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

I led a roundtable meeting with other lawmakers and various professionals and stakeholders from the medical community to discuss my legislation to create a framework for behavioral health transportation in Michigan.

This is a needed reform that would not only improve outcomes for patients but also provide some relief for their pocketbooks, so it’s important we get this right.

Michigan currently doesn’t offer emergency medical transportation for people experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Individuals are either transported by ambulance or law enforcement. My legislation, Senate Bills 927 and 928, along with House Bills 5943 and 5944, would make behavioral health transportation, including interfacility transfers, psychiatric admissions and mental health evaluations, a Medicaid-covered service.

The bills outline patient eligibility, how providers must operate and standards to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars and focus on safety and enhanced training standards that keep both workers and patients safe.

The current system lacks mental health-specific care and takes much-needed emergency resources out of communities. Having discussions with people — who are involved in these professions and see every day the shortfalls of current standards — gives us an excellent opportunity to work through potential improvements to the bills and maximize the positive effects this legislation will have.

This meeting was a productive step forward, and I look forward to continued discussions on the bill package.

You can read my full press release by clicking here and video will be available on my website at SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/video.

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, June 19, 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.

In this week’s episode of Conversations with Mark, I’m joined by Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

We discuss the airport’s growth, upcoming projects, and how it has become one of the top airports nationally. I have toured the airport as renovations have taken place and we are incredibly fortunate to have this gem right here in our backyards.

Click here or on the image below to watch the podcast. The episode is now available on all major platforms, and new episodes drop every other Thursday at noon.

I had the honor to visit with members and speak at the American Legion Post 1111 in Walker.

These men and women served our nation and are looking to give back even more right here in their community. They are dedicated to helping veterans and their families through various local service and volunteer efforts.

It was a privilege to speak with these folks and hear more about their mission to continue helping others. To learn more about their important work and how you can get involved, check out ALpost1111.com.

I recently attended the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser.

It was great connecting with business owners and innovators from across West Michigan and to see the success of the evening’s nominees and award winners. The chamber's leadership continues to open doors for Hispanic entrepreneurs, and I'm proud to have supported state funding for their new location that will be opening soon.

Thank you to President Guillermo Cisneros for the honor of attending event and for being a great partner for West Michigan businesses!

I had a chance to visit Habitat for Humanity of Kent County’s new headquarters, ReStore space and a recently completed house.

During the visit, I caught up with and had a great conversation with President and CEO Bev Thiel about their ReStore location and the benefits it offers to both patrons and the organization, new developments they are working on, and the overall great work the organization is doing in our community!

I’d like to thank Bev for sitting down with me for a great discussion on bringing affordable housing to families right here in West Michigan.

I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of scouts taking part in Civics Camp at the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

It was a great experience coming together to discuss civics, the foundations of leadership and to help young people understand how our government works and why their voices matter in shaping the future of our communities.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers for creating such an engaging program and for investing in the next generation of leaders here in West Michigan!

River otters are now at the John Ball Zoo!

Stop by this summer to visit Bruce and Crush, the zoo’s two newest residents, and watch them swim, splash, and play from expanded viewing areas, including underwater views inside.

This state‑of‑the‑art habitat will help visitors of all ages learn about these intelligent mammals and offer a fun afternoon with the family.

This new Otter Habitat was made possible through a strong public‑private partnership and will be enjoyed for generations.

Dairy is Michigan’s top agricultural commodity, contributing $15.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Most milk sold in grocery stores comes from Michigan farms and processors. In many cases, milk travels from farm to processor to store within about 48 hours.

Every milk container has a five-digit code showing where it was processed. The first two digits identify the state where the milk was bottled, and Michigan’s code is 26.

Let’s recognize Michigan’s dairy farmers for the tireless work they do to keep shelves stocked and our fridges full.

Nominations are now open for the 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Each year, the program recognizes outstanding educators and offers award recipients an opportunity to learn more about state education policy and provide input on ways to better serve Michigan students.

Ten teachers will be selected as Regional Teachers of the Year through a competitive process, and one will be named Michigan Teacher of the Year. The honorees also serve on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council.

The Michigan Teacher of the Year serves as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education and represents the state as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

To nominate an outstanding Michigan public school teacher, use this online nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23.

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.