Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter!

Below, you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful. For more frequent updates on what's happening in Michigan and the state Legislature, please visit my Facebook, Instagram, and X pages.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

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.