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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 (formerly 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,

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Mark Huizenga
State Senator

Senate Republicans introduce legislation to help Michigan students 

Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to reverse Michigan’s academic decline and refocus on student success.

Michigan now ranks 44th in the nation for fourth grade reading scores, falling 12 spots since 2019, according to the Nation’s Report Card.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress report found that three out of four Michigan students are not proficient in reading at grade level. It also showed that 63% of fourth graders and 76% of eighth graders are not proficient in math.

The Republican plan would:

Allow third graders to be retained if they are not reading at a proficient level (Senate Bill 376).
Add alternatives to the Michigan Merit Curriculum by allowing career technical education, computer science or dual enrollment classes to count toward some math credits and require K-5 teacher training in the science of reading (SB 377).
Restore the A-F grading scale to make it easier for parents to understand how their child’s school is performing (SB 378).
Require student progress to be part of every teacher’s evaluation process (SBs 379 and 380).
Empower school leaders to make the best decisions for their students (SB 381).

MIRS podcast interview about PFAS legislation

Earlier this month, Michigan Information & Research Service Inc. (MIRS) invited me to be on its Monday podcast to share my perspective on the PFAS legislation I introduced to provide free blood testing to kids in impacted areas.

This important legislation will not only give parents peace of mind but also play a role in the ongoing research on PFAS and its impact on our health.

To learn more about this legislation or to share your PFAS story, visit SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/pfas-testing-for-kids.

Click here or on the image below to listen to the podcast interview.

 
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Tour of Pine Rest’s future home

I recently had the pleasure of touring the future home of the Pine Rest Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health.

This 137,000-square-foot facility will improve access to care and impact families statewide, both today and for generations to come, through a continuum of services.

I was proud to secure $34.5 million in state funding to support this project and will continue to advocate for proper mental health funding.

 
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Scout Day at Capitol

I was honored to speak with so many bright and dedicated Scouts last week during Scout Day at the Capitol! As Senate co-chair of the Scouting Caucus, I’m always inspired by their commitment to leadership, service and community. Keep up the great work!

 
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First Financial Bank tribute

Congratulations to First Financial Bank on the opening of its first location in Michigan, situated right in downtown Grand Rapids.

Since 1863, First Financial Bank has provided financial and banking services while focusing on strong client relationships that help businesses grow and uplift local communities.

My office was honored to present a special tribute to congratulate First Financial Bank on its new location and extend a warm West Michigan welcome.

 
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Reminder: District office hours on Friday

I hold in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and receive help with a variety of state issues.

On Friday, June 20, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:

7:00 to 8:00 a.m. at Starbucks, 6370 Lake Michigan Drive in Allendale (located inside Family Fare).
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Sweetland Chocolates & Coffee, 9 N. Main St. in Rockford.

Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

 
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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.

Senator Mark Huizenga
201 Townsend St., Suite #7200
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Visit my website at:
SenatorMarkHuizenga.com

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