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Dear Friends,
To better serve the great people of West Michigan, I’m offering this e-newsletter on what’s happening in the 30th Senate District and across our state.
I am active on social media to help keep you updated. You can check out my or my new official (formerly known as Twitter).
I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email . 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,
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Mark Huizenga State Senator
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Easter is a time that calls for celebration! Whether through egg hunts, attending religious services or simply spending quality time with family and friends, it’s an opportunity to cherish these moments and create lasting memories. It’s also a time of renewal and rebirth.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very happy and blessed Easter!
or on the image below to see a short Easter blessing video.
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When it comes to our roads and infrastructure, we need real solutions for all Michiganders. Currently, we are fixing 6% of our roads in the state. That simply isn’t good enough.
My Republican colleagues and I have proposed a real plan to fix Michigan roads and bridges without raising taxes. It’s your money. It’s time the state government spent it wisely and delivered results for you and your family.
I want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for sharing their road funding plan with the Senate Appropriations Committee.
We, as state legislators, have a responsibility to provide safe and reliable roads for all Michiganders.
I appreciate my colleagues from the Michigan House for taking the initiative on this matter and for providing a responsible, bipartisan solution.
or on the image below to watch a short video on how we can fix our roads without raising taxes.
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Road construction map on our website
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Warmer weather brings us outdoor activities, enjoyable family vacations and construction season.
To help keep you and your family informed about upcoming road construction in West Michigan, my office has created an interactive map to provide the latest information.
Visit or click on the image below to see where road construction projects are happening in our region. Check in with our social media for updates on road projects as new developments occur.
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Reminder: District office hours on April 28
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I want to remind folks that on Monday, April 28, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:
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9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Grand Coney, 809 Michigan St. NE in Grand Rapids. |
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1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Haggerty’s, 1600 E. Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids Township. |
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I hold 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.
Office hours are open to all residents, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone who is unable to attend the office hours may .
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In West Michigan, we are blessed to be surrounded by beautiful water and natural resources. I encourage you and your family to visit one of our beautiful parks this spring.
Last year, I had the pleasure of hosting an educational event and nature walk to highlight the various organizations working hard to protect the Grand River.
or on the image below for the first in a series of videos highlighting this important work.
The complete series of videos are on my YouTube channel, .
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West Michigan is home to a vibrant and diverse agricultural industry that is a cornerstone of our state’s economy.
Swanson Pickles has been an important member of that community for over four generations. Starting shortly after WWII, Swanson Pickles has grown from a small operation to being on shelves nationwide.
I had the pleasure of touring and learning more about their organization last year.
or on the image below to watch a video about what it takes to bring pickles to your table.
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Ticket to Tuition student sweepstakes
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The Michigan College Access Network has launched the Ticket to Tuition giveaway for students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA, for the first time. The contest offers students a chance to win up to $50,000 for college or technical school expenses.
To enter the sweepstakes, students and parents must first create an account on StudentAid.gov and fill out the FAFSA form. Once completed, students can text “CASH” to 855-50K-TICKET (855-505-8425). Students who have already completed their first-time FAFSA form can also participate. Participants must be Michigan residents who completed the FAFSA for the first time for the 2025-26 academic year.
FAFSA is the first and best way for low- to middle-income students to obtain financial aid for college or skilled trades schools. By filling out the FAFSA, students may qualify for valuable financial aid opportunities such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee programs.
Prizes will be awarded in Michigan Education Savings Program accounts, which can be used for a variety of qualified educational expenses such as tuition and fees, living expenses, computers and textbooks. Forty winners will receive $10,000 and 10 winners will receive $50,000. Visit TicketToTuition.com for more contest details.
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Beware of toll road scams
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Michigan residents have reported receiving fraudulent text messages claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls. These messages mimic the Michigan Department of Transportation’s official website and appear legitimate.
These text messages are a scam. The state of Michigan does not operate toll roads and will not solicit payment via text message. While some state-owned bridges require tolls, they are not collected by license plate capture. The messages should be reported as junk and deleted.
If you receive one of these scam text messages, do not click on any links or share personal or financial information. The state of Michigan or any of its agencies will never:
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Request personal information through email, over the phone or text. |
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Demand money through email, over the phone or text. They will mail a notice and provide payment options. |
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Ask for or accept payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app. |
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Anyone who has received one of these fraudulent messages and wants assurance that they don’t owe money for unpaid tolls can contact MDOT by calling 517-241-2400 or emailing MDOT@Michigan.gov.
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Spring turkey season opens April 19. Leftover spring turkey licenses and Hunt 0234 licenses are available for purchase online at eLicense or in person at select retail locations.
Hunters now have the option to purchase an eHarvest tag through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Once purchased, the eHarvest tag is accessible immediately in the app. When a license is purchased through the app, a paper tag will not be issued.
To use the eHarvest tag after harvesting a turkey, follow these steps:
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1. Open the Hunt Fish mobile app and select the correct license. 2. Tap the “validate” button. 3. Enter the date of your harvest. 4. Click the “confirm” button at the bottom of the screen. 5. Write the harvest date, license number and validation number on a durable, waterproof material (such as duct tape, waterproof paper or plastic tag). 6. Secure the tag to the turkey’s leg.
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Spring yard waste burning
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After a long winter and harsh storms, many are eager to begin yard clean up. Always check with local authorities regarding burn permit requirements and fire conditions before burning.
When burning yard waste:
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Always have a water source nearby. |
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Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
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Keep a metal shovel and bucket close. |
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Fully extinguish fires with water every time. |
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Do not burn on windy days or during dry weather. |
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
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Texting and other phone use are the leading causes of distracted driving. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 15,136 vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2023, resulting in 59 deaths.
Michigan’s hands-free driving law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a phone or any other device with their hands, arms or shoulders. Even if the device is secured on a dashboard or connected to the vehicle’s built-in system, drivers may not use their hands to operate it beyond a single touch. Violators face a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service for a first offense.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DistractedDriving. Stay safe, and don’t drive distracted!
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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 .
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.
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Senator Mark Huizenga 201 Townsend St., Suite #7200 P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at:
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