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

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been named the Best Small Airport in America by USA Today.

This recognition reflects the hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence that make our airport an asset to West Michigan. We can all be proud of the expanded services and world-class passenger experience that Gerald R. Ford airport provides for the people of our region.

Click here to see the announcement by the airport of this honor.

October is Fentanyl Awareness Month. Fentanyl is the most trafficked drug in Michigan and continues to devastate families and communities across our state.

That’s why I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support of legislation that provides law enforcement with additional tools and resources to create safer communities.

Click here or on the image below to watch the joint video we recorded to bring awareness to this issue.

It was my honor to host Consul General of Japan Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori in my office last week.

Our productive meeting provided an opportunity to discuss significant business relations between Japan and West Michigan.

West Michigan is home to many organizations that work globally. Our conversation sparked new ideas, perspectives and relationships that help me better serve the people of West Michigan.

Congratulations to Grand Rapids Public Schools on the groundbreaking of their new school.

This facility will unite students from Aberdeen Academy and Palmer Elementary, bringing together two strong school communities.

My office was honored to present a tribute in recognition of their continued investment in the future of our children.

The 2025 deer season is off to a strong start with over 46,700 deer harvested so far. Because hunters must report a successful harvest within 72 hours, up-to-date statistics are available to the public through the Deer Harvest Report Summary.

All deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange during Michigan’s regular firearm deer season, Nov. 15–30. It must be the outermost layer and visible from every direction. Camouflage is acceptable as long as the pattern is at least 50% hunter orange.

Hunters Feeding Michigan processed 140,000 pounds, or about 560,000 servings, of donated venison during the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30. You can make a monetary donation online or through the DNR eLicense website, a DNR retail license agent location or the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

A 68-foot spruce from Sault Ste. Marie has been selected as Michigan’s official 2025 Christmas tree. It will be harvested on Oct. 30 and transported to the Capitol lawn, where it will be placed near the intersection of Capitol and East Michigan avenues for the holiday season.

This year’s tree was donated by Sault Ste. Marie resident Linda Ried in honor of her grandparents, Lawrence and Nettie Richey. It will be the centerpiece of the 41st annual Silver Bells in the City tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.

Organizations that are committed to protecting Michigan’s waters are encouraged to apply for Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for lake associations, watershed groups, nonprofits and local or tribal units of government to fund educational signage, invasive species removal or outreach materials.

Funds are provided through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and MSU Extension. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2026.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, Michigan seniors make important decisions about their health insurance and prescription drug coverage. As a result, they may be the target of scams and high-pressure sales tactics.

To avoid Medicare scams, keep these safety measures in mind:

The new MI Options call center offers free counseling to help people navigate Medicare plan options or enrollment. Call 800-803-7174 for assistance.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among Michigan women.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness, support research and promote early detection.

Visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation for more information or to find support and resources for those affected by the disease.

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.