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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter!
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 32nd Senate District.
This email highlights the important work we have been doing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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In previous years, the Legislature has finalized the state’s budget on or before July 1. However, this year the Legislature is still working toward finalizing the budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The delay in this year’s budget can be attributed to the vast differences in views on how taxpayer dollars should be allocated by the Republican majority in the Michigan House and the Democratic majority in the Michigan Senate.
Key differences between the House and the Senate are their approaches to the School Aid budget. The Republican-led House would like to increase the foundation allowance to $12,000 per-pupil and give each school district the autonomy to choose how best to spend these funds for their district, teachers, facilities, students and programs. Senate Democrats allocated just over $10,000 per-pupil foundation allowance, while keeping how a school district can spend these funds relatively the same, as in years past, as prescribed by Lansing. The House’s budget also sets aside over $3 billion for a comprehensive local roads package. The Senate did not include any additional dollars for a local road funding plan.
The Michigan Senate passed its versions of each state department budget back in May of this year. Earlier this week, the Michigan House passed its version of the budget, House Bill 4706. With the passage of the House’s budget, both chambers will now be able to come together to negotiate and finalize the budget. The Michigan Constitution requires that the state budget be approved by Oct. 1.
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Are you new to hunting? Or just looking for a new place to hunt? Consider exploring one of Michigan’s four designated Turkey Tracts when fall turkey hunting season begins on Sept. 15.
Turkey Tracts are public hunting lands managed specifically for hunting wild turkey, using intensive habitat management for turkeys. They provide excellent opportunities for a variety of hunters, including youth hunters, seniors and those new to the sport.
A large kiosk at each site provides hunters with information specific to the area, including local business discounts. Many surrounding businesses provide a discount when hunters take a “selfie” with the kiosk.
The four Michigan Turkey Tracts are located in Allegan County, Barry County, the Flat River area and Holly State Recreation Area.
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Free Power of Attorney forms available
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Last year, the Michigan Uniform Power of Attorney Act went into effect, making power of attorney agreements more effective for Michigan residents.
A Power of Attorney agreement is a notarized document that allows a person to grant someone else the legal authority to act on their behalf. Michigan residents and their families can use these free, fillable Finances Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney forms which are available for download.
These user-friendly forms make it easier for Michigan residents and their family members to appoint a trusted individual to make important financial and medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
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Another year of successful fish stocking
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The 2025 fall fishing season is expected to be excellent due to the hard work of Michigan DNR’s fisheries spring and summer stocking program. This year, a total of 18,958,970 fish, weighing nearly 331.5 tons and comprising 10 different species and one hybrid, were reared and delivered to stocking sites.
Fish stocking plays a vital role in maintaining quality fishing experiences for anglers while also conserving fish populations and their habitats. These efforts contribute an estimated $3.9 billion annually to the state’s economy. The DNR maintains a Fish Stocking Database, allowing the public to track when, where, and what species are stocked throughout the state.
Michigan’s six state and two cooperative hatcheries work together to produce the necessary species, strains, and sizes of fish for fisheries management. The fish must be delivered and stocked at a specific time and location to ensure their success.
The public is welcome at any of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries to see the fish-rearing process firsthand.
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Nominate Teacher of the Year
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Nominations for the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) are open from now until Sept. 24.
Each year, one teacher is named Michigan’s Teacher of the Year, serving as a representative and advocate for Michigan’s more than 85,000 teachers. The MTOY works with their nine fellow Regional Teachers of the Year on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council to share feedback and provide input on various MDE policies and initiatives. The MTOY attends state Board of Education meetings as a non-voting member and has the opportunity to meet with legislators and educational leaders in Michigan and nationally.
Parents or guardians, students, colleagues, and community members are invited to nominate a teacher using the Michigan Department of Education’s online form.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Labor Day Community Walk
Monday, Sept. 1
10 – 11 a.m.
Hart-Montague Bike Trailhead
4484 Spring St.
Montague
Description: The White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau, along with the cities of Montague and Whitehall, will host their 19th Annual Labor Day Community Walk. Click here to learn more.
Americana Roots Music at Historic White Pine Village
Thursday, Sept. 4
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Historic White Pine Village
1687 S. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington
Description: Join Suzanne and Jim’s Americana Roots Music for a day of old-fashioned music at the village. Featuring duet singing, five-string banjo, guitar, flute and more. Click here to learn more.
2025 Fall Festival: Opening Day!
Friday, Sept. 5
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
4180 W. M-20
New Era
Description: Head over to the Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo to kick off the fall season with events for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
Taste of Fall Cook-off/Bake-off
Saturday, Sept. 6
Noon – 3 p.m.
111 S. Main St.
Scottville
Description: Compete or enjoy locally made chili, soup, bread and more at the Taste of Fall Cook-off/Bake-off in Scottville. Click here to learn more.
White Lake VFW Post 3256 90th Birthday Bash Pig Roast
Saturday, Sept. 13
10:30 a.m. — 11 p.m.
White Lake VFW Post 3256
9370 Walsh Road
Montague
Description: The White Lake VFW Post 3256 is proudly celebrating 90 years of service. Come celebrate this milestone. Click here to learn more.
Scottville Clown Band Concert
Saturday, Sept. 13
1 – 3 p.m.
Western Michigan Old Engine Club
700 S. Scottville Road
Scottville
Description: Enjoy both the Mason County Central Band and the Scottville Clown Band at Scottville Riverside Park. Click here to learn more.
Ironman 70.3 Michigan
Sunday, Sept. 14
5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Frankfort
Description: Put on your running shoes and compete in the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Michigan race! Click here to learn more.
Seeds of Success: The Role of Seed Collection in Local Conservation Efforts
Wednesday, Sept. 17
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia
Description: Learn about the importance of native plants and discover the why, when and how of local seed collection efforts. Click here to learn more.
New Era Fall Street Festival
Saturday, Sept. 20
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First Street
New Era
Description: Come enjoy this lively fall celebration that will feature unique arts, crafts, live entertainment and activities for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
Hackley Attic Escape Room
Saturday, Sept. 20
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Hackley and Hume Historic Site
484 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon
Description: See the Hackley House like never before! Experience the mysterious Hackley Attic while you complete puzzles, locks and riddles. Click here to learn more.
109th Anniversary of The Playhouse at White Lake
Friday, Sept. 26
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
The Playhouse at White Lake
304 S. Mears St.
Whitehall
Description: Enjoy the funk rock band Flexadecibel and celebrate the 109th Anniversary of The Playhouse at White Lake. Click here to learn more.
Frankfort Beer Week Begins
Monday, Sept. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 4
Various locations in the Frankfort and Elberta area
Description: Frankfort Beer Week kicks off on Sept. 29 and will offer opportunities to enjoy special beer releases, eat local food and more. Click here to learn more.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Visit my website at: SenatorJonBumstead.com
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