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Muskegon casino waiting on Whitmer approval

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The proposed casino in Muskegon and the hundreds of full time jobs that hang in the balance are in the hands of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The project has already received necessary approval from the federal government. All that is left is Whitmer’s approval, and if she does, Muskegon County will get its casino, hundreds of news jobs and a significant boost to the area economy. I have reminded the governor of these facts in urging her to approve the project. She has not given the approval for construction to begin and now we need your help to send her a strong message. Please visit my website at https://www.senatorjonbumstead.com/casino/ to share your thoughts and encourage Gov. Whitmer to let Muskegon have a casino.

Legislation would prohibit government mandated COVID-19 vaccination

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I believe fundamentally in your right to make your own health decisions, especially when it concerns COVID-19. That is why I strongly support legislation that has been introduced to prohibit government-forced vaccinations.

I invite you to check out my website to read more about these bills and share your thoughts and concerns. I want to hear from you!

Visit https://www.senatorjonbumstead.com/vaccine-mandates/ for more.

Seeking input on plan to preserve, protect state’s water

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Forever chemicals like PFAS, neglected dams, poisonous lead pipes and other threats to our water demand action. Michigan must act now to preserve and protect our beloved water resources before problems arise. I introduced legislation that would direct over a billion in federal funding for our state’s water infrastructure and environment without sticking residents with the bill.

I just launched a new webpage offering residents a detailed look at specifically how Senate Republicans plan to invest these federal dollars and help protect our state’s most abundant and vital natural resource. You may access the site at: https://www.senatorjonbumstead.com/protect-mi-water/

I encourage you to read through our plan and provide any feedback you may have in the comment form at the bottom of the page.

Bumstead supports record K-12 school funding ahead of school year

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The Michigan Senate voted to pass a fiscal year 2022 K-12 budget plan, including a record $17 billion in funding for Michigan schools.

House Bill 4411, now Public Act 48 of 2021, includes a $683 million boost to bring every Michigan school district’s foundation allowance up to at least $8,700 per student.

It invests a total of $17 billion in K-12 education, including $362 million for equalization payments, $7.5 million for career and technical education equipment, $10 million in school safety grants, and $240 million to help schools hire mental health professionals to help students dealing with anxiety and depression.

It also features a nearly $169 million increase to improve access to preschool, reduce class sizes and hire highly qualified teachers.

Other highlights in the budget include $140 million for the school employees’ retirement system and $75 million for building upgrades at schools with year-round schedules.

This historic funding aims to give our students and families the resources that they need to be successful during this upcoming school year.

Leftover turkey licenses on sale now

Fall turkey hunting is an important part of managing the wild turkey population. During the fall turkey season, hunters are encouraged to harvest female turkeys and are able to harvest more than one bird.

While the application deadline for licenses ended on Aug. 1, leftover turkey licenses are on sale now. Licenses can be purchased over the counter where DNR licenses are sold or through the DNR eLicense store.

Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is not guaranteed.

Boaters asked to help slow the spread of invasive plant

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European frog-bit, an invasive aquatic plant, has been confirmed in several locations across the state.

European frog-bit was first detected in Southeast Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of Lake Erie and Lake Huron up to the eastern Upper Peninsula.

In 2016, the plant, which resembles a miniature water lily with leaves about the size of a quarter, was discovered in Reeds and Fisk lakes in East Grand Rapids. More recently, it was discovered in the Lower Grand River (Ottawa County) and Pentwater Lake (Oceana County) in 2019 and Dansville State Game Area (Ingham County), Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson and Washtenaw counties) and the Les Cheneaux Islands (Mackinac County) in 2020.

Residents who believe they have seen European frog-bit outside of these known locations are asked to email [email protected] and provide the location and a photograph.

Boaters, anglers, and waterfowl hunters are being asked to Clean, Drain and Dry any boats, trailers and other gear prior to use in another body of water to help prevent the spread of European frog-bit and other aquatic invasive species.

Clean: Inspect boats, trailers, docks and gear and remove all mud, debris and plant material. Use a hose or power washer when available. Dispose of unwanted material in a trash can.
Drain: Remove water from live wells, bait buckets, bilges and other compartments before leaving an access site.
Dry: Allow boats and gear to dry for at least five days, if possible, before use in other bodies of water.

For more information about European frog-bit and other invasive species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

 

Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 34th District

I want to remind area-residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks and months:

Muskegon Polish Festival
Friday, Sept. 3 – Saturday, Sept. 4
Hackley Park
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Muskegon Polish Festival takes place over Labor Day weekend at the historic Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. The two-day festival offers Polish food, polka music, polka dancing, a kids’ area, and much more. Support from our community members helps make this festival a success! More information can also be found here.


Logging Festival 2021
Friday, Sept. 3 – Sunday, Sept. 5
Shaw Park
142 E. Croton Dr.
Newaygo, MI 49337

Description: Newaygo's Annual Labor Day Weekend Logging Festival is back! The festival will showcase the popular Lumberjack Competition (amateur and professional competition sign up is open), Chainsaw Carving, Arts & Crafts Vendors, live music and great food! More information can also be found here.


Hart Heritage Days 2021
Saturday, Sept.4 – Sunday, Sept. 5
Hart Historic District Museum
570 E. Lincoln St.
Hart, MI 49420

Description: The Hart Historic District Museum will be open for tours. The 2021 Heritage Days will also feature live music and great food. More information can be found here.


15th Annual White Lake Labor Day Community Walk
Monday, Sept. 6
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Montague Trailhead Pavilion (Hart-Montague Trail)
Spring St. and Water St.
Montague, MI 49437

Description: The Labor Day Community Walk will take place on the Hart-Montague Bike Trail and begin in Montague at the east end of Spring Street located behind Whitehall Products and Montague Foods. City officials and area leaders will walk with the people of the community across the White River Bridge to the Chamber of Commerce located at 124 W. Hanson Street in Whitehall. Walkers are more than welcome to continue on the path or may turn around and return to the start point. Healthy refreshments will be available at the Chamber Depot! More information can be found here.



Hackley Hooley
Saturday, September 18
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Hackley Park
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The full Michigan Irish Music Festival will not be held in 2021. Instead, the Hackley Hooley will be held and presented by Family Financial Credit Union, as a hybrid event of the Michigan Irish Music Festival. A one-day event, Sept. 18th at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. Hours. 11 am - 8 pm. Live music, food, shopping, craft beer and Irish beverages. More information can also be found here.


Harvest Moon Festival 2021
Saturday, Sept. 18
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Downtown Grant
Grant, MI 49327

Description: Events start and finish at different times throughout the day! The event list includes a cornhole tournament, dunk tank, soap box derby, brat eating contest, food trucks, pie baking contest, auto show, chili cook-off and more. More information can be found here.


8th Annual Community Remembrance Service
Monday, Sept. 20
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Heritage Memorial Garden
545 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice is hosting the 8th Annual Community Remembrance at Heritage Memorial Garden in downtown Muskegon. A program encompassing beautiful music, readings, and bulb planting to help individuals and families in our community both mourn the death and honor the life of a loved one. More information can be found here.


Taste of Muskegon 2021
Friday, Sept. 24 – Saturday, Sept. 25
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Hackley Park
350 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: Get a Taste of the best Muskegon has to offer when we return to Hackley Park September 24 & 25. More information can be found here.

Michigan's 34th Senate District

The 34th State Senate District includes the counties of Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana.

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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. 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 34th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.

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

 
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com