Michigan’s constitution requires that the Legislature meet “on the second Wednesday in January of each year at twelve o’clock noon” to begin a new legislative session. On Jan. 10, the Michigan Senate met to begin the 2024 regular session.

The Michigan Senate consists of 38 members who are elected by the residents of each district. Senate districts are made up of approximately 250,000 residents and are elected at the same time as the governor to serve four-year terms concurrent with the governor’s term of office.

Visit the Michigan Senate website for the 2024 session dates and committee schedules, links to current legislation, and information about visiting the state capitol.

Unfortunately, 2023 was one of the most partisan years on record. Gov. Whitmer and Democrats in Lansing showed no interest in working across the aisle. Instead, they rammed through many of the same failed policies that led to Michigan’s Lost Decade.

In 2024, Senate Republicans will continue to fight Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to make Michigan more like California. My colleagues and I understand that our constituents expect us to work together and find common ground, without compromising our values, to improve our state.

Our 2024 priorities include:

The Michigan Senate recently adopted Senate Resolution 89 honoring the Blue Star Mothers of America and the work they do for our nation’s veterans.

Blue Star Mothers are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have or have had a family member serving in the military.

The Blue Star Mothers of America do tremendous work both honoring and caring for the men and women who served this nation. They honor those who gave their lives, visit injured service members in the hospital, and help care for and provide support to families who have lost a loved one. The work they do has countless untold benefits, and I don’t believe the good in their hearts can ever be quantified.

My own family has been a recipient of the care provided by Blue Star Mothers. To this day, I can’t thank them enough for what they did for me and my family.

My resolution commemorates Feb. 1, 2024, as Blue Star Mother’s Day in the state of Michigan.

Video of me speaking on SR 89 the can be viewed by clicking here.

When Gov. Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address, she painted a picture of the state that is completely out of touch with the reality most Michiganders are facing. While many Michigan residents are struggling, she made it clear she has no real understanding of what it is like to worry about the price of groceries, the cost of heating her home in the winter, or that her kids are behind in school.

Michigan’s unemployment rate and median household income are among the worst in the nation. For most families, any increase in pay has been wiped out by inflation. Thousands of our friends and neighbors continue to seek better jobs, better schools, and better opportunities elsewhere. Michigan now ranks 46th out of 50 for population growth in the U.S.

What worried me most during the speech was the frequent use of the word “free.” Nothing is free. Free always comes from somewhere, and in every example mentioned by the governor, that somewhere is you, the taxpayer.

I am concerned about whether these proposals will be ironed out into a product that truly helps Michigan residents or another Democrat majority-driven spending spree that further strains the pocketbooks of Michigan taxpayers — especially after we just completed the most partisan year I’ve ever seen in my time of elected service.

I recently joined Congressman John Moolenaar and my son, Rep. Pat Outman at the Montcalm County Legislative Update.

Congressman Moolenaar did a tremendous job updating everyone on what’s happening inside of our federal government and discussed issues related to farming and national security, among other items.

I joined Pat in providing an update on state-level issues like the economy, state revenues, budget preparation, school funding and education, infrastructure, rural health care, and many other topics.

I always look forward to attending this event and having discussions about what is going on in government and Montcalm County.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but there is a lot we can do to change that. By making a few small changes and doing more to take care of ourselves, we can lower that statistic.

February is American Heart Month. During the month of February, accept the challenge and try making a few small changes for a healthier heart:

Michigan’s annual winter Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 17-18. All fishing license fees are waived, and vehicles can enter state parks and use boating sites without a Recreation Passport.

Winter Free Fishing weekend is a great time to try ice fishing. With at least 150 species of fish that can be caught through the ice, you don’t have to wait for summer to give fishing a try. Ice fishing can be an affordable, safe, and family-friendly activity to get everyone outdoors.

Residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for information on special events and activities.

With temperatures falling and inflation rates rising, many in Michigan may find themselves in need of help. Michigan 211 is part of a national system of organizations that connect residents with services in their local area.

At Michigan 211, highly trained specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact one of the seven regional contact centers across the state by dialing 211 from a phone or by texting the zip code where help is needed to 898211. The Michigan 211 website also has a chat feature and search options to allow residents to search for service providers in their area.

Last year, Michigan 211 helped more than 500,000 people connect with more than 40,000 services, including utility assistance, emergency housing or shelter, food, legal services, healthcare, substance abuse, mental health assistance, and more. For more information, visit Michigan 211.

The Democrat majority adjourned the Legislature historically early last year, in part to advance the date with which the radical policies they passed take effect.

The measures below, among others, are set to take effect in the coming weeks.

Last year was one of the most partisan years in our state’s history and the direction our state is going is a reflection of extreme, one-sided policymaking. I stood against each of these efforts last year and will continue to oppose overreaching government regulations.

Michigan’s 33rd Senate District now includes Montcalm and Newaygo counties, along with parts of Ionia, Lake, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties.

Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 33rd Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 33rd District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.