Dear Friends,

To better serve you, I am offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. 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

To build a strong future for everyone in Michigan, we need to encourage more people to move here while also making it easier for current residents to get the training they need for a well-paying career.

My bills will help achieve both of these goals by allowing skilled trades professionals to easily transfer their licenses when relocating to Michigan and investing more in apprenticeship scholarships to expand our workforce. This legislation will knock down barriers to recruiting and training talent in skilled trades positions like builders, plumbers and electricians — which can help grow our economy and also address our affordable housing problem.

Senate Bill 850 would require the state to post online an annual report including a list of all licensing compacts and agreements the state is a part of for skilled trades occupations and a list for each occupation that includes the states whose licensing requirements meet Michigan’s requirements. Occupations covered under the act include plumbers, electricians, residential builders, building inspectors, elevator contractors and mechanical contractors.

Senate Bill 845 would expand the Michigan Reconnect Grant program eligibility to add career training programs for skilled trades occupations that are customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job supervised training.

The bills are part of the Senate Republicans’ “Grow MI State” plan, which includes legislation to:

I recently visited New City Kids with Angelique Nichols of the Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP). I explained the role of a state senator and encouraged the kids and teens to lead and serve in their communities. It’s always great to meet and talk to the next generation of West Michigan leaders and see their passion for our state.

Legislation recently passed by the Senate would remove fraud, mistakes, and ballot tampering, among other things, as reasons to request a recount of election results.

Senate Bills 603 and 604 would prohibit local officials from investigating potential fraud, illegal activity, or even ballot tampering during a recount by deleting current provisions in Michigan election law that give this authority to the bipartisan county boards of canvassers.

I opposed these counterproductive reforms and will continue to fight for secure and honest elections.

I am holding in-person office hours throughout the district on a regular basis because hearing directly from people about the issues they are facing is an important part of representing everyone in West Michigan. These meetings give local residents a chance to express their viewpoints about what needs to be done and offer help to people dealing with a variety of state issues.

This month, I will also be available to meet with constituents at the following dates, times and locations:

Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may contact my office.

This spring and summer as we head outdoors to hike, camp, or even plant a garden, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for our help in preventing the spread of invasive plants and other pests.

Undetected pests are easily spread by hitching rides on outdoor gear, vehicles and untreated firewood, or hiding in or on plants, soil, seeds and fresh produce. These invasive species can have devastating effects on native plants and animals, competing with them for limited resources and altering their natural habitats.

There are simple ways to help limit the spread of invasive species:

Check out MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series for information about invasive species, beneficial insects, pest management, and more.

It was a pleasure to meet with the Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation late last month as they were awarded $10,000 from Doyle and Ogden Inc. as recipients of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Safeco Insurance 2024 Make More Happen awards.

Their Coats for Kids Program has provided over 6,500 winter coats to local Kent County elementary school children in need over the past fifteen years. It was an honor to participate in their check presentation, and I commend them on the great work they continue to do for children and families in our community.

Do you know a young person who is interested in a career in the transportation sector? The Michigan Department of Transportation has launched its Transportation Career Pathways Program, a unique, paid internship opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in transportation careers at MDOT.

The program runs from May through September. Participants gain hands-on experience exploring various career paths, including transportation maintenance worker, transportation technician and skilled trades helper positions while earning up to $17.50 an hour.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license. For more information and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/TCPP.

May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time to recognize and honor the brave men and women of our nation's armed forces. This month offers a special occasion to honor the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform to protect our freedom here at home.

For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency events calendar at Michigan.gov/MVAA/events. 

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 [email protected].

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.