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 encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. 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,

Mark Huizenga
State Senator

It was an honor to participate in Betty Ford’s Annual Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony on July 14 in commemoration of President Gerald R. Ford’s 111th birthday. The 38th U.S. president — and only Michigander to hold the office thus far — led a remarkable life of integrity and service to our nation.

I recently participated in a Tallmadge Charter Township meeting to discuss PFAS concerns and well water samplings in the community. Representatives from the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy were on hand to present their data findings and information about ongoing efforts to mitigate concerns.

I remain committed to working closely with these state agencies and local officials to ensure our communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water. Local PFAS updates can be found on the township website.

I had a wonderful time introducing the band Straight Shot during the Walker Standale Summer Concert Series at Walker Community Park on July 11. This event is always a terrific opportunity for families and people of all ages to enjoy our community together. The final series concert of the season will feature the music of the Westside Soul Surfers on Aug. 8. Click here to learn more.

On July 1, the Michigan Uniform Power of Attorney Act went into effect, making power of attorney agreements more effective for Michigan residents.

A power of attorney is a notarized document that allows a person to grant someone else the legal authority to act on their behalf. A durable power of attorney grants that authority after the person has become incapacitated. Public Act 187 of 2023 brings Michigan law into alignment with more than 30 other states that have adopted similar laws. Uniform laws across states allow families to better plan for the future and ensure the documents they prepare are consistent and enforceable.

In the past, power of attorney agreements in Michigan were regulated through a combination of laws. PA 187 of 2023 more clearly outlines the responsibilities of both parties in an agreement and places protections for individuals financially harmed by the execution of an agreement.

Existing power of attorney agreements signed before July 1, do not need to be redrafted. However, for an agreement to remain effective if you become incapacitated, it must explicitly state this intent. If you are unsure about your current agreement or wish to have one drafted, it is best to contact an attorney.

Let your voice be heard! Whether you use a local trail for hiking or a state-designated trail for snowmobiling, your feedback is crucial for the future of our state’s trail system.

The Michigan Trails Experience Survey seeks input on the kinds of activities, conditions and amenities that enhance trail experiences. Your responses will assist the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Trails Advisory Council in making important decisions about the thousands of miles of trails in Michigan.

The survey is open through Aug. 1.

Motorists may have noticed volunteers picking up trash along Michigan highways as part of a week-long Adopt-A-Highway event from July 13 to 21.

Adopt-A-Highway volunteers come from various organizations such as scout troops, church groups, clubs, service organizations and businesses. Groups make a two-year commitment to adopt a section of highway, picking up litter three times each year in their designated area. The Michigan Department of Transportation provides volunteers with free high-visibility safety vests and trash bags.

Started in 1990, the Adopt-A-Highway program now includes over 2,900 groups cleaning more than 6,000 miles of highway. Volunteers collect over 60,000 bags of trash annually.

The final Adopt-A-Highway event for the year is scheduled for Sept. 21 to 29. For more information or to adopt a section of highway, visit MDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway site.

Applications for the 2024 fall turkey hunting licenses are available through Aug. 1. Anyone 10 years or older or with a mentored youth hunting license can apply for a limited-quota license valid for a specific fall turkey hunt unit during specific season dates.

Applications are available for $5 online at eLicense, locations where DNR licenses are sold, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Drawing results will be available on Aug. 12.

Please visit Michigan’s Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary for the most up-to-date regulations.

Michigan is home to more than 500 family-owned blueberry farms, covering more than 20,000 acres across Allegan, Berrien, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren counties.

Michigan ranks third in the U.S. for blueberry production, averaging 92 million pounds annually with more than 30 different varieties, contributing nearly $132 million to the state’s economy.

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 [email protected].

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.