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 or my new official account on X (formally known as Twitter).

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 was proud to stand up for Michigan servers, bartenders, and local restaurants and vote in favor of a bipartisan solution last week that will save tens of thousands of jobs.

Over the summer, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled to force changes to the state’s minimum wage laws and eliminate the tip credit system relied upon by thousands of hospitality industry employees beginning on Feb. 21.

Senate Bill 8 would preserve the tip credit system at 38% this year, with 2% increases each following year until it reaches a 50% cap.

We have been calling for action to save the tipped wage for months. By standing our ground and being a voice for thousands of hardworking Michiganders, we now have a workable solution that allows restaurant workers to keep their tips and enables family restaurants to keep their doors open.

After meeting and hearing the concerns of restaurant owners and servers, I am happy that we have a bipartisan solution to do the right thing and save the tipped wage. I will continue to work with members of both parties and the business community to find responsible solutions for all Michigan families and workers.

On Feb. 5, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed her seventh budget plan. Sadly, this year’s version is more of the same — doubling down on bigger government, more spending, and higher taxes.

My priorities are to invest in our kids, fix our roads, protect our communities, and solve problems facing our families — but the governor’s proposed 2026 fiscal year budget plan reminds me of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

The good news is the budget recommendation increases school funding. According to the NAEP test scores, our state ranks 44th in the country in fourth grade reading. Investing more for our kids and teachers is a priority and something I have advocated for throughout my time in office.

Increasing per-student school funding helps to address these concerning results. I have always supported increasing this funding and was disappointed when the governor last year removed this increase for the first time in over a decade. Providing a quality education is critical to the future of our kids. This approach allows our local teachers to decide how best to put this investment to work to teach our kids.

The bad news is the governor is recklessly spending hardworking taxpayer dollars on government programs with unproven track records — instead of providing much-needed tax relief.

The ugly comes in the form of raising taxes on hardworking Michigan families. This comes at a time when families are struggling to put food on their table and children are falling behind in reading and math.

I hosted a bipartisan group of legislators last year at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which has experienced tremendous recent growth and impact across the West Michigan region.

Providing over 100 flights per day with 30 non-stop flights, the airport has recently undergone major construction upgrades, including a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth and provide new food and retail options.

Click here or on the image below to see a video of this informative tour of our local airport.

I want to thank Forest View Hospital for giving me a tour of their facility and sharing an overview of their important work. Organizations like Forest View are critical for providing mental health services to people of all ages in our community. I look forward to working together to provide the services and results needed for a healthier West Michigan.

Among the first bills passed by the Senate for the 2025-26 legislative session was a bipartisan package that would expand government transparency.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows the public to request documents and other public records from government bodies and officials. Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the act to include the Michigan Legislature, as well as the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor.

The bills now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

After nearly 75 years in business, Fat Boy Burger decided to close its doors. My office was honored to present them with a special tribute to thank them for serving the area for over seven decades. As a staple of the community, Fat Boy Burger will be remembered by many as a place to grab a great meal and make memories.

The annual Run for the Trees: Happy Little (virtual) 5K is back! This popular event raises money to support tree planting and forest conservation efforts in state parks.

Inspired by Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, the virtual 5K can be completed anywhere between April 19-27. Participants can even choose from 13 participating states they’d like to represent. Every registrant will receive a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib and finisher’s medal. Registration is encouraged by April 1, but will remain open until April 15, while inventory lasts.

With recent outbreaks of avian influenza (HPAI) throughout Michigan and the Midwest, many have asked if backyard bird feeders can contribute to the spread. While most backyard birds are at low risk of HPAI, the virus is present in some wild bird populations in the Great Lakes. Most cases occur in waterfowl and scavengers like eagles, hawks, and owls, but other wild birds, including shorebirds and gulls, can harbor the virus.

To help keep birds and yourself safe and healthy, wildlife experts recommend:

Visit the Michigan DNR’s HPAI FAQs page to learn more about the virus and how to keep Michigan’s birds safe.

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.