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 am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my Facebook page, my  official account on X or my Instagram for recent updates.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  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

My office hosts an annual reading contest that brings in submissions from all across the 30th District, and I had the pleasure of recently welcoming the two contest winners and their families to Lansing to honor each of their accomplishments.

Congratulations again to Kira and Mia! My team and I were excited to welcome you and your families to Lansing!

In this week’s episode of Conversations with Mark, I had a fascinating conversation with Adam Dietrich, co-owner of Homestead Orchards and president of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau.

We discuss the importance of agriculture in our state, teaching our youth where their food comes from, and the diversity of farming right here in West Michigan.

Click here or on the image below to watch the podcast. The episode is now available on all major platforms, and new episodes drop every other Thursday at noon.

It was great to welcome representatives from Special Olympics Michigan to Lansing and have a discussion with them on continuing to work together to promote their important mission.

Special Olympics Michigan empowers and supports athletes of all abilities and helps with developing physical fitness, demonstrating courage, and building lifelong skills and friendships.

I am proud to have secured state funding for their Unified Sports and Inclusion Center and look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the great work this organization does!

I was honored to attend the Calvin Prison Initiative graduation ceremony to celebrate the students who completed this remarkable five-year college program inside the Handlon Correctional Facility.

The commitment these graduates have shown to education, personal growth and community impact is inspiring. This partnership between Calvin University and the Michigan Department of Corrections continues to demonstrate how access to learning can change lives and strengthen all communities.

I was honored to recognize someone who has dedicated more than 30 years of his life to service, ministry and helping others in West Michigan — Major Tim Meyer from The Salvation Army of Kent County.

As a proud board member of this organization, I am constantly inspired by his compassion, faith and commitment to community that have made a lasting impact on West Michigan. It was my honor to present him with a state tribute acknowledging his lifetime of service.

Thank you, Major Meyer!

It was great to participate in Scout Day at the Capitol and speak with the scouts who made the trip to Lansing for the event.

I always enjoy speaking with scouts. Their drive, curiosity, leadership skills and commitment to service offer unique perspectives and solutions and are exactly the types of things that strengthen our communities and build future leaders!

I appreciated the chance to spend time with them and encourage them as they continue growing in character and responsibility.

I recently joined Audubon Great Lakes staff and Grand Rapids Audubon Club members for a bird outing at Millennium Park — one of the nation’s largest urban parks.
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Many migratory birds are currently on their journeys north, and we were pleased to see a variety of birds on the outing, including a Baltimore oriole, a double-crested cormorant and an osprey. ⁠
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Thank you for having me for this fun and educational event and for the much-needed time in Michigan’s great outdoors!

Congratulations to CWD Real Estate Investment on the transformation of the former Old Kent Bank headquarters into new high‑rise apartments. This project brings new life to an iconic building, supports continued growth, and helps meet the need for additional housing in West Michigan.

My office was honored to present a tribute recognizing this important investment in our community.

Congratulations to Brighton Hospice of Grand Rapids on officially moving into their new office space in Cascade Township.

End‑of‑life care for our loved ones is one of the hardest things we go through, and I appreciate the thorough care and dedication Brighton staff provides for patients and their families.

My office was honored to present this congratulatory tribute to Brighton Hospice, not only for the compassionate service and difficult work they do, but also to acknowledge starting the next chapter in their new location.

Ninety-seven percent of Michigan state park funding comes from user fees, including the Recreation Passport and royalty revenue.

Over the last few years, state parks and trails have undergone extensive improvements to historic structures, campgrounds, parking lots, restrooms, water and sanitary systems, and other facilities.

Funding for these upgrades came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which Congress approved in 2021. So far, 142 projects have been completed, and another 55 are underway. All 197 planned improvement projects are on track to be completed in 2026.

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 SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

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.