I recently voted to suspend the state’s excise, sales and use taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels for three months to provide relief to Michigan drivers.

Senate Bill 1029 would suspend the state’s excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel from June 15 to Sept. 15. SBs 972, 973 and 974 would suspend the state’s 6% sales and use taxes on motor fuel for the same time period.

According to AAA, on June 11, the average price per gallon for regular gasoline in Michigan was $5.22 – the highest recorded average in the state’s history, and as all of us have already seen, this amount will likely continue to rise. Suspending the excise and sales taxes on gasoline is estimated to save Michigan drivers 51 cents per gallon at the pump and provide Michiganders with needed relief.

In May, the Senate passed the MI Family Inflation Relief Plan to provide Michigan families, seniors and veterans with $2.5 billion in tax relief. If signed, the new laws would have helped every Michigander by lowering the state’s income tax to 4% and increasing the personal income tax deduction by $1,800. It would have also created a $500 tax credit for each child under the age of 19.

The plan also included a veterans property tax exemption, Senate Bill 784, which I sponsored. The bill would have ensured that 100% disabled military veterans and the spouses of those killed in action continued to receive a 100% property tax exemption through the same process that currently exists today. It would have also set a $2,000 property tax cap for veterans who are more than 50% disabled but less than 100% disabled. Additionally, this legislation would have held local governments harmless by requiring the state to reimburse them for the property tax exemptions, alleviating a significant financial burden on their end.

The governor vetoed the inflation relief plan and both bills needed to be signed to take effect. That is why I have reintroduced a new version of the veterans property tax exemption bill. Unfunded mandates like these are harmful to our local units of government, and I will continue to seek that these unfunded mandates brought onto our locals by the Legislature be put back on the state. All the while safeguarding that our veterans still receive the benefits that they deserve.

Every Michigan resident should have access to quality mental health services regardless of their means or where they live. The Senate has passed a comprehensive supplemental appropriations bill that would invest more than half a billion dollars to transform Michigan’s mental health system.

Senate Bill 714 would invest $565 million in mostly federal funding to provide communities with resources for jail diversion, create treatment units to reduce emergency room overcrowding, and bolster substance abuse programs.

The bill would provide $230 million for local mental health efforts to provide additional support to help police officers identify individuals better suited for treatment rather than incarceration; invest in new treatment units to reduce hospital emergency room crowding while getting patients the immediate help they need; support for substance abuse prevention, education and treatment programs; and invest in services to help kids, including child advocacy centers, child family charities, and adverse childhood experience programs.

Additionally, $115 million is included to recruit mental health professionals and to invest in programs designed to proactively address at-risk youth in Michigan schools and communities.

SB 714 has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

I introduced Senate Resolution 153, which declared June as Internet Safety Month in Michigan. It is the perfect time to increase your awareness of online safety and learn ways to protect your identity and data.

These days, kids are spending more time online than ever before. They have come to depend on the internet for education, entertainment and socializing with their friends.

It is vitally important to make sure they are cyber-safe. Visit www.Michigan.gov/Cybersecurity or www.ProtectMiChild.com for more information.

On June 23 I had the honor of hosting Tara Oomen, the 2021 Asparagus Queen, at the Michigan Senate. Oceana County is home to the National Asparagus Festival and the county proudly produces 80% of all asparagus grown in Michigan.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to join Audubon Great Lakes on a bird walk at Muskegon State Park. This was a great opportunity to hear and see the amazing work they have done in our state and the region. You can learn more about the organization here: gl.audubon.org.

I want to remind area residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks.

Discover Muskegon Festival
Friday, July 1
6 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 2
Noon – 11 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Discover Muskegon Festival returns to Downtown Muskegon July 1st and 2nd. Along with a display of vehicles, an EDM music stage, food trucks, kids zone (and more!). More information can be found here.

6th Annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show and Benefit
Saturday, July 2
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hot Rod Harley Davidson
149 Shoreline Dr.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show and Benefit seeks to raise awareness and funds to help fight Veteran suicide. More information can be found here.

Hart Sparks Firework Celebration
Saturday, July 2
6 – 10 p.m.
16 S State Street
Hart, MI 49420

Description: The holiday week is set to kick off with food, live music and fireworks in Downtown Hart on July 2nd. The fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m. This year will be the biggest and best fireworks show Hart has ever hosted! More information found here.

Fireworks in Pentwater
Sunday, July 3
10 p.m.
Charles Mears State Park
400 W. Lowell Street
Pentwater, MI 49449

Description: Fireworks over Lake Michigan and Pentwater Pier in Charles Mears State Park. More information here.

White Lake Area 4th of July Parade
Monday, July 4
10 a.m.
Downtown Whitehall and Montague

Description: The parade route travels from Whitehall City Hall to Montague City Hall, with over 75 festive entries, and lead by the honorable American Legion and VFW. Do not miss the family fun offered at our annual parade! More information can be found here.

Silver Lake Boat Parade
Monday, July 4
8 – 9:30 p.m.
On Silver Lake
Mears, MI 49436

Description: Please join in on the Silver Lake Boat Parade, Monday evening July 4th on Silver Lake in Mears, Ml. The parade will conclude before sunset and the Silver Lake Fireworks. More information found here.

Hess Lake Run for Wounded Warrior Project
Saturday, July 9
8 a.m.
53 E 88th Street
Newaygo, MI 49337

Description: Hess Lake offers a very unique and scenic running experience that athletes crave. Far from the “same old” streets and suburbia that runners are accustomed to, the racecourse challenges even the most avid runners yet offers scenery that beginners can appreciate. More information can be found here.

National Baby Food Festival
July 20 – 23
Veterans Memorial Park
119 W Main St.
Fremont, MI 49412

Description: The 31st Annual celebration of children and families. Theme: Celebrating Family Fremont, The Baby Food Capitol of the World, home of Gerber Products Company, and a natural for this one-of-kind festival. More information here.

White Lake Chamber Music Festival
July 29 – Aug. 7
Times and locations vary
Montague and Whitehall

Description: Live performances returning to the White Lake area. From July 29 through August 7, the White Lake Chamber Music Festival will present an impressive array of exceptional performances! Excellent programming, world-class artists, and inspiring classical music performances will take place in a variety of venues in the White Lake area. More information can be found here.