Recently, Michigan Information and Research Services (MIRS) news released results for their 2023 survey asking participants questions about effectiveness in the Senate.

The results ranked both Democratic and Republican senators separately. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks was listed as the most effective Democratic senator, while Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt was listed as the most effective Republican Senator. Directly behind Minority Leader Nesbitt, Sen. John Damoose was listed as the second most effective Republican Senator.

What an honor it was to be presented with the A-Team award at Grand Traverse Industries. Thank you so much to Elizabeth and Sarah for your excellent presentation, and to the entire GTI team for all of the good work you do for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am humbled and proud to be on your A-Team!

The Fostering Futures scholarship is a fantastic way for students to continue their education beyond high school. Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after age 13 are eligible to apply for a Fostering Futures scholarship.

The application period for the 2023-24 academic year is currently available, and the priority deadline is Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.

Find more information at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.

I had the pleasure of attending Macie Hefron’s grand opening for her new business Wheels on Rails.

This exciting venture is located in Grawn and poses a unique opportunity for both residents and visitors! It was an honor to present Macie with a special tribute for her hard work and creativity along with my friend and colleague, state Rep. John Roth.

If your summer plans include visiting one of Michigan’s state parks, be sure to review the Department of Natural Resources’ updated beach flag warning system.

A new DNR land order makes it illegal to enter the water when there is a risk to human health and safety. Risks can include hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts and environmental hazards. These rules do not apply to surfers using wind-powered or self-propelled wave-riding boards.

The Great Lakes flag warning system is in place at state-designated swim beaches to advise visitors of current water conditions or environmental warnings. The updated system now includes:

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety to check current swim risk, learn about designated swim areas or for more information about the Great Lakes beach flag warning system.

Residents of Cheboygan County and surrounding areas likely know about the deteriorating condition of the Orchard Road Bridge. This is a serious issue with devastating impact to the Cheboygan community if the bridge fails. I was able to personally inspect the bridge and will be working with my colleagues to find solutions to this problem.

As part of the fiscal year 2023 budget, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $12 million to establish and operate the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program.

Grant awards of up to $10,000 are available to eligible fire departments in cities, villages, townships or tribal governments or commissions. The application period is now open. Applications are accepted through the Michigan Department of Treasury through July 10.

Additional information, answers to FAQs, program guidelines, and application materials are available at Michigan.gov/MIFireEquipmentGrant.

There is no better way to end a summer day than a campfire with friends to roast marshmallows, make smores, and enjoy a crisp Michigan night.

But a campfire that is not closely monitored and thoroughly extinguished can quickly become dangerous. To keep your family, guests, and the environment around you safe, please keep these campfire safety tips in mind:

This month, I gave testimony in the Senate Finance Committee for my bill: Senate Bill 364.

This bill is a part of a package that will remove requirements for disabled veterans to reapply for property taxes every year and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the tax credit no matter where they live.

See my full testimony in the video below:

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