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 am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my Facebook page or my new official account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  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

I had the opportunity to tour LMCU Ballpark last year and see the new renovations and updates that further enhance the game experience.

These renovations ensure that the ballpark remains a top-tier facility both locally and nationally for West Michigan Whitecaps games, concerts and special events for decades to come.

Click here or on the image below to join me as I tour the place where West Michiganders love spending their summers and celebrating America’s pastime.

I want to thank the Reyes Coca-Cola production facility in Grand Rapids for hosting me and a group of legislators for a tour of their impressive operation.

This 307,000-square-foot facility employs over 200 local residents and produces over 26 million cases of product each year.

If you or your family are enjoying a cold can of Coca-Cola, there is a very good chance it was produced right here in Grand Rapids!

I want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth for providing me with a tour of their wonderful facility!

Every year, kids across Grand Rapids are given the opportunity to participate in club and camp experiences that help them reach their full potential through education, recreation and positive community activities. The work they do helps prepare our future generations for great success!

I hold in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and receive help with a variety of state issues.

This month, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following dates, times and locations:

Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

At an event in Macomb County, President Donald Trump announced that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive a new fighter mission featuring 21 F-15EX aircraft.

The announcement followed years of bipartisan advocacy to secure a new fighter mission for Selfridge. Located in Harrison Township, the base is one of the oldest military airfields in the United States still in use. This decision will help ensure Selfridge remains central to U.S. defense strategy and operations for decades to come.

Leaders from Michigan have long advocated for a new fighter mission to replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron at Selfridge that is set to be phased out starting next year. Without a replacement mission, the state faced significant job losses. Selfridge supports an estimated 30,000 jobs statewide and contributes approximately $850 million to Michigan’s economy.

Two major capital projects are underway at Selfridge to prepare for the new mission, including runway modifications and the construction of a 41,600-square-foot hangar and maintenance facilities to accommodate the new fleet of larger fighter aircraft.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget is accepting nominations for the next Christmas tree to be displayed in front of the state Capitol during the holiday season.

Since 1985, trees have been selected from communities across the state. To be considered, a tree must meet the following criteria:

Nominations can be made by emailing your name, phone number, a photograph of the tree, and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Aug. 18.

The selected tree will be harvested and transported to Lansing, where it will be the central attraction for the 41st annual Silver Bells in the City tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.

The 2025 bear and elk hunting license application period is now open through June 1. Apply anywhere hunting licenses are sold, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Applications are $5.

Hunters can increase their odds, or even get two tags in a single year, by picking up Pure Michigan Hunt applications. For just $5, the Pure Michigan Hunt offers a chance to win an incredible prize package, as well as licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, antlerless deer, and first pick at a managed waterfowl hunting area for a reserved hunt. The entry fee supports Michigan’s wildlife habitat restoration and management efforts.

There are nearly 200,000 Vietnam veterans in Michigan. In 2022, the Michigan Legislature established the Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate to honor those who served during this wartime era.

The certificate acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans, with a special designation available for those exposed to dioxin or phenoxy herbicides during their service.

Eligibility requirements:

If you or someone you know is eligible, complete the Michigan Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate Form. For more information or help filling out the application, contact 800-MICH-VET or email MVAAResourceCenter@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can help veterans obtain a free copy of their DD-214 Report of Separation and connect them with their earned benefits.

The DD-214 is an important document veterans use to prove their service history. The document is necessary for a veteran to access many of the benefits they’ve earned through their service, including GI Bill benefits, VA home loans, disability claims and veteran-specific hiring programs.

Veterans and their dependents can connect with an accredited Veteran Service Officer to help them file claims or review their current benefits. For a full list of VSOs, visit Michigan.gov/VSO. To connect with the MVAA, call 800-MICH-VET (642-4838) or visit Michigan.gov/MVAA. 

Michigan is home to more than 500,000 veterans. National Military Appreciation Month is a time to recognize our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Throughout May, communities across the state host special events, career fairs and support groups for veterans. For a calendar of events, visit Michigan.gov/MVAA/events.

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 SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

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.