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January 2026 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference
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The January 2026 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference confirmed that Michigan’s current spending trajectory is unsustainable. State fiscal experts lowered revenue projections by $779 million for the current budget year and by roughly $1.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year when compared with estimates approved in May 2025.
State and economic leaders meet at least twice each year, in January and May, to review economic conditions and update revenue estimates.
The state is facing an affordability crisis, with inflation, wages and population growth lagging well behind national averages.
With this notable decline in projected revenue, it is imperative that government become more efficient and prioritize what residents truly need. The upcoming budget must focus on delivering tangible benefits for Main Street businesses, hardworking families and educating our children. As lawmakers, we must seek innovative and creative solutions to maximize government efficiency and minimize unnecessary waste, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is stretched as far as possible and put to its absolute best use in serving Michiganders.
During the coming months, responsible budgeting is not just a goal, but an obligation to the people of Michigan and to the long-term health of our state’s future.
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New laws now in effect for 2026
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As 2026 begins, new laws passed by the Legislature are now in effect. These are a few of the changes residents can expect:
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No taxes on tips, overtime or Social Security — President Donald Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cut Act last year that paused federal taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. As part of the fiscal year 2026 state budget, I voted to eliminate state taxes on those earnings as well.
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Long-term plan to fix the roads — A $2 billion investment in long-term road funding will help repair local roads that have long been neglected. All taxes paid at the pump are now dedicated to transportation-related spending. |
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Fighting waste, fraud and abuse — New earmark transparency requirements took effect Jan. 1. All budget requests must be made public at least 45 days before a vote in the Senate and House. This will help eliminate fraud in government and provide transparency on how taxpayer dollars are spent. |
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Lower costs of online tickets — New protections prohibit the use of bots to bypass online ticket purchasing limits and resell tickets at inflated prices. The law allows the attorney general to pursue civil penalties of up to $5,000 per fraudulently obtained ticket.
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Minimum wage increase — On Jan. 1, Michigan’s minimum wage increased from $12.48 an hour to $13.73. The change stems from a 2024 agreement between the Legislature and the governor to preserve the tipped wage and protect tens of thousands of hospitality jobs. Tipped workers also saw an increase from $4.74 an hour to $5.49. The minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $15 an hour by 2027. |
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Red, white and blue license plate — As of Jan. 2, drivers can order a limited-edition red, white and blue license plate honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. The plate will be available through the end of the year. |
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Senate passes bills banning cellphone use during instructional time
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The Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation addressing the use of cellphones in schools to help students concentrate on learning in the classroom.
Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 would require public schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using smartphones during instructional time. The legislation includes provisions recognizing the need for parents and children to communicate during emergencies.
The bills also provide exemptions for medically necessary devices, phones covered in students’ individualized education plans and devices used for instructional purposes.
SB 495 and HB 4141 now head to the governor’s desk.
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Michigan 211 is a free service that connects residents with local resources. As winter temperatures drop to dangerous levels, trained specialists help individuals find assistance tailored to their needs. The website provides information on food pantries, local warming centers, and help with housing or utility bills.
Michigan 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find help:
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Text your ZIP code to 898-211 |
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The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood. Severe weather and widespread influenza led to the cancellation of about 400 blood drives nationwide last month, including 12 in Michigan.
Nearly one in seven people who enter a hospital in the U.S. will need blood. To meet that demand, about 6.8 million blood donations are required each year.
In Michigan, individuals as young as 16 may donate blood with parental consent. Information on donation locations is available by calling 800-RED-CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.
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Firearm safety courses available in schools
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Legislation I sponsored and helped push through the Legislature is now in effect. Michigan public schools may now offer firearm safety courses as an optional extracurricular course or as part of an existing class for students in grades 6-12.
Courses must be taught by a certified hunter safety instructor and include instruction on proper usage and handling of firearms, safe cleaning and maintenance, the different types of firearms and safe hunting practices.
Students who successfully complete the curriculum will receive credit for hunter safety education, which is required to obtain a Michigan hunting license.
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Spring turkey applications due Feb. 1
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The application period for the spring turkey hunting season is open through Feb. 1. Drawing results will be available March 2. Applications cost $5 each and can be purchased at license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
Several regulation changes are in place this year to provide longer seasons and larger hunting units. The number of spring turkey management units has been reduced from 14 to three. There are also additional license options available within each unit.
The DNR also announced a new spring turkey youth license. Hunters ages 17 and older with a hunter education certificate or an apprentice license can apply during the application period. Hunters ages 10-16 may purchase a youth license without applying, while hunters 9 and younger may participate through the mentored hunting program.
All successful spring turkey harvests must be reported within 72 hours or before transferring possession of the bird, whichever comes first. Reports may be submitted online or through the DNR Hunt Fish app.
Additional details, including maps of the new TMUs and license options, are available in the 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary.
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Cougar cubs confirmed in UP
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The DNR has confirmed the presence of two cougar cubs in the Upper Peninsula. The cubs were first spotted in March 2025 on private land in Ontonagon County and were seen again in December with their mother on a trail in the central part of the county.
The cubs appear to be about a year old. Cougar cubs typically stay with their mother through the first two years of life.
Cougars are native to Michigan but were hunted to near extinction in the early 1900s. Since 2008, the DNR has confirmed about 168 cougar sightings in the U.P. Until now, all confirmed cougars were males.
Cougars are on the endangered species list in Michigan. It is illegal to hunt or harass them, including attempts to locate dens on public or private property.
The DNR maintains a photo log of confirmed sightings, and the public is encouraged to report additional sightings.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Learn to Luge Like an Olympian: Sundays
Sundays, recurring weekly through March 1
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
462 N. Scenic Drive
Muskegon
Description: Experience the thrill of luge on a real ice track designed by an Olympian. One of only four tracks in the U.S., Muskegon’s track is open to first-timers. Click here to learn more.
Muskegon Winter Adventure Field Trip
Friday, Feb. 6
10 a.m.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
462 N. Scenic Drive
Muskegon
Description: Enjoy pure Michigan winter fun at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park with options for the whole family. With so many winter adventures to choose from, we’ll all enjoy community and hot cocoa in the warming lodge throughout our time at the Muskegon Luge Park. Click here to learn more.
Hart Winterfest
Saturday, Feb. 7
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Hart
Description: Mark your calendars for the city of Hart’s 2026 Winterfest! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, in downtown Hart. We will have events going on downtown all morning and afternoon. Stay tuned for the list of events, including the annual snowmobile show, soup walk and some exciting new activities! Click here to learn more.
Downtown Ludington Sips, Soups & Sweets Walk
Saturday, Feb. 7
Noon – 3 p.m.
Downtown Ludington
Description: Stroll between participating businesses anytime from noon to 3 p.m. to sample a variety of soups — from hearty stews and creamy chowders to flavorful bisques — or enjoy a comforting coffee, tea, or punch provided by local retailers and restaurants. Some retailers will also be providing a sweet bite for you to enjoy! Click here to learn more.
Pentwater Winterfest
Saturday, Feb. 14
All day
Downtown Pentwater
Description: The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to enjoy winter along the lakeshore during Pentwater Winterfest, featuring outdoor recreation, arts, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Click here to learn more.
Beulah Winterfest
Saturday, Feb. 14
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
South Benzie Blvd.
Beulah
Description: Come join us for a cookie sale, snowmobile poker run, frozen turkey bowling, chili cookoff, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowball target throw, frozen fish toss, parade, Valentine’s contest, 50/50 drawing, outhouse race, and fireworks! Click here to learn more.
Betsie Bay Frozen 5K
Saturday, Feb. 14
10 a.m.
American Legion Frankfort
206 Main St.
Frankfort
Description: It may be cold, but that’s part of the fun! There’s nothing like the thrill of running through crisp winter air, surrounded by fellow runners, with the finish line in sight. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or joining for the first time, the Betsie Bay Frozen 5K is the perfect way to embrace winter and get moving. Click here to learn more.
Crystal Mountain Community Blood Drive
Wednesday, Feb. 18
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Crystal Center
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville
Description: Healthy donors are encouraged to attend. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome! Please make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Click here to learn more.
Muskegon Snowfest
Saturday, Feb. 21
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Frauenthal Center
425 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon
Description: Snowfest is Muskegon’s largest winter festival. One of Snowfest’s signature events is the Battle of the Bowls Soup & Chili Cook-Off at the Frauenthal Center. Snowfest features a variety of activities for all ages, including games, competitions, pop-up experiences and family-friendly attractions. Click here to learn more.
Frostbite Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, Feb. 21
1 – 4 p.m.
Downtown Manistee
Description: Join some of your favorite local Manistee businesses and organizations for the ultimate chili cook-off showdown. Click here to learn more.
Lakeshore Vendor Market
Saturday, Feb. 28
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vendor Row
5762 U.S. 10
Ludington
Description: Join us for Vendor Row’s Winter Lakeshore Vendor Market on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Come see your favorite local artists, bakers and more! Click here to learn more.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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