The Michigan Legislature recently gave final approval to legislation I introduced that will create the Pfc. Brett Witteveen Memorial Highway in Oceana County. The governor has now signed the bill into law.

I proudly introduced this measure to show our deep appreciation for the service of Pfc. Brett Witteveen. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and on behalf of his country. Brett Witteveen is an American hero and we all owe a great debt to the Witteveen family for their tremendous sacrifice. I hope this memorial serves as a reminder of Brett’s courage and honorable service to his country.

Senate Bill 585, now Public Act 139 of 2020, will name a portion of U.S. 31 after Witteveen, who was born and raised in Shelby and graduated from Hart High School in 2005. Witteveen served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in February of 2007 during a combat operation in Iraq.

The Pfc. Brett Witteveen Memorial Highway will range from West Shelby Road, exit 144 in Shelby to the intersection of Polk Road, exit 149 in Hart.

The state Legislature approved my legislation that includes funding for outdoor recreation projects in the 34th District and the state of Michigan.

This legislation will improve recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. As an avid outdoorsman myself, I’m grateful the projects are moving forward and I am eager to see the final products.

Senate Bill 145 outlines funding for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) projects throughout the state, including popular attractions in and around our district.

The NRTF provides a constitutionally-protected source of funding for public outdoor recreation and the public acquisition of lands for resource protection. The NRTF was established in 1976 and was later added to the Michigan Constitution. The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights.

My bill would provide funding to continue development and improvements to the Dragon’s Head Trail and to increase access to Spring Lake and the connecting waterways.

The bill includes $180,100 for the Dragon Trail at Hardy Dam in Newaygo County and an additional $205,400 for the trail in Mecosta County. Upon completion, the trail will be a multi-use, single-track, non-motorized trail intended for hiking and bicycle traffic. The planned route is 42 miles in length and will have six trailheads with parking at existing recreation sites. The trail will feature 13 designated overlooks.

The Dragon Trail has been in the works for nearly a decade and has since gained statewide and national attention. When it’s completed, the one-of-a-kind trail system will surely be a hit for those who visit.

My legislation also includes $125,000 for the Pomona Park Kayak Launch in Fruitport. The funding aims to provide visitors a new way to access Spring Lake and the surrounding waterways. Upon completion, the site will feature an extended parking lot and a new, universally accessible kayak launch and boardwalk. The site will also include benches, interpretive signage and bike racks.

I have supported the Natural Resources Trust Fund throughout my time in the Legislature and in my role as chair of the Senate Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. I am happy to see this measure supported by my colleagues in both chambers and I hope to see the governor sign it into law.

On Wednesday, I supported supplemental budget bills to resolve a $2.2 billion deficit through spending cuts, hiring freezes and using a portion of the state’s “rainy day fund” while also directing federal funds to education and vital services that were hit hardest by the cost of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on our economy and the state’s budget. This year has challenged our state, and this bipartisan solution will address the unprecedented budget shortfall resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic while also protecting Michigan families, schools and communities.

The bipartisan plan will save $936 million by reducing state spending and will direct additional federal COVID-19 funds to cover expenses by schools and local governments due to the virus, including:

With these bills, we will have sent over $3 billion in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to businesses, workers and families affected by the pandemic. The measures also include a net increase of $175 per pupil to help schools address the challenges posed by COVID-19 as we look toward the future of education in Michigan.

Additionally, local governments will receive funding to help offset their response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of increased costs as a result of the coronavirus, communities throughout the state did not receive their final revenue-sharing payment from the state. Included in this supplemental is additional funding to help alleviate that setback. When factoring in the missed revenue-sharing payment, local governments across the state will still experience a net increase in overall funding of over $250 million as a result of this package and Public Act 123 of 2020.

This budget reflects our commitment to schools and local governments by directing federal COVID-19 funds to cover additional expenses that came as a result of the pandemic.

As part of the agreement, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an executive order from the governor to reduce current-year spending. Most state agencies will see reductions, including the executive and legislative budgets.

The budget plan also uses $350 million from the state’s rainy day fund to support funding for critical programs, leaving approximately $800 million in the state’s savings.

This is a much-needed move as the state continues its response to the coronavirus.

The Legislature and governor were able to work together during COVID-19 restrictions on a plan that protects Michigan families and uses crucial federal funding to aid those in need during this difficult time. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I will continue to work with my colleagues to maintain a responsible state budget.

Senate Bill 373 and House Bill 5265 now head to the governor to be signed.

Michigan’s 1.5 million students can safely return to classrooms this fall, but it will require a series of precautions within school buildings and potentially, additional restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19 outside of them, public health experts say.

With the first day of class seven weeks away, education officials report lingering questions about whether they’ll have enough funding to implement needed safety measures, concerns that many parents will keep their kids home despite precautions and anxiety that is “off the charts.”

Reopening Michigan’s K-12 schools during a pandemic will be a massive undertaking, but superintendents across the state say it must be done.

Read more.