Open Senator Jon Bumstead's Update in your browser

Fighting for a fiscally responsible budget

The Senate recently voted on its fiscal year 2024 budget package.

The budgets pushed forward by the majority raises some serious concerns. Already struggling Michigan taxpayers cannot afford the unsustainable government growth proposed by this package at the cost of our state’s economic future. My colleagues and I introduced over 170 amendments and have laid out a Roadmap for a Better Michigan in an effort to adjust this dangerous course. As the Senate budget passed by a slim majority, the spending plan would blow through our state’s multibillion surplus in a matter of months.

Though we offered more than 170 amendments in an attempt to curb the reckless spending, each one was voted down. Instead of spending money on pools, electric buses and pickleball courts like the current plan does, our amendments would have reprioritized spending to:

• Improve safety measures in our schools and communities.
• Michigan priorities like tax relief, local roads, state parks and water infrastructure improvements.
• Invest more to reduce suicides among active-duty military and veterans.
• Stop universities or community colleges from raising tuition on students.
• Invest more in student mental health services.
• Provide bonuses to attract and retain good teachers.

Changes coming to distracted driving laws

The Michigan Legislature recently approved new bills regarding distracted driving.

Michigan law already bans texting while driving. If the new legislation is signed by the governor as expected, the law will be expanded on June 30 to include bans on the hand-held use of cell phones or other mobile devices in any way. If you want to use a GPS navigation device or make a phone call while driving, it must be done in “hands-free” or voice-activated mode. The only exceptions are emergency situations such as calling 911.

Drivers will not be permitted to use their hands to operate a mobile device beyond a single tap to activate a function or select a phone number, or to use the permanently installed user interfaces of technology integrated into a vehicle.

Improvement projects at state parks

This summer, several state parks across the state will be receiving much-needed upgrades. Visitors will enjoy new and upgraded camping amenities, park roads, electrical and water distribution systems, and toilet and shower buildings, as well as visitor center enhancements and historic preservation work.

Before you head out, remember to check for closures and improvements happening across the 32nd District.

• Betsie Valley Trail
• Hoffmaster State Park
• Interlochen State Park
• Ludington State Park
• Muskegon State Game Area

If you plan on visiting a park or are looking for updates on projects please visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures for more information on additional closures due to these planned improvement projects, other repairs or weather-related events.

Michigan fishing update

Looking for updates on current fishing conditions? Subscribe to the weekly fishing report. The weekly email, published by the Department of Natural Resources, provides fishing conditions from around the state. Updates come from a combination of creel clerks and other DNR staff and reflect past fishing conditions over the last seven days.

You can also download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app to purchase and store hunting, fishing, ORV and snowmobile licenses and permits. The app provides access to:

• Report deer or fish harvests.
• Look up regulations and download guides and digests.
• Find your license history, including point and chance balances.
• Check out maps with multiple layers, showing features such as shooting ranges and boat launches.
• Get timely notifications from the DNR.

Senate passes sexual assault reform package

The Michigan Senate recently passed a bipartisan package of bills to prevent sexual assault, support survivors and punish offenders.

Senate Bills 66-73 make a number of reforms to certain medical practices and put important safeguards and guidelines in place.

This bill package — originating in the aftermath of the sexual assault investigations and convictions of former Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar — aims to protect survivors, strengthens penalties to prevent future crimes and improves accountability measures.

The bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Michigan Senate’s Memorial Day Ceremony

On May 25, I had the honor of hosting retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Sedelmaier and his family as my guests at the Michigan Capitol for the Senate’s 28th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. From 2007 to 2015, he served our country and Michigan proudly in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a privilege to have the Sedelmaier family join my staff and I in Lansing all the way from Manistee County.

Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District

Downtown Hart Flower Planting
Saturday, June 3
9 a.m. — noon
Hart Commons Park
206 E. Main St.
Hart

Description: Volunteers Wanted! Help the Hart Project with their beautification efforts and join them downtown Hart to plant flowers! More information here.

D-Day Commemoration Event
Saturday, June 3
10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
USS LST 393
560 Mart St.
Muskegon

Description: USS LST 393 is proud to commemorate the service of American Veterans June 3 by marking the anniversary of the D-Day invasion of France in 1944. More information here.

Dune Harbor Park Dedication
Saturday, June 3
10 a.m. — noon
Dune Harbor Park
2925 Lincoln St.
Norton Shores

Description: Muskegon County has acquired the entire 377 acres of the Nugent Sand property. This beautiful property includes two large inland lakes and 1,660 feet of Lake Michigan lakefront. More information here.

Mason County Plant Exchange
Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Leveaux Park
900 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington

Description: The plant exchange hosted by Mason County Garden Club is open to all members of the community. Annuals, perennials, bulbs and corms, shrubs and trees along with house plants are accepted. More information here.

Taste of Muskegon
Friday, June 9
4 — 10 p.m.
Hackley Park
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon

Description: Taste of Muskegon is back in Hackley Park for its 17th year. A place where restaurateurs, connoisseurs, and foodies unite for the biggest and best food festival in town. More information here.

Love Ludington Weekend
Friday, June 9
6 — 10:30 p.m.
Downtown Ludington

Description: The main intersection of downtown Ludington will close to give way to the street party of all street parties to kick off Love Ludington weekend! More information here.

National Asparagus Festival — 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 10 — Sunday, June 11
16 S. State St.
Hart

Description: Join us downtown Hart for the 50th year celebration of the National Asparagus Festival! Festival includes a 5K, craft show, parade, Taste of Asparagus, pageant, and more! More information here.

Badger Birthday Bash
Saturday, June 10
6:30 — 9 p.m.
Maritime Heritage Park
998 W. Loomis St.
Ludington

Description: Celebrate 70 years of the S.S. BADGER Lake Michigan Car Ferry! Help welcome the Badger into port and enjoy yard games, cake, and live music. More information here.

Frankfort Craft Fair
Saturday, June 17
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
517 Main St.
Frankfort

Description: Annual outdoor craft fair featuring vendors from the area. More information here.

Pentwater Spring Fest Arts, Craft and Antique Fair
Saturday, June 17 — Sunday, June 18
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Pentwater Village Green
327 S. Hancock St.
Pentwater

Description: Spring Fest arts and craft show will take place on the Village Green. Come enjoy shopping at over 100 artist booths, music and food. More information here.

Hart Historic District Car Show
Saturday, June 17
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Hart Historic District
570 E. Lincoln St.
Hart

Description: Car show at the Hart Historic District with entertainment, concessions, museum tours, kids activities. More information here.

Whitehall’s 44th Annual Arts and Craft Festival
Saturday, June 17
10 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Goodrich Park
100 N. Lake St.
Whitehall

Description: Spend a day at this popular outdoor event held off the shores of beautiful White Lake and under the trees at Goodrich Park. More information here.

Thompsonville Summer Fest
Monday, June 19
6 — 9 p.m.
Thompsonville Village Hall
14714 Lincoln Ave.
Thompsonville

Description: Enjoy an evening of learning about human services in Benzie County while enjoying live music, food, prizes and raffles. More information here.

Betsie Valley Trail — Brew to Brew Bike Event
Saturday, June 24
10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Betsie Valley Trail
Benzie County

Description: Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail have teamed up with Stormcloud Brewing Company and Five Shores Brewery to offer the public a fun day on the Betsie Valley Trail. More information here.

Lakeshore Art Festival
Saturday, June 24 — Sunday, June 25
9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon

Description: The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. More information here.

Country Dairy Super Social
Saturday, July 1
11 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Country Dairy
3476 S. 80th Ave.
New Era

Description: This full day event is packed full of family fun, Christian music, ice cream, cows and more! More information here.

Independence Day at Crystal Mountain
Saturday, July 1 — Tuesday, July 4
All Day
Crystal Mountain
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville

Description: Crystal Mountain will be hosting an event to celebrate our independence in good old fashioned red, white and blue style with events for the whole family. More information here.

Frankfort Art in the Park
Tuesday, July 4
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
517 Main St.
Frankfort

Description: Craft and art fair during our July 4 activities on the beautiful Betsie Bay. More information here.

Frankfort Fourth of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4
10 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Main Street
Frankfort

Description: Annual Fourth of July Parade with the 2023 theme: Sesqui-Centennial — the Lowering of Crystal Lake (1873-2023). More information here.

Manistee Independence Day Parade
Tuesday, July 4
10 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Downtown Manistee

Description: The parade will start on Division Street and River Street and will finish at First Street/Armory Youth Project Parking Lot. More information here.

White Lake Fourth of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4
10 a.m.
Downtown
Whitehall and Montague

Description: Beginning at 10 a.m., join us for the White Lake Area Fourth of July parade! The parade route travels from Whitehall City Hall to Montague City Hall. More information here.

Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival
Tuesday, July 4
2 — 11 p.m.
Downtown Ludington

Description: This annual event is the quintessential Independence Day celebration. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. Fireworks at dusk will be visible from any Ludington beach. More information here.

Fourth of July Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4
10:20 — 11 p.m.
Downtown
Muskegon

Description: Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for this family-friendly event under the stars. More information here.

Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com

Unsubscribe