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

I recently voted in support of legislation, which has now been signed into law, to allow the sale of the former Rockford Michigan State Police (MSP) post.

After MSP moved its operations to another site, the building has sat vacant and required taxpayer-funded upkeep because it is owned by the state.

Public Act 81 of 2026 outlines the methods by which the former MSP property could be sold or transferred and allows multiple avenues for redevelopment, including long-term commitments to public use.

This legislation not only eliminates this taxpayer expense, but it also breathes new life into this site and opens up opportunities for new development. The city of Rockford has expressed interest in purchasing the property to build more affordable housing, which I think would be an incredible way to welcome more families to West Michigan.

I have been trying to get this passed for years. I even introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

I am happy to see this finally get across the finish line!

In this week’s episode of Conversations with Mark, I am joined by Katie Hensley, CFO at Swanson Pickle Company.

We discuss how this family farm grew from a postwar idea into a product found on shelves nationwide, and what it takes each day to maintain their impressive operation. It was fascinating to hear the intricacies of the industry and the hard work it takes to keep this fourth-generation farm going.

Michigan is a premier agricultural state, and it was interesting to see another piece of that diverse puzzle that makes Michigan farming such a strong contributor to our economy!

Thank you, Katie for stopping by and giving listeners an inside look at you and your family’s farm!

Click here or on the image below to watch the podcast. The episode is now available on all major platforms, and new episodes drop every other Thursday at noon.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the future home of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For over 20 years, the chamber has supported Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs and strengthened talent development across our region. I’m proud to have supported $5 million in state funding to help make the new Center for Latino Economic and Talent Advancement a reality and broaden our support for West Michigan businesses.

Thank you to Chamber President Guillermo Cisneros for the tour and behind-the-scenes look at this exciting new development in our community. I look forward to seeing the finished product and for the support the organization will continue to provide to local businesses and entrepreneurs!

New laws expanding protections for missing children in Michigan have been signed into law.

Public Acts 55 and 56 expand Michigan’s child alert system by allowing public broadcasts for missing children who are not believed to have been abducted. The laws also authorize the use of social media to distribute information and alert the public about missing children.

In addition, the laws require the Michigan State Police to issue an Amber Alert for a missing child with special needs or any missing child determined to be in danger following a preliminary investigation.

The changes expand Michigan’s child alert system and address gaps in the Amber Alert process.

Michigan’s 2026 primary election will be held on Aug. 4.

Michigan voters will nominate candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the Michigan Senate and Michigan House. Voters may also decide local races and ballot proposals, including county, city and township elections.

Statewide early voting began July 25, giving voters the option to cast a ballot in person before the Aug. 2 deadline. Early voting locations and hours can be verified through the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your voter registration, view a sample ballot or find your polling place.

New laws have been signed to better support firefighters and police officers who also serve in the National Guard or reserves.

Public Acts 57 and 58 ensure eligible first responders receive at least 26 days of paid military leave each year, allowing them to fulfill military training and deployment obligations without using vacation time or taking unpaid leave.

The new acts help ensure first responders can meet their military obligations without losing income.

E-motos, such as electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes, are not considered e-bikes and are not allowed on DNR-managed trails.

The Department of Natural Resources is offering eHarvest as an optional digital tagging system for deer hunters this fall. Hunters may use the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to electronically tag harvested deer instead of using a paper kill tag. Hunters may continue using paper tags if they prefer.

The system allows hunters to validate their harvest directly after the animal is taken and works without a cellular connection. Once validated, the tag is recorded and time-stamped on the hunter’s device.

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.