Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

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 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

The Growing Michigan Together Council was established by Gov. Whitmer in June of 2023 to develop a plan to address Michigan’s population decline. On Dec. 14, the council released its report.

Michigan’s declining population is a serious concern for the future of our state, but the council’s recommendations call for $2.5 billion in additional spending. With so many people leaving the state, the only way to raise revenue is to increase taxes on the residents who still live here. With prices on everything from groceries to homes so high, the last thing Michigan needs is more taxes.

Lansing Democrats have blown through a record $9 billion budget surplus, wasting it on things like swimming pools and pickleball courts. That funding could have been used to fix roads and improve education opportunities that would actually grow our population.

Raising taxes will only worsen Michigan’s population woes, forcing even more people to seek prosperity in other states. Now is not the time to grow state government or increase taxes. Senate Republicans will continue to advocate for reducing state taxes and leaving more resources for families and small businesses, expanding freedom, and encouraging hard work and investment to build up a healthier economy and brighter future for all Michiganders.

Michigan’s winter weather can make driving dangerous. A little preparation before you head out can go a long way to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

Always check the road conditions before you leave and allow yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going. Drive slowly and allow extra space between vehicles. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Some items to keep in your car include water bottles, jumper cables, a battery charger, warm blanket, ice scraper and shovel. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information and tips for driving in winter weather.

Winter in Michigan is a great time for birding. Not all Michigan birds fly south to warmer climates, many stay in the state year-round. Michigan also welcomes many new visitors from the north, making winter an exciting time to watch birds.

Be on the lookout for snow buntings, horned larks, and dark-eyed juncos. Owls are also exciting to watch for when birding. Snowy owls, great gray owls, northern hawk owls and boreal owls make their way into the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula at this time of year.

Michigan is home to nine birding trails, and our state parks, recreation areas, game areas and wildlife sanctuaries are perfect for winter bird watching. Visit these sites for more information about winter birds in Michigan and even more places to view winter birds.

Have you tried fat tire biking yet? The sport is quickly becoming a favorite winter activity across Michigan. Fat tire bikes have tires up to five inches wide, making them capable of floating across snow and perfect for traversing the hundreds of miles of Michigan trails.

Fat tire bikes are permitted on any trail that allows bicycles, and thanks to the dedication of volunteers across the state who keep trails groomed all winter long, Michigan is home to some of the best fat tire trails in the county.

Silver Lake State Park has a designated fat tire biking season, offering riders 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes.

From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It is my great honor to serve you.