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 Facebook page, my  official account on X or my Instagram account. 

I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You can call toll-free at 855-347-8030 or email SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.  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

From small businesses and schools to local governments and community events, last year was all about showing up, listening and learning.

I had the privilege of visiting dozens of incredible places across our district, each one a reminder of the passion and hard work that make our communities thrive. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me in 2025. Here’s to building on that momentum in 2026.

Click here or on the image below to watch a short video highlighting many of our district visits.

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 receive help with a variety of state issues.

On Monday, Jan. 26, I will be available to meet on a one-on-one basis with constituents at the following times and locations:

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

From now through March 1, you and your family can bundle up and head down to the World of Winter Festival in downtown Grand Rapids!

Whether it’s stunning light-based art, scavenger hunts or live performances, you will find activities for all ages. Click here to learn more about the festival, which has been named one of the 10 Most Epic U.S. Winter Festivals Worth Braving the Cold For.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video we recorded promoting this festival.

I had the pleasure of attending the Rockford City Council meeting this week to recognize retiring City Clerk Chris Bedford after 35 years of dedicated service. She guided Rockford through decades of growth, served under three city managers and 10 mayors, and oversaw more than 100 elections with fairness and care.

Her impact on City Hall and on those who worked with her will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations on a well earned retirement, Chris!

At Wells Orchards in Tallmadge Township, you’ll find a fifth-generation farm that’s been growing top-quality produce since 1919.

I had a chance to tour their farmers market and learned how generations of local farmers have kept this incredible operation thriving.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video of our visit.

I had the privilege of touring Eaton Corporation, a cornerstone of Michigan’s aerospace industry since the 1960s.

The facility designs, manufactures and repairs electromechanical actuators and controls that keep both military and commercial aircraft flying safely and efficiently. Supported aircraft include the Boeing 737, the C-17 and all variants of the F-35.

I am proud to see this world-class work happening right here in West Michigan!

After working with members of the school community and public, Forest Hills Public Schools proudly broke ground this month on their future aquatic center.

Opening in 2028, this new facility will provide student athletes, families and community members with a state-of-the-art aquatic center for competition, swim lessons and water safety. My office was honored to present a special tribute to Superintendent Dr. Ben Kirby.

Congratulations to Biggby Coffee in Monroe Center on celebrating 20 years!

For two decades, they have been providing delicious, handmade coffee and great customer service.

My office was honored to present a congratulatory tribute to store manager Kristyn, who has been at this location for over 17 years.

The Michigan Constitution requires the Legislature to meet “on the second Wednesday in January of each year at twelve o’clock noon” to begin a new legislative session. On Jan. 14, the Michigan Senate convened to begin the 2026 regular session.

The Michigan Senate consists of 38 members who are elected by residents of districts with approximately 250,000 people each. Senators are elected at the same time as the governor and serve four-year terms concurrent with the governor’s term.

For 2026 session dates, committee schedules, current legislation and information on visiting the state Capitol, visit the Michigan Senate website.

As 2026 begins, new laws passed by the Legislature are taking effect. These are a few of the changes residents can expect:

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.

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 any 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.

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 SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov.

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.