Last week, I introduced legislation to fund meaningful investments in the state’s water infrastructure and environment. Clean water and protecting our environment, especially our Great Lakes, has always been a legislative priority.

Over the years, as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, my office has had numerous discussions with constituents and worked closely with stakeholders to determine where improvements need to take place and how funds can be used most effectively. This legislation invests in actionable items and uses funding already appropriated by the federal government instead of asking taxpayers for more.

Senate Bill 565 would provide $680 million for the creation of grant and loan programs to repair the most critical of Michigan’s dams — this is crucially important toward mitigating or avoiding costly catastrophes like what Midland experienced in 2020. These programs are a major investment in not only community safety, but the safety and reliability of the state’s dams. Maintenance is always cheaper than repairs.

Included in the funding measure is a $600 million matching grant program for the replacement of lead pipes across the state, $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities and $85 million to ensure students have access to safe water by installing filtered water stations inside schools. The plan also addresses the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals and would dedicate $100 million in grants to remove the chemicals from “orphaned” sites.

This legislation also prioritizes the needs of Michigan’s unique and abundant natural resources. The plan would repurpose $290 million in bonds to assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure, along with establishing a revolving loan program for homeowners to replace failing septic systems.

Also included is an additional $25 million to conduct surface water monitoring, including $10 million for wetland mitigation, and $20 million to implement recommendations included in the Groundwater Use Advisory Council Report.

Clean drinking water and taking care of our environment aren’t partisan issues. This one-time federal funding will be a great asset as we work toward a cleaner, safer Michigan.

A few weeks ago, legislation aimed at funding repairs for many bridges across the state was introduced in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 529 would utilize $1.5 billion in one-time federal recovery funds to repair more than 400 bridges across the state.

Of the nearly 12,000 bridges in Michigan, 7,038 are managed by local municipalities. Of that number, over 400 are in critical need of repairs. SB 529 would fund repairs for all of the bridges in severe condition.

The bill also includes an additional $126 million in federal money to improve safety at several intersections between railways and roadways. SB 529 was referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The historic amount of funding available comes with a responsibility to use it in a smart and effective manner. With these official revenue projections in hand, we can now take the next step in working with the House and governor to finalize a state budget that puts our taxpayer dollars to productive use to meet our current needs, support our people and economy, and invest in a brighter future.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s decision to end walk-in services, as well as evening and weekend hours, has resulted in months-long waits for appointments at secretary of state branch offices. Recently, Secretary of State Benson added 350,000 appointment slots for branch offices. However, as of today, residents in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties are still forced to wait months for an appointment. The current appointment-only system is unacceptable. Walk-ins help accommodate the needs of all residents.

The Michigan Senate recently passed legislation that would extend the expiration date for all driver’s licenses, state IDs and vehicle registrations so Michiganders won’t get ticketed. The secretary of state will also not be allowed to charge late fees for renewals after licenses or registrations expire until she opens her branch offices to all customers, including drop-ins.

The Senate also added a requirement in the budget that the department must offer in-person services without an appointment in order to receive funds for branch operations. The budget requirement won’t take effect until Oct. 1.

The three-bill package is currently before the House for consideration.

Republicans in the Senate have introduced legislation aimed at reforming the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Mismanagement of the UIA was exposed when COVID-19 shutdown orders left thousands of Michigan residents out of work through no fault of their own. But just when their services were needed most, the UIA continued to be plagued by backlogs, identity fraud, and even theft, while honest citizens struggled to receive their benefits.

Senate Bills 531-536 would require local branches to open and begin serving residents; limit the length of emergency rules and require legislative approval for emergency rule extensions beyond six months; prohibit the agency from removing work search requirements; require background checks for third-party contractors; and establish a unit of employees dedicated exclusively to monitoring and investigating fraudulent activity.

The bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Economic and Small Business Development for consideration.

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

Croton Causeway Business Bash
Friday, July 2
4 – 8 p.m.
7389 Croton Drive
Newaygo

Description: Free to attend. More information can also be found here.

WeDiscover Festival
Friday, July 2 – Sunday, July 4
Friday: 3 – 11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon and Lake Michigan beachfront

Description: The WeDiscover Festival will encompass multiple city blocks of Downtown Muskegon and the Lake Michigan beachfront over the Fourth of July weekend. The main event will be held Saturday, July 3 with a three-day modified and exotic car show, electronic dance music festival, food vendors, the new social drinking district, food truck alley, urban art installations and a massive firework festival by Melrose Pyrotechnics. Cars will be parked along Western Avenue. More information can also be found here.

Freedom Fest on the Causeway 2021
Saturday, July 3
Noon – 11 p.m.
7389 Croton Drive
Newaygo

Description: This family friendly event features parades, live music, food vendors and more! Grab your friends, family, some chairs and come celebrate! More information can be found here.

Muskegon Fourth of July Fireworks
Saturday, July 3
10:30 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon

Description: The city of Muskegon will be lighting off fireworks from the parking lot next to the Social Security building on Morris Street. It’s a large show — it will be one of the biggest in West Michigan! More information can also be found here.

Thunder over the Dunes – Fireworks
Sunday, July 4
10 p.m.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park
8960 W. Fox Road
Mears

Description: Enjoy the Fireworks over Silver Lake on the Fourth of July. Come hear the thunder over the dunes and see this unique display. Watch from the dunes and around the lake. More information can be found here.

White Lake Fireworks
Sunday, July 4
9 – 11 p.m.
Downtown Montague and Whitehall

Description: Beginning at dusk, watch the spectacular fireworks show at the north end of White Lake — viewable from both Montague and Whitehall downtown areas. More information can be found here.

Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
Wednesday, July 7 – Monday, July 12
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Oceana County Fair Grounds in Hart
1025 S. State St.
Hart

Description: The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is scheduled to make a stop at the Oceana County Fairgrounds on July 7 through July 12. Residents can visit the wall any time during its stop. There will be no charge for admission. This is the first time the traveling memorial replica has been on display in Hart. More information can be found here.

Egelston/Wolf Lake Festival
Friday, July 9 – Saturday, July 10
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Flickema Park
Hall and Park Roads
Egelston Township

Description: On July 9 and 10, the Egelston/Wolf Lake Festival is happening in Flickema and Beals Parks. The event will be featuring a 5K run, movie night, outhouse races, an arts and crafts fair, food vendors, children’s activities, music and a parade! For more information, call Egelston Township at 231-788-2308.

West Michigan Business and Craft Fair
Saturday, July 10
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Western Ave., between Jefferson Second Streets (Park at the Farmer’s Market)
242 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon

Description: The West Michigan Business and Craft Fair promotes local small business entrepreneurs. Experience a blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. Three blocks of small businesses and craft vendors will be displaying their products and services. More information can be found here.

Muskegon Bike Time and Rebel Road
Thursday, July 15 – Sunday, July 18
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Muskegon

Description: Muskegon Bike Time is a four-day annual celebration of motorcycles held during the third weekend in July. The main drag through downtown Muskegon will be filled with thousands of motorcycles, vendors, music and more. Enjoy free concerts, contests and special events! More information can be found here and here.

2021 Heroes on The Dunes
Friday, July 16 – Saturday, July 17
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park
8960 W. Fox Road
Mears

Description: The Heroes Operation is proud to announce the 2021 Heroes on the Dunes event on July 17. This year’s event will be hosted by Val-Du-Lakes Bar and Grill and Silver Lake State Park. More information can be found here.

National Baby Food Festival
Wednesday, July 21 – Saturday, July 24
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Downtown Fremont

Description: Join us in downtown Fremont for the 30th Annual National Baby Food Festival. The event boats many free events. More information can be found here.

White Lake Pub Pedal 2021
Saturday, July 31
1 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Montague and Whitehall

Description: Grab your bike, grab your friends and pedal your way around the Beautiful White Lake Area to our many bars and restaurants. There will be suggested routes, but also encourage you to plan the best route that works for you and your friends. More information can be found here.