Local retirement stability bills signed
I was honored to join Gov. Rick Snyder as he signed my legislation to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan Responsible Retirement Reform for Local Government Task Force, which I served on with legislators, retirement plan experts, local government representatives and local employee union leaders.

Our local public servants play an important role in making Michigan a great place to live, work and raise a family — providing a wide variety of local services that we use and depend on every day.

While this is a step forward toward local retirement stability, I will continue fighting to preserve and protect the promises made to our local workers and ensure they receive the retirement benefits they have earned.

Public Acts 202-214 of 2017 are designed to increase transparency, preserve local control and encourage local solutions. Many local governments have already taken action to address their unfunded liabilities. The proactive reforms will help locals that have not taken steps to resolve their growing debt issue. [read more]

Senate approves Burgess memorial highway bill
The Michigan Senate recently approved my legislation to permanently honor Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan Burgess, who was killed by an improvised explosion device in Iraq in December 2006.

Senate Bill 481 would designate a portion of US-10 from Stark Road to River Road in Sanford as the “Marine Lance Corporal Ryan Burgess Memorial Highway.”

This measure is a way for us to express our appreciation for the valiant service of Lance Cpl. Ryan Burgess. Ryan was a dedicated and fearless Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedom and way of life.

Honoring the courage, commitment and selflessness of heroes like Ryan Burgess helps us remember the true cost of freedom and ensure we continue to have Americans like him willing to defend it. [read more]

Enjoy the free 2018 Winter Guide
Winter is here and it’s a great time to bundle up and escape — to Michigan’s Great Outdoors!

With more than 3,000 miles of cross country ski trails, some of the best downhill skiing in the Midwest and 6,400 miles of snowmobile trails, Michigan offers fantastic winter recreation opportunities. Active families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more.

The 2018 Winter Guide highlights many of these family-friendly activities. Residents can download the guide at no cost by clicking here.

Winter tourism generates nearly a third of the state’s $17 billion tourism revenue, which helps support many small businesses and communities.

NRTF board recommended four area projects for 2018
Many Michigan residents and visitors enjoy getting together and taking advantage of the outstanding recreational opportunities in our state.

To help preserve our state’s natural resources and improve access to the outdoors, the people of Michigan crated the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned minerals. The fund is constitutionally restricted for natural resources improvements and land acquisitions across the state.

The NRTF board recently included four projects in Otsego, Montmorency and Alcona counties on its list of development and land acquisition recommendations for 2018.

These projects would preserve unused land for possible future public recreation, create new outdoor opportunities for area families, and help encourage active lifestyles. They would be great examples of the positive impacts the trust fund was designed to make. [read more]

MET enrollment reopened
The Michigan Education Trust (MET) has reopened enrollment in time for holiday gift givers to buy or contribute toward a child’s 529 prepaid tuition contract. Family members or friends can purchase a new MET prepaid tuition contract in a child’s name or contribute money toward an existing contract. Contract holders qualify for a tax deduction on their Michigan tax returns for purchases or contributions made by Dec. 31.

For more information, visit www.SETwithMET.com or call 800-MET-4-KID.

Winter travel guides now available
Plan your winter getaway now with the new 2017 Pure Michigan Winter Travel Guide. The 2017 guide highlights fascinating sights to see, intriguing places to go and great activities to participate in all across Michigan.

Features include topics related to snow sports, great Michigan food legacies, family fun, and popular winter festivals.

To order a printed version or view the digital edition of the 2017 Pure Michigan Winter Travel Guide, please visit www.michigan.org/travel-guide.

Pure Michigan Hunt application deadline nears
The “hunt of a lifetime” offers three lucky winners the opportunity to obtain licenses for spring and fall turkey, antlerless deer, bear, elk and first pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area, along with a prize package valued at more than $4,000. Applications for the 2018 drawing are $5 each and available at license agent locations and online at www.mdnr-elicense.com until Dec. 31.

The 2017 Pure Michigan Hunt generated nearly $260,000 to help fund wildlife habitat restoration and improvements in Michigan. Find more information at www.michigan.gov/pmh.