|  | | Serving You
Serving the constituents of the 36th Senate District is very important to me, and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8036 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. 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.
| | | | | | I was honored to recently welcome Alpena High School CTE students to the Michigan Capitol. The students were taking part in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase, which highlights CTE programs in Michigan each spring. It was great to see the outstanding work they are doing.
| This week, Right to Life of Michigan had their legislative day in Lansing. It was great to meet and talk with good friends from Presque Isle, Gaylord Right to Life, Arenac County Right to Life and Right To Life of Midland County.
| It is great to spend time throughout the 36th District. I recently joined friends in Iosco County for the Focus on Life Dinner, welcomed more than 300 riders for the 5th Annual Howard's Friends Bike Ride, joined the Midland Boy Scouts for their Eagle Court of Honor, and held coffee hours in Atlanta and Fairview.
| | State budget update
I was proud to once again support a balanced state budget plan that increases support for all levels of education and continues our efforts to create a positive climate for creating jobs — all while living within our means.
The Senate’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget plan would build on our commitment to preparing all our students for success, put 150 more state troopers on the road and help attract job creators and tourists to Michigan.
Every school will see an increase in their per-student foundation allowance in this budget, and we are helping direct more dollars into the classroom by investing more than $1 billion to reduce legacy costs. (read more)
| Firefighter training bills approved by Senate
Michigan firefighters perform a valiant service in our communities every day — risking their lives to save others. The Senate recently approved my legislation to ensure our firefighters are prepared to meet new and existing challenges they will face as they protect our communities.
| We have been working with the Fire Services Coalition to improve our state firefighter training standards, which have not been updated in more than 30 years.
Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin testified in April in support of the bills. Coughlin represents the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, which is one of the groups in the Fire Services Coalition. The other organizations include the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Michigan Fire Inspectors Society, Michigan Fire Service Instructors and the Michigan State Firemen’s Association. (read more) | | Senate approves legislation on specialty license plates
Many Michigan motorists purchase fundraising license plates to support their favorite organization or a worthy cause. A recent law caps the number of plates available at any one time to 20, excluding Michigan university plates. Currently there are 14 specialty plates.
The Senate recently passed my legislation to allow the secretary of state to design and issue a license plate recognizing four professional Michigan sports teams — the Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers — and the Michigan International Speedway.
Funds from sales of the plates would be distributed to the organizations’ foundations or official charities that have been established to help strengthen the community, encourage leadership and athleticism among young people and promote health.
| Get your Pure Michigan travel guide
Whether you enjoy the great outdoors on the golf course or on the water, there’s no better place to enjoy warm weather than Michigan!
The 2017 Pure Michigan Spring/Summer Travel Guide is now available and features summer fun all over our great state. This year’s publication includes articles on beach towns, downtowns, maritime history, wilderness parks, even food and craft beer destinations! Find it online at http://www.michigan.org/travel-guide.
| | Hunters: Apply for elk and bear licenses
The 2017 bear and elk hunting application period is open through June 1. A total of 200 elk and 7,140 bear licenses will be available for the 2017 hunting seasons.
Hunters can apply online at www.mdnr-elicense.com, at any authorized license agent or at a DNR Customer Service Center. See the 2017 Elk Digest and the 2017 Black Bear Digest for more details about the application processes. Find the publications at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests. Drawing results will be posted online at www.mi.gov/bear or www.mi.gov/bear starting June 26.
| | | | | | | The 36th Senate District is made up of 10 counties, which includes: Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda, Alcona, Iosco, Arenac, Gladwin and Midland counties.
| | Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 36th Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 36th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website or via Facebook. | | Senator Jim Stamas
201 Townsend Street Suite #5200
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: www.SenatorJimStamas.com | | | | | |
