On Sept. 4, Midland County lost a civic leader who made a real difference in our community for more than three decades. I had the privilege of serving with Rosemarie McQuaid on the county commission and recently paid tribute to her on the Senate floor. It was an honor to work with her, learn so much from her, and accomplish so much with her guidance and passion. Rosemarie reached so many lives, and she had a huge impact in my life. She will truly be missed.

Michigan Trails Week is Sept. 23-30
Michigan is truly the Trails State, with more than 12,500 miles of hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, ORV and water trails that will give you a wonderful chance to enjoy Michigan’s outdoors.

I sponsored Senate Resolution 94 declaring Sept. 23-30 as Michigan Trails Week. It is the perfect time to hit the trails once again or to try a new trail adventure.

Michigan is also home to the longest designated state trail in the nation, Iron Belle Trail, and the nation’s largest statewide rail-trail system, with more than 2,600 miles of old railroad lines that have been converted for recreational use.

For more information about Michigan’s trails system and Michigan Trails Week opportunities and events throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/trailsweek.

Consumer alert addresses Equifax security breach
Millions of Michigan residents may have had their personal information compromised through an alleged security breach at Equifax, one of the country’s major credit reporting agencies. The Michigan attorney general’s office recently released a new consumer alert outlining steps to protect against identity theft and to request a credit report and freeze, along with links to additional resources. Access the Equifax Breach Consumer Alert at www.michigan.gov/ag.

Michigan residents can now apply for REAL ID card
Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Michigan residents must carry a driver’s license or ID card that complies with the federal REAL ID Act, or present a valid U.S. passport, to fly in the U.S. or visit federal buildings. The REAL ID security standards were created in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to help prevent illegal altering of the cards and deter fraud and misuse.

Michigan residents can apply for the REAL ID-compliant license or ID card at any secretary of state office. You will need to bring a certified birth certificate or other approved document. There is no extra cost when renewing your driver’s license or ID card; at any other time, a duplicate card fee will apply.

For more information visit www.michigan.gov/sos or call 1-888-767-6424.

Hunting reminders
Fall marks the time for hunters to head out to Michigan’s great outdoors to hunt waterfowl and small game. In fact, popular seasons for geese and rabbit are already open statewide.

I encourage all hunters to visit www.michigan.gov/hunting. On the site, hunters can review the season dates, check on new regulations and purchase a license.

Here are the dates for current and upcoming hunting seasons: Goose Sept. 1 – 30; cottontail rabbit/snowshoe hare Sept. 15 – March 31; squirrel (fox and gray) Sept. 15 – March 1; ruffed grouse Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 – Jan. 1; and woodcock Sept. 23 – Nov. 6.

Almost the entire 36th Senate District is in the middle hunting zone. Among other things, this means that duck hunting season in our region will run Oct. 7 – Dec. 3 and Dec. 16 – 17. I want to remind hunters that there have been some changes to regulations this year. For more information, please review the 2017-18 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest.

Follow and track legislation online
Participation by the people is vital to the success and effectiveness of representative government. Thankfully, the Michigan Legislature website offers a quick and simple way for residents throughout the state to see what their lawmakers are doing.

On the site, visitors can track legislation from introduction to enrollment. Once a bill is introduced, residents can read the bill, check on its status and even see fiscal analyses during the entire legislative process. The site also includes updated committee meeting postings, a list of all Michigan legislators and other useful information about your government and what it is doing.