites
Wednesday, April 15
3 – 4 p.m.
Lynn & Perin Mercantile
433 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: Join Chef Rhonda for a culinary journey around the world. Click here to learn more.
Healthy Kids Day
Friday, April 17
5 – 7 p.m.
McGraft Park
2204 Wickham Drive
Muskegon
Description: Enjoy an evening of family fun with the Muskegon YMCA! Click here to learn more.
Flannel Fades
Thursday, April 23
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Vendor Row
5762 W. U.S. 10
Ludington
Description: Express your creativity and create your own custom bleached flannel. Click here to learn more.
Tight Lines for Troops 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, April 25
8:30 a.m.
53 S. Lakeshore Drive
Manistee
Description: A recreational 5K run/walk hosted by the Manistee Run Club to benefit Tight Lines for Troops. Click here to learn more.
Pop, Stop, Shop
Saturday, April 25
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
900 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Join the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore for a family-friendly event. Browse homemade goods, art and more while supporting their Teen Young Entrepreneurs. Click here to learn more.
Spring Fling Vendor Market
Saturday, April 25
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vendor Row
5762 W. U.S. 10
Ludington
Description: Celebrate the season with a fun day of shopping, community and supporting small businesses. Click here to learn more.
Trash Bash
Sunday, April 26
1 – 4 p.m.
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
124 W. Hanson St.
Whitehall
Description: This event is great for individuals, families and groups. All ages welcome! Click here to learn more.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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