In all my time in the Legislature, I have never seen a situation so demoralizing as the one our corrections officers and their families are facing in Michigan. I spent some time this Father’s Day attending a rally in the Upper Peninsula hosted by families of officers who could not celebrate the day with them because of mandated overtime shifts.

The staffing crisis in our facilities is at an all-time low and keeps getting worse.

I am pushing for corrections officers to become part of the State Police Pension Fund. This is a huge priority of mine, as it is a serious issue that we must prevent from turning into a full-blown crisis. I am so impressed by the tenacity of our officers and their families as they continue to move forward, even though they are facing such difficult working conditions.

This week has been filled with excitement in Traverse City as the 99th National Cherry Festival is underway!

I was honored to join the kickoff ceremony this year and to spend some time flipping pancakes for the crowd at the traditional flying pancake breakfast. There are so many great events happening throughout Northern Michigan during the summer season. I sincerely hope you and your family can get out to enjoy all that our state has to offer.

Thank you to all of my Senate colleagues who stood with Mackinac Island and all of Northern Michigan this week by voting for my bill — Senate Bill 304 — which is critical to maintaining the right to regulate ferry prices, which have risen dramatically over the last year.

By a vote of 30-6, the Senate voted with Mackinac Island to help protect the economies of Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, along with the jobs of the hardworking residents who rely upon a vibrant tourist economy throughout our region.

Make no mistake, our entire region suffers if it becomes too expensive for families to travel to the island. They’ll just go somewhere else in the state or not visit the island at all.

Passing this bill took intense work and collaboration to get through the Senate. This was an interesting bill because any other city in Michigan could have just done this on their own, but Mackinac Island is the only city that does not have what’s known as “home rule.”

Now we need to pass it through the House and get it signed into law by the governor. Then, the people of Mackinac Island can put it on the ballot and vote on it themselves. But we cleared the first hurdle this week!

Another great year for sportsmen is underway! With hunting season quickly approaching, I wanted to share with you my latest informative hunting publication. Please take a look to make sure you are aware of any new changes and are prepared for this year.

Many are wondering about the status of next year’s state budget. This is a personal frustration for me, as I profoundly believe that we should have our budgets done on time. The Legislature missed the deadline with no votes taking place to finalize the upcoming fiscal year budget, meaning no deal on K-12 funding was reached.

I was very hopeful that we would get this done for our schools, and I have been in constant communication with school leaders from across the district. My main priority is to ensure that categorical funds that are essential to our rural schools remain intact.

Even though I am disappointed by the lack of movement so far, I will remain engaged both in Lansing and with my constituents to work for the best budget for Northern Michigan.

With 103 state parks and recreation areas, Michigan offers endless opportunities for summer fun. Enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and boating — plus nature programs at over 30 state park and recreation areas.

Last year, nearly 120,000 guests took part in these free, hands-on nature programs. Explorer guides lead hikes, give talks and spotlight each park’s unique resources.

Learn more and find weekly program schedules at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms. 

Recreation Passports can be purchased through the secretary of state or at park entrances.

I want to express my gratitude to the entire Sault Ste. Marie community for having me speak last week in celebration of the Carbide Dock ribbon cutting.

This dock will serve as a draw for Great Lakes cruise ships, adding a great stop to bring visitors from around the world to this historic city.

This was one of the first big projects I supported in the Senate, and I can think of no better day to cut the ribbon on this important piece of infrastructure than Soo Locks Engineers Day.

My office was recently informed that the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, in partnership with Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund, is now accepting applications for the 2025 Investing in the Health of the Upper Peninsula grant program, which focuses on improving the health and wellness of senior residents.

In the Upper Peninsula, there are higher percentages of people 65 or older (23%) than Michigan’s overall average (18%), and this population faces distinct health challenges such as higher rates of isolation, loneliness, chronic diseases, and food and housing insecurities. This results in increased demand for home health services, assisted living and nursing home care.

The BCBSM Foundation and its partner organizations recognize the unique needs of the Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula senior populations. The grant program was created to help address access to care, workforce development, chronic disease prevention, caregiving initiatives, health literacy programs and innovative programs to help reduce isolation and loneliness.

Nonprofit organizations headquartered in Michigan that serve the Upper Peninsula are welcome to apply. Concept papers should be sent via email to upinvest@bcbsm.com by 11:59 p.m. on July 11, 2025.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program relies on reports from the public to stop the spread of invasive species.

Early detection is key to protecting our waterways. Eighteen aquatic invasive species are on Michigan’s Watch List, including 10 aquatic plants, five fish, two crayfish and the New Zealand mud snail.

Report sightings at misin.msu.edu or by using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network mobile app.

As we celebrate the 249th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we remember the bold actions of our Founding Fathers.

We are truly blessed to live in the greatest nation the world has ever known. For a list of Independence Day celebrations in your area, visit Michigan.org.

Enjoy a wonderful holiday weekend, and please remember to be safe if you are working with fireworks!

Michigan is one of the nation’s top blueberry producers, growing over 20 varieties across 17,000 acres and providing more than 6,600 full-time jobs.

Most commercial blueberries are grown in southwest Michigan, where sandy soil and high water tables in Allegan, Berrien, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren counties make ideal growing conditions.

Michigan’s 37th Senate District includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau counties and portions of Mackinac and Chippewa counties.