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, my  official account on X or my Instagram for recent updates.

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

The John Ball Zoo has grown to become one of the top five most-visited cultural facilities in our state — welcoming over 800,000 visitors just last year.

Spanning more than 31 acres and home to 220 animal species, John Ball Zoo is committed not only to protecting wildlife, but also to educating the public and making a positive impact on the community.

Join me as I explore one of West Michigan’s premier attractions. Click here or on the image below to watch a tour of the zoo.

Last year, I had the opportunity to tour LMCU Ballpark and see the new construction as it progressed.

Now, after months of hard work and long hours, West Michigan families can enjoy brand-new seating and dining options that will enhance their time at the stadium and help create lifelong memories.

Click here or on the image below to watch a tour and learn more about your local ballpark.

Thank you to everyone who attended my bipartisan BBQ with local elected officials!

The evening was filled with great conversation, delicious food and an informative presentation from Michigan Department of Transportation representatives about current and upcoming construction projects.

It is truly a pleasure to serve the people of West Michigan and collaborate with our local elected leaders.

As I passed by the Fruit Ridge bridge construction in Walker, I took a moment to appreciate the continued progress on this much-needed upgrade.

While I recognize the project has caused inconvenience for travelers, I look forward to its completion and the positive impact it will bring to the local community.

Click here for a story by WZZM TV-13 on a recent update on the bridge project.

I recently had the honor of touring Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids to learn more about its orthotics, prosthetics and bionics program.

Through its compassionate approach, Mary Free Bed is providing patients with the medical resources and services needed to live independent and mobile lives.

As a state legislator, I’m proud to have secured state funding to help expand this important work.

I had the pleasure of calling bingo numbers at Senior Neighbors in Walker!

Thank you to the staff for welcoming me and for all the incredible work you do. You’re providing seniors with a place to stay active, have fun and be a part of the local community.

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.

On Friday, Aug. 22, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following 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.

Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney, Michigan, was named grand champion in the National Christmas Tree Association’s contest. Korson’s will have the honor of supplying the official White House Christmas tree this year.

The tradition of bringing a Christmas tree into the White House began in 1889. This will be the third time the White House tree has come from Michigan.

Michigan’s nationally recognized, prevention-based student safety reporting system received a record number of messages and calls during 2024. The 2024 report notes a record 11,671 tips across a total of 25 categories, including bullying; threats of suicide; anxiety, stress, depression and harassment; drugs; and sexual assault, misconduct or exploitation.

Since launching in 2014, OK2SAY has received 61,719 tips. The program allows students to report threatening behavior confidentially and empowers students to prevent violence and make their schools safer.

Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools. Tips can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by:

More information is available online, including resources for schools, age-appropriate presentations and resources for students who need additional support.

Do you have unclaimed property? The Michigan Department of Treasury is the custodian of millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. By law, banks and other companies must turn over unclaimed property to the state until it is claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.

More than $675 million has been returned in the last five years. The Unclaimed Property database is easy to search, and claims can be made in a matter of minutes.

Michigan is home to more than 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails. On Aug. 16-17, all routes, trails and the state’s six scramble areas will be open to residents and out-of-state visitors without needing ORV licenses or trail permits. All other rules and laws still apply.

Visit the DNR ORV webpage to download the ORV rules and regulations handbook, find ORV-friendly campgrounds and review maps of state-designated ORV trails!

Before you head out for an ORV adventure, it is important to know the rules of the road.

Speed is the leading cause of serious ORV injuries and deaths. Stay safe by following these important safety tips:

More safety and trail etiquette information is available at Michigan.gov/RideRight.

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.