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

My office was honored to participate in the unveiling of the newly named post office in Comstock Park, commemorating the legacy of the late U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Miguel Justin Nava.

Capt. Nava was a graduate of Comstock Park High School and joined the Naval Academy immediately after graduation. He tragically passed away last year in a helicopter crash.

Thank you to U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, her staff, members of the U.S. Postal Service and the community for their efforts in honoring this true hero and patriot.

Every summer, Grand Haven hosts one of the largest festivals in West Michigan — the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. The festival draws thousands of people to Grand Haven to celebrate the Coast Guard and to have fun with the family at its famous Lake Michigan beach or at a variety of activities — from parades to carnival rides to fireworks.

At the heart of the Coast Guard Festival is the National Memorial Service, which takes place in Escanaba Park at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. It is open to the public and pays tribute to the brave members of the U.S. Coast Guard who died in the line of duty over the past year.

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the Grand Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. and Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band play beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Visitors can also step aboard a real Coast Guard ship for a tour through Saturday. To learn more, visit coastguardfest.org.

I had the privilege of touring the new Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, located just south of Grand Rapids.

This brand-new outdoor sports complex and indoor activity space is now the world’s largest inclusive sports training facility. It is designed to promote inclusion and provide a welcoming environment for athletes of all abilities.

Click here or on the image below to watch the tour.

Allendale Township — home of the Grand Valley State University Lakers — is one of the fastest-growing townships in our region. Known for its family-friendly, rural character, Allendale is home to over 200 businesses, beloved restaurants, reputable schools and welcoming residential communities.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video to learn more about Allendale Township.

I hold in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and receive help with a variety of state issues.

On Friday, Aug. 22, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:

Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

Turkey licenses for the fall season will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. This season, hunters do not need to apply for a license to hunt wild turkey. Each hunter may purchase one license, valid for one bird of either sex on public or private land within a designated fall turkey management unit.

Also new for the 2025 season, the 11-unit management system has been replaced with two larger units:

Licenses can be purchased online through eLicense, the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or at a license retailer. The Fall Turkey Hunting Regulation Summary outlines season rules and regulations. The fall turkey hunting season runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14.

Did you know that Michigan has 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline?

The Great Lakes contain more than 20% of the world’s freshwater and can produce dangerous currents and high waves. Conditions can change quickly, posing a threat to even the most experienced swimmers.

All designated state park swim areas on the Great Lakes use a beach flag warning system. Visitors should check the flag when they arrive and monitor it throughout the day.

Always check local weather reports and Great Lakes water conditions before heading out.

Michigan’s 2025 primary elections will be held on Aug. 5.

While odd-year elections tend to receive less attention, these local elections decide important issues that directly affect our communities and schools. They mainly focus on local proposals and positions such as mayor and city council.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your voter registration, view a sample ballot, find your polling place or request an absentee ballot.

Stay informed with Michigan’s weekly fishing report, featuring updates on current fishing conditions from around the state. The weekly email, published by the Department of Natural Resources, includes information from creel clerks and DNR staff over the past week.

July is Parks and Recreation Month. First recognized in 1985, this year marks 40 years of celebrating the impact of the hundreds of state and local parks and recreation areas, along with the professionals and volunteers who maintain these spaces for public enjoyment.

Michigan is home to six national park sites, 103 state parks, and hundreds of county and local parks. Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, camping, birdwatching or just being outside, it’s a great time to explore the natural beauty of our state.

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.