Dear Friends,

Summer weather is here, and I hope each of you will be able to spend time enjoying the sunshine with family and friends.

To better serve you, I am offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 28th Senate District and across our state.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8028 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

Last week, the Senate passed legislation to provide Michigan families, seniors, and veterans with $2.5 billion in tax relief. The bills mark the third time this year that the Legislature has sent bipartisan tax relief to the governor for her signature.

The MI Family Inflation Relief Plan would help every Michigander by lowering the state’s income tax to 4% and increasing the personal income tax deduction by $1,800. It also would support Michigan families by creating a $500 tax credit for each child under the age of 19.

House Bill 4568 and Senate Bill 784 also would increase the tax exemption for Michigan seniors over 67 to $21,800 for individuals and $43,600 for couples and ensure Michigan’s fully disabled veterans and the spouses of those lost in combat receive a 100% property tax exemption.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has already vetoed two previous tax-reduction measures the Legislature has sent her. In April, she vetoed HB 5570 to temporarily suspend the state’s gasoline and diesel excise tax. In March, she vetoed SB 768 to reduce the state’s personal income tax, create a $500 per child tax credit, and increase the tax deductions for all seniors.

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.

In June, I will be meeting residents on Saturday, June 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at New Beginnings, 4735 Lake Michigan Drive NW in Grand Rapids, on Friday, June 17 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Herman’s Boy, 220 Northland Drive NE in Rockford, and on Saturday, June 25 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Drive NE in Plainfield.

Office hours are open to all residents and no appointment is necessary. Space is limited at some locations. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day. Prior to the holiday, the Senate last week celebrated its 27th Annual Memorial Day Service honoring the Michigan men and women who died in military service to our country.

Several senators who are veterans and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II spoke and participated in the event, and the keynote speaker was retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Slocum. Slocum served for 35 years as a fighter pilot, known by the call sign “Odie,” and most recently as commanding general of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. The Kalamazoo Pipe Band also played during the ceremony. Click here to watch a recording of the outdoor ceremony.

I recorded a short video about Memorial Day, which can be watch by clicking on the image below or by visiting here

Last week, I voted to suspend the state’s excise, sales and use taxes on gasoline and diesel fuels for three months to provide relief to Michigan drivers.

This package is about once again acting to use part of our state’s record surplus to help Michigan families and workers struggling with runaway inflation and record-high gas prices. This summertime pause on the taxes people pay at the gas pump will provide much-needed relief to drivers at a critical time for Michigan’s economy — especially the millions of workers in our agriculture and tourism.

We can do this and still meet our needs. State officials just recently increased our state’s budget surplus estimate by $5 billion, and the hardworking people of our state need some relief more than they need more government spending.

Senate Bill 1029 would suspend the state’s 27.2 cents per gallon excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel from June 15 to Sept. 15. It would also provide $300 million for local governments to cover revenue lost during the gas tax pause. SBs 972-974 would suspend the state’s 6% sales and use taxes on motor fuel for the same time period.

According to AAA, on May 19, the average per gallon for regular gasoline in Michigan was $4.58 and the average diesel price was $5.27. Both prices were the highest recorded average prices in state history, until today’s $4.61 per gallon price for gas broke that record.

I recently was able to tour Flexible Steel Lacing Company (Flexco) of Walker during their official grand opening. Their state-of-the-art facility is very impressive, and I was glad to see their production line from start to finish. I’m proud to have such a wonderful job creator within our community.

Legislation to penalize organized retail crime under the state’s racketeering statute easily passed the Michigan Senate.

Over the last year, Michigan and other states have experienced an increase in organized retail crime. In a matter of seconds, dozens of thieves run into a store, grab thousands of dollars in merchandise and then they’re gone. This kind of activity, sometimes referred to as flash mob robberies, is costing the retail industry millions of dollars annually.

Michigan’s Organized Retail Crime Act, which was passed in 2012, prescribed felony sentencing for organizing, supervising, financing or assisting another person in committing organized retail crimes. Senate Bill 691 would add similar language to the state’s racketeering penal code, providing law enforcement with more leverage against the criminals at the top of these efforts.

The Michigan Attorney General, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Michigan Retailers Association all support this bipartisan measure.

Beginning July 2020, the Michigan Department of Education implemented an online certification system for educators and school counselors to report their Professional Development and Continuing Education hours online.

The MDE website offers dozens of resources for educators at all levels of their careers. From students or professionals interested in exploring a career in education to seasoned educators looking to further their own knowledge and bring new experiences to their classroom, educators can explore dozens of exciting and enriching opportunities for new teacher certification or professional development, including:

For more information about these and many others, visit MDE’s Professional Leading Resources web page. Scholarships are available for most programs.

Last week was National Safe Boating Week. Data shows that life jackets save lives! All boaters and passengers should wear a properly fitting life jacket for any boating activity, regardless of age or experience level.

Make sure you and your friends always have properly fitting life jackets on while enjoying a day on the water. For more information about boater safety, visit SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

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 1-855-347-8028 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.