At a time when families are struggling, Senate Democrats are once again picking winners and losers by choosing to create special tax carve-outs for large corporations rather than working toward real solutions to help struggling families and Michigan’s ailing economy.

Last week, the Democratic majority in the Michigan Senate passed yet another partisan bill package that benefits big corporations over struggling families. Last year, they raised taxes on small businesses and now they are once again using tax dollars to support multinational companies. This money should be returned to the hardworking Michigan taxpayers who need financial relief at a time with high gas and grocery prices.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is currently accepting applications for a new Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant. This reimbursement grant program is geared toward assisting food and agriculture companies to help and ensure compliance with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regulations.

The grant is open for existing agriculture and food processors who are operating under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a Certificate of Coverage or state Groundwater Discharge Permit from EGLE.

To view other MDARD grants or to learn more about the Wastewater Infrastructure Grant, please visit Michigan.gov/mdard/business-development/grantfund.

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.

Springtime in Michigan means trees are budding, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and black bears are on the move. During the spring season, black bears leave their dens in search of food and water.

Particularly in the Upper Peninsula or the northern Lower Peninsula, residents should be careful to keep bears from finding food sources near their homes. Once a bear finds an easily accessible source, they can quickly become repeat visitors. They can lose their fear of humans, cause property damage or create dangerous situations for people, livestock, and pets.

Following these simple steps can keep bears safely at a distance and prevent dangerous interactions:

To learn more about how to peacefully coexist with bears this spring, visit Michigan.gov/Wildlife

The 2024-25 ORV season begins April 1 and runs through March 31, 2025.

In Michigan, an ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surfaces of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. An ORV trail permit is required in addition to an ORV license when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.

ORV licenses and trail permits are each valid for one year and grant the holder access to 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas, eligible county or national forest roads, state forest roads, and more.

ORV licenses and trail permits can be purchased:

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.