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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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Legislature delivers for new Selfridge mission
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After months of deliberation, the Legislature was finally able to come together to secure $152 million for upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The funding will support runway improvements needed for a new F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission that will complement the base’s KC-46 Pegasus refueling tankers and replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron. The new mission, first announced by President Donald Trump in April 2025, followed years of bipartisan efforts to secure a replacement fighter mission and prevent the base from permanent closure.
Selfridge supports an estimated 30,000 jobs statewide and contributes approximately $850 million to Michigan’s economy. It is one of the oldest military airfields in the United States still in operation. The new mission will help ensure Selfridge remains central to U.S. defense operations for decades to come.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved the funding days before the June 1 deadline.
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Natural Resources Commission approves ‘one buck rule’
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The Natural Resources Commission met on May 13 and approved several changes to deer regulations for the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons.
The full list of NRC-approved changes for the 2026 deer seasons can be found here. Some of the changes include:
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The muzzleloader season will be shortened from 10 days to three days. The shortened season will begin on the first Friday in December. In the Lower Peninsula, any legal firearm may be used during the season, which will now be called the December Firearm Deer Season. |
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The Early Antlerless Firearm Deer Season will run concurrently with the Liberty Hunt during the second weekend in September. The Liberty Hunt and Early Antlerless seasons will be Sept. 12-13 this year. |
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The Late Antlerless Season will begin earlier, on the Monday following the December Firearm Deer Season, and continue through Jan. 1. The season will be open across the Lower Peninsula except in Deer Management Units 245 (South Fox Island) and 145 (North Manitou Island). DMU 115 (Beaver and Garden islands) is now open for both the early and late antlerless seasons. |
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The commission approved the following changes for the 2027 deer hunt in the Lower Peninsula:
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Limit deer harvests to one buck per hunter. |
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A single deer license will be valid only for one deer with at least three antler points on one side or for one antlerless deer. |
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A combo license will allow hunters to take one antlered deer with no point restrictions and either one antlerless deer or two antlerless deer. |
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Existing antler point restrictions in designated deer management units will remain unchanged. |
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Create a pilot “earn a second buck” program in the southern Lower Peninsula (Zone 3). |
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The commission did not make changes to the 2027 deer hunting regulations in the Upper Peninsula.
The full 9 1/2-hour meeting is available on the DNR’s YouTube channel.
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Wildlife Habitat Grant application period now open
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for wildlife habitat improvement grants through the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. Established in 2013, the program is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.
Funding is available through a competitive process for local, state, federal and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Grant awards range from $50,000 to about $1 million.
The 2026 grant cycle prioritizes projects that restore large complexes of grassland and savanna habitat.
Applications are due June 25 and must be submitted through the MiGrants system.
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Nominate the 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year
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Nominations are now open for the 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
Each year, the program recognizes outstanding educators and offers award recipients an opportunity to learn more about state education policy and provide input on ways to better serve Michigan students.
Ten teachers will be selected as Regional Teachers of the Year through a competitive process, and one will be named Michigan Teacher of the Year. The honorees also serve on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council.
The Michigan Teacher of the Year serves as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education and represents the state as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.
To nominate an outstanding Michigan public school teacher, use this online nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23.
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Before heading out on an ORV ride, it is important to understand the rules and safety guidelines.
Most crashes result from excessive speed, careless operation or inadequate supervision of young riders. According to ORV crash data, more than 700 crashes were reported in 2025, including 32 fatalities and more than 500 injuries.
A parent or guardian must supervise children under the age of 16 operating a four-wheel ATV, and operators must possess a valid ORV safety certificate. Restrictions vary depending on age and whether the vehicle is operated on public or private property.
Stay safe by following these tips:
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Ride on the right side of the trail. |
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Never ride under the influence. |
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Keep lights on while riding. |
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Click here for more information about ORV safety and trail etiquette.
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Important fire safety reminders
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Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by people, but taking a few precautions can help prevent fires from spreading.
Before burning yard debris such as brush or leaves, check the DNR’s interactive Burn Permit Management System map to see if conditions are safe for burning. The map provides daily county-by-county updates and contact information for areas where permits are issued by local municipalities.
When burning, follow these safety tips:
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Keep fires small and manageable. |
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Keep a hose or other water source nearby |
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Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches. |
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Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute. |
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Thoroughly douse fires with water, stir the ashes and douse again before leaving. |
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Click here for additional fire safety information, including prescribed burns and burn permits.
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Free Fishing Weekend set for June 13-14
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Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend will take place June 13-14.
During the Free Fishing Weekend, fishing license fees are waived, and state parks and boating access sites are open without a Recreation Passport. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish for any species, though all fishing regulations and laws still apply.
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June is National Dairy Month
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Dairy is Michigan’s top agricultural commodity, contributing $15.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Most milk sold in grocery stores comes from Michigan farms and processors. In many cases, milk travels from farm to processor to store within about 48 hours.
Every milk container has a five-digit code showing where it was processed. The first two digits identify the state where the milk was bottled, and Michigan’s code is 26.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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The Badger Experience
Thursday, June 4
6 – 10 p.m.
Lake Michigan Carferry
701 Maritime Drive
Ludington
Description: Have an unforgettable evening aboard The Badger while enjoying views of Lake Michigan. Click here to learn more.
Love Ludington Street Party
Friday, June 5
6 – 9 p.m.
1117 28th St.
Manistee
Description: Celebrate Ludington with live music, games for the family, food, drinks and much more. Click here to learn more.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Sunday, June 7
1 – 2 p.m.
Stearns Park Beach
420 N. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington
Description: Volunteer with your neighbors and friends and help clean up Stearns Beach! Click here to learn more.
Start of Summer Party
Sunday, June 7
5 – 7 p.m.
Village Green
324 S. Hancock
Pentwater
Description: Annual Start of Summer Party. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs and bottled water will be provided free of charge. Learn more by clicking here.
Polymer Clay Canes Class
Wednesday, June 10
6 – 8 p.m.
Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center
106 E. Colby St.
Whitehall
Description: Learn how to make canes in polymer clay and create unique designs. Click here to learn more.
National Asparagus Festival
Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14
Downtown Hart
16 S. State St.
Hart
Description: Celebrate Oceana County’s asparagus harvest at the National Asparagus Festival. Click here to learn more.
Revolutionary War Encampment
Friday, June 19 – Saturday, June 20
Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington
Description: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Father’s Day weekend by visiting a Revolutionary War encampment demonstration. Click here to learn more.
Frankfort Craft Fair
Saturday, June 20
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Main Street
Downtown Frankfort
Description: Browse handmade art and crafts from more than 70 vendors in downtown Frankfort. Click here to learn more.
Roaring 20s Tea Event
Saturday, June 20
1 – 4 p.m.
Hackley & Hume Historic Site
484 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Dress in your best 1920s attire and step back in time for an afternoon of elegance and charm. Click here to learn more.
White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21
Goodrich Park
100 N. Lake St.
Whitehall
Description: Listen to live music, explore the offerings of local vendors, enjoy festival food and more at the 47th Annual White Lake Area Arts and Crafts Festival. Click here to learn more.
Spring Festival Arts, Crafts & Antiques Show @ Village Green
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21
Village Green
324 S. Hancock
Pentwater
Description: Visitors can stroll among the vendors, meet local and regional artisans, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures ranging from jewelry and home décor to vintage collectibles and seasonal goods. Click here for more information.
Solstice Ensemble at Oliver Art Center
Sunday, June 21
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Oliver Art Center
132 Coast Guard St.
Frankfort
Description: Join Solstice Ensemble for a free performance at the Oliver Art Center. Click here to learn more.
Kid’s Fish Day
Wednesday, June 24
9 – 10:30 a.m.
450 N. Lakeshore Drive
Manistee
Description: Bring the kids for some family fun at Kid’s Fish Day in Manistee! Open to all kids age 12 and under; all kids must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Click here to learn more.
Lakeshore Art Festival
Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Explore a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food and more at this year’s Lakeshore Art Festival. Click here to learn more.
Country Dairy Annual Ice Cream Social
Saturday, June 27
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Country Dairy Inc.
3476 S. 80th Ave.
New Era
Description: Scoops, farm fun and sweet summer memories are waiting. Click here to learn more.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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