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 encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. 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 was recently honored by the Food Bank Council of Michigan with the Hunger Action Champion Award for “being a true champion in supporting the increase in funding for our Michigan Agricultural Surplus System (MASS) program” that they received in the current fiscal year 2024 budget.

The council reports that, “MASS is vitally important to the Michigan food bank network, and we are thankful for his support in acquiring the resources needed to provide fresh Michigan grown food to residents experiencing food insecurity.”

In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this is known as the semiquincentennial. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, America 250, was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the anniversary.

America 250 has developed a national contest, America’s Field Trip, inviting students from grades 3-12 to share what America means to them. Twenty-five contest winners from each of the three grade categories will have the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of our nation’s most historic landmarks.

The deadline for submissions is May 17, 2024. Visit America’s Field Trip for more information and to review the official rules.

I am holding in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from the 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 offer help to people dealing with a variety of state issues.

I will be available to meet with constituents next month 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.

Since 2015, a network of volunteer water quality monitoring programs has worked together to gather information about water quality and fish habitat conditions on Michigan’s nearly 11,000 inland lakes. The MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is a community science program made up of volunteers who enjoy spending time on Michigan’s lakes and want to help contribute to their long-term care.

Water monitor volunteers are provided with detailed instructions, training, and equipment to take samples from lakes they frequent. They collect data like water clarity, nutrients, the presence of invasive species, native plants, and shoreline conditions. The information is added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database used by people, local communities and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to better protect and manage our beautiful lakes, fish and wildlife.

New volunteers are welcome. Visit the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program enrollment webpage for more information and to enroll.

The Grand Rapids Public Library is holding an “Ask a Doctor” event on May 3, May 31 and June 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Main Library, located at 111 Library St. NE in Grand Rapids.

Trinity Health medical residents will be available to answer general health questions from patrons. This is a drop-in event and participation is first come, first served.

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week. During this week, we recognize the impact volunteers have on our local communities. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, enjoy the great outdoors or make professional connections. Volunteering has also been shown to have health benefits by increasing self-confidence, maintaining physical activity, and creating connections with the community.

Volunteers are needed in nearly every corner of our state. To get connected to volunteer opportunities in your area, contact your local church, school, or community center. If you prefer working outdoors, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has volunteer events at state parks and recreation areas, or you can visit Volunteer Michigan for even more ideas and opportunities near you.

The School Aid Act requires the Michigan Department of Education to provide the public with student growth metrics for every Michigan district and school level by grade and subject.

The new MI-EVAAS public-facing website, launched on March 27, offers comparison reports for each district and school in Michigan. The focus of the data is student academic growth over time, allowing users to compare schools and districts in categories such as grade level, subject matter or course.

EVAAS is a tool provided to districts by MDE. This tool helps educators identify best practices, implement programs that best meet the needs of their students, and make informed decisions about where to focus resources.

A pair of nesting peregrine falcons have settled into a nesting box on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge and have laid three eggs.

Since 2010, when the nest boxes were first installed, 39 falcon chicks have been hatched on the International Bridge. Last year, a pair of peregrine falcons hatched four chicks in a box on the Canadian side of the bridge. This year’s eggs were laid in a box on the U.S. side. It is not yet known if it is the same pair that has nested on the bridge for years.

Michigan’s peregrine falcon population disappeared in the 1960s and 1970s due to the use of DDT and other environmental contaminants. However, since conservation efforts started in the mid-1980s, the number of peregrines has increased. The birds are still included on the list of threatened and endangered species in Michigan and are protected by state and federal law.

A live video stream of the Michigan nest box is viewable at SaultBridge.com/falcam.

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 [email protected].

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.