|
|
|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
|
|
|
|
|
|
Firearm safety education legislation introduced
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In early November, Rep. Curt VanderWall and I introduced legislation to give students a better opportunity to learn hunter and responsible firearm safety.
My bill, Senate Bill 664, and Rep. VanderWall’s bill, House Bill 5334, would create the option for schools to implement hunter safety education as part of physical education, counting toward the student’s graduation requirements. Alternatively, the bills allow the school to offer the class as an extracurricular taught after school. If a student takes and completes the class, they could then receive their hunter safety certificate.
The legislation would require firearms safety classes to be taught by certified hunter education instructors. Students would learn the proper usage and handling, safe cleaning and maintenance of different types of firearms and safe hunting practices. Real firearms or ammunition would not be allowed into schools as part of the instruction.
If passed and schools choose to implement courses in their districts, these bills could soon inspire more young hunters from all over the state. This education would also help a younger generation grow to have respect for firearms and take the first step into enjoying and appreciating an aspect of outdoor recreation that may have been closed off to them before.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial disclosure bills heading to governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2022, voters approved Proposal 1 by more than 66%, amending the Michigan Constitution to require legislators and statewide officeholders to file an annual financial disclosure report. Senate Bills 613-616 implement Proposal 1’s financial disclosure section.
Together, these bills will require the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, members of the Legislature — and spouses in limited instances — to disclose certain financial information every year.
The bills were passed by the Legislature with bipartisan support and have been sent to the governor for her signature.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grants available for municipalities struggling financially
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Department of Treasury has announced a total of $2.5 million in grant funding available for cities, villages, and townships that are struggling financially. These funds will help municipalities fund special projects and free up revenues for important local services for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships Grant Program helps eligible localities pay for specific projects or services that move a community toward financial stability. Preference is given to applications from municipalities that meet one or more of the following criteria:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
• A financial emergency has been declared in the past 10 years.
• An approved deficit elimination plan for the general fund is currently in place.
• Two or more conditions indicating “probable financial distress” currently exist.
• The fund balance of the general fund has been declining over the past five years and the fund balance is less than 3% of general fund revenues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A total of $2.5 million in funding is available for Treasury to award through the grant program for the 2024 fiscal year.
Grant applications must be submitted to the state treasury department by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8.
Visit Michigan.gov/RevenueSharing for more information and to download an application.
|
|
|
|
|
|
DNR reports CWD-positive deer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A 4-year-old doe in Ogemaw County, recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk and moose. To date, the disease also has been detected in the following Michigan counties: Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Midland and Montcalm.
Since CWD was first detected in 2015, over 103,000 deer have been tested for CWD in Michigan. There have been over 137,000 wild deer tested in total. The Ogemaw County deer is the department’s 251st positive animal.
Each year, the DNR selects a different group of counties for testing. This year, testing will focus on the northwestern Lower Peninsula and a few counties in other areas where additional herd information is still needed. The focal counties for 2023 CWD testing include Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford. These counties will have CWD testing drop boxes, staffed submission sites, and partner processors and taxidermists to assist with collection efforts.
In the rest of the state, testing is available through direct submission by hunters to a cooperating approved U.S. Department of Agriculture diagnostic laboratory for a fee or through free self-sample shipping kits in counties where CWD has previously been detected.
Proper disposal of a deer carcass is critical to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease. Deer carcasses should go directly to a landfill or be disposed of through your regular trash pickup to be taken to a landfill. Deer harvested from known CWD areas should never be disposed of on the landscape in non-CWD areas. For more information on chronic wasting disease, visit Michigan.gov/CWD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help identify black bear dens
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As part of their black bear management program, the Department of Natural Resources is asking outdoor enthusiasts to help identify and report black bear dens. Black bears, found in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, typically enter dens in November and December. They tend to select dens in locations with dense vegetation, rock crevices, fallen trees or excavated holes that provide shelter from the elements while still allowing access to fresh air.
When the DNR receives a tip of a possible bear den, biologists will further investigate and decide if the animal is a good candidate for the ongoing bear management project. A bear selected for the program will be sedated and fitted with a collar and ear tags. Biologists will collect information from the bear, including the sex, weight, body measurements and reproductive history, before carefully returning the bear to its den, where it will remain throughout the winter months. Wildlife biologists are currently monitoring six bears using radio-tracking equipment.
If you find what you believe is a black bear den, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the den or the bears inside. Record the location, using GPS coordinates if possible, and contact one of the following DNR staffers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scottville Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday, Dec. 2
9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Scottville Area Senior Center
140 S. Main St.
Scottville
Description: Check out Christmas crafts from local vendors and more at the annual Christmas Craft Fair. More information here.
White Lake Area Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 2
2 p.m.
Downtown Whitehall and Montague
Description: Santa is coming to town! Celebrate the holiday on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. during the 70th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade in downtown Montague and Whitehall. More information here.
Frankfort Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 2
7 p.m.
Rotary Park
412 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: Annual Frankfort community tree lighting in Rotary Park. More information here.
Thompsonville Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 2
6 — 8 p.m.
Betsie Valley District Library
14744 Thompsonville Ave.
Thompsonville
Description: Visit with your friends at the Library Holiday Open House from 6 to 7 p.m.! Enjoy the Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. and sing carols, visit with your neighbors, and enjoy some great treats. More information here.
Benzie Chamber ‘Off the Clock’ event
Thursday, Dec. 7
5 — 7 p.m.
The Garden Theater
301 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: The Benzie Chamber will host an “Off the Clock” event with food, drink, and updates on chamber operations. More information here.
Dreaming of a ‘White Lake’ Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 9
10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
White Lake United Methodist Church
8555 Cook St.
Montague
Description: Come and delight in the beautiful trees decorated with love and the expectation of Christmas! There will be music, a bake sale, a craft sale, an opportunity to get a picture taken with Santa Claus, and fun games and crafts for children. More information here.
Iron Fish Holiday Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10
1 — 5 p.m.
Iron Fish Distillery
14234 Dzuibanek Road
Thompsonville
Description: Discover the Magic of the Season at the Iron Fish Holiday Artisan Market! Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Iron Fish barn, where they’re bringing you an unforgettable indoor holiday market experience with cocktails served while you shop. More information here.
Ornament Painting at The Outsider
Saturday, Dec. 9
Noon —2 p.m.
The Outsider
457 River St.
Manistee
Description: Blazing fire pits, hot food and the beverage booth will be open. Shop gifts and goods with more ornaments for sale, as well as Needlefast Evergreens trees and wreaths. More information here.
Lantern-lit Snowshoe and Ski Hike
Saturday, Dec. 9
6 — 8 p.m.
Ludington State Park
8800 West M-116
Ludington
Description: This is a free event put on by Friends of the Ludington State Park. A bonfire and hot cocoa are part of the experience. Sixty pairs of snowshoes are available to rent at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. More information here.
Christmas in Downtown Scottville
Saturday, Dec. 9
6:30 — 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Scottville
Description: Join us for our fourth annual Christmas parade starting at the Mason County Central Middle School, zigzagging through town spreading Christmas delight, and delivering Santa on South Main Street to light the fabulous tree and meet children. Festivities include craft kits, cocoa, cookies, popcorn, toasty fires, and music. More information here.
Ludington Festival of Trees
Sunday, Dec. 10
4 — 7 p.m.
Stix Ludington
1963 N. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington
Description: The community is invited to attend the free Festival of Trees event at the Stix Bar Biergarten with Santa, the Grinch, music, and other family-friendly activities. At this event, United Way of Mason County will announce the top three trees and auction them off to the highest bidders. More information here.
Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network Annual Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 12
6:30 — 8 p.m.
Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia
Description: Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network is celebrating its first year as a nonprofit and wants to celebrate with you! Hear from Designs In Bloom owner Carolyn Thayer about how to make your landscaping work for you. More information here.
White Lake VFW Friday Night Steak Dinner
Friday, Dec. 15
5 — 7 p.m.
White Lake VFW Post 3256
9370 Walsh Road
Montague
Description: Steaks are grilled to order, and sides include baked potato, baked beans, green beans, salad, and garlic bread. Cost for a steak dinner is $15 per person and $8 for the salad bar. Dine-in and carry-out options are both available. This event is open to the public. More information here.
Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Sunday, Dec. 31
9 p.m. — midnight
Ludington Avenue
Downtown Ludington
Description: This is a free, family-friendly event for all ages. There will be an outdoor beer garden with drinks for sale on site. The event will also feature musical entertainment, dancing, the midnight ball drop, and a fireworks display. More information here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
