Last month I introduced legislation to fund meaningful investments in our state’s water infrastructure and environment. Clean water and protecting our environment, especially our Great Lakes, has always been a legislative priority. Over the years, my office has had numerous discussions with constituents and worked closely with stakeholders to determine where improvements need to take place and how funds can be used more effectively.

I recently introduced Senate Bill 565 that invests $2.5 billion to strengthen our commitment to clean water. This legislation invests in actionable items and uses funding already appropriated by the federal government instead of asking taxpayers for more.

Senate Bill 565 would provide $680 million for the creation of grant and loan programs to repair the most critical of Michigan’s dams — a move crucially important toward mitigating or avoiding costly catastrophes like what Midland experienced in 2020.

These grant and loan programs are a major investment in not only community safety, but the safety and reliability of the state’s dams. Maintenance is always cheaper than the reconstruction of a dam.

This legislation also includes $600 million for the replacement of lead pipes across the state, $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities and $85 million to ensure students have access to safe water by installing filtered water stations inside schools. The plan also addresses the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals and would dedicate $100 million in grants to remove the chemicals from “orphaned” sites.

The plan would also repurpose $290 million in bonds to assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure, along with establishing a revolving loan program for homeowners to replace failing septic systems. Also included is an additional $25 million to conduct surface water monitoring, including $10 million for wetland mitigation, and $20 million to implement recommendations included in the Groundwater Use Advisory Council Report.

I believe we should actively protect the water in our lakes and rivers, as well as the drinking water entering the pipes of our homes. Clean drinking water and taking care of our natural resources aren’t partisan issues. This one-time federal funding will be a great asset as we work toward a cleaner, safer Michigan.

Two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified the Unlock Michigan signatures, the Senate voted to pass the measure. On July 21, the House of Representatives voted to approve the petition. Since it the petition was approved by both the House and Senate, the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act is now repealed, and the repeal cannot be vetoed by the governor.

Unlock Michigan is a citizen-led petition drive to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act, which allowed a governor to declare a state of emergency and keep it in place without input from the Legislature. The group was formed in the early days of the pandemic in response to the governor’s decision to use unilateral power to impose lockdowns. Last October, the Michigan Supreme Court said Gov. Whitmer’s actions were illegal and declared the 1945 law as unconstitutional. By approving the initiative, we can ensure the 1945 law will never be abused again to deny the people a say in their government.

The 2021 edition of the Michigan Hunting Digest is now available. This annual publication, made available by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, contains everything hunters need to know including the latest rules and regulations pertaining to hunting and trapping, as well as species-specific information.

Hunters can use the hunting digest to find license information, hunting zones and hours, rules, regulations and more.

The 2021 Hunting Digest is available online by clicking here and can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

I want to remind area-residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks and months:

White Lake Chamber Music Festival
Tuesday, August 3 – Sunday, August 8
White Lake Golf Course
6355 Michillinda Rd.
Whitehall, MI 49461

Description: The White Lake Chamber Music Festival will once again present exceptional performances! Excellent programming, world-class artists, and inspiring classical music performances will take place outdoors More information can also be found here.


Unity Christian Music Festival
Wednesday, August 11 – Saturday, August 14
Heritage Landing
1050 7th St.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: In 2021 Unity Music Festival celebrates their 20th anniversary with a great line up including: Matthew West, for King & Country, TobyMac and a full opening line up on the Main Stage Presented by Country Dairy. Don’t miss this year’s event at Heritage Landing on the shores of beautiful Muskegon Lake. More information can also be found here.


ACWL-Nuveen Artisan Market
Saturday, August 14
9 a.m. – Noon
Artisan Village Market
8660 Water St.
Montague, MI 49437

Description: Shop for artwork created by local artisans! Work will include pottery, home decor, macrame, soaps, greeting cards, and more! There will also be either an on-site craft activity or take-home art kits, sponsored by the City of Montague. More information can be found here.


Pentwater Homecoming Celebration 2021
Thursday, August 12 – Sunday, August 15
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Pentwater
Pentwater, MI 49449

Description: Come to Pentwater and enjoy our 2021 Pentwater Homecoming Celebration! Many activities and events are planned for your friends and family’s enjoyment. Activities include a sand sculpture contest, horseshoe tournament, golf outing, farmer’s market, and more. More information can be found here.



Great Lakes Surf Festival 2021
Saturday, August 14
12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pere Marquette Public Beach
3510 Channel Drive
Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: The 3rd annual Great Lakes Surf Festival welcoming Boardheads, Artists, and Yogis will take place on Saturday August 14th, 2021 from 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM. More information can also be found here.


The Heart Remembers – A community remembrance to honor those lives lost during the pandemic.
Wednesday, August 18
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Clock Funeral Home
1469 Peck Street
Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: A community remembrance to honor those lives lost during the pandemic. Hosted by The Bob & Merle Scolnik Healing Center of Harbor Hospice and Clock Funeral Home. The event includes the following:

• Memorial wall to write messages to loved ones, including pets, lost during COVID-19
• Pause, Reflection, and Gratitude at 5:30 pm
• Keepsakes provided to first 150 attendees
• Live music and refreshments
• Leashed pets welcome

For more information please call 231.873.0359 or 1.800.497.9559 or email [email protected].


Free Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) WEEKEND
Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22
Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park
8960 W Fox Rd
Mears, MI 49436

Description: Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV area and any DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or ORV trail permit August 21-22, 2021. Recreation Passports are still required. More information can be found here.


Oceana County Fair-150th Anniversary
Tuesday, August 24 – Saturday, August 28
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Oceana County Fair Grounds in Hart
1025 S. State Street
Hart, MI 49420

Description: Get up close and personal in the livestock barns with a variety of animals raised by area youth. View the creative, skillful, and sometimes mouth-watering exhibits produced by locals of all ages in the Exhibition Halls. Satisfy your hunger for good food and thrilling fun at the midway in the heart of the fairgrounds. And don’t miss the exciting main events that occur every day at the Grandstand. More information can be found here.