After wasting a $9 billion surplus, Lansing Democrats now want to raid the state’s emergency savings to keep growing the size of government.

Just three short years ago, when Democrats had total control of state government, they inherited a $9 billion surplus. Having blown through that surplus, their latest budget plan raids the state’s emergency savings fund to balance the budget. Their “emergency” spending spree includes:

Republicans offered dozens of amendments to improve Democrats’ budget, including proposals to lower property taxes, eliminate taxes on necessities for babies and kids, and remove sales tax on grocery store household goods. Nearly all were rejected along party lines.

House Republicans passed a budget that provides relief to families, cuts wasteful spending and invests in the services people rely on most — without growing government.

The budget bills passed by Senate Democrats did not include timely funding needed for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to secure the new fighter mission announced last year by President Donald Trump.

In April, the Michigan House approved $152 million for runway upgrades at Selfridge to support a brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission to replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron.

The base contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan’s economy, supporting 30,000 jobs statewide and over 5,000 members of the Air and Army National Guard and Reserve components.

Michigan’s elk season application period opened May 1, with updates for the 2026 and 2027 seasons:

Elk hunting is limited to Michigan residents. Applications are open through June 1. Each hunter is limited to one application per year.

Applications cost $5 and are available in person at any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app. Drawing results will be announced June 22.

For more information on the 2026-27 elk hunting regulations, visit the DNR’s elk hunting regulations webpage.

The Senate recently approved my resolution supporting the Jewish community and condemning acts of hate in all forms.

Senate Resolution 115 recognized April 29, 2026, as End Jew-Hatred Day and states, in part:

“On March 12, 2026, Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, was the site of a targeted act of violence, underscoring that antisemitism and Jew-hatred continue to pose a real and present threat here in Michigan; and

“Whereas, We all share an obligation to condemn and combat Jew-hatred in all its forms.”

Attacks on our Jewish friends and neighbors are at an all-time high. There has been an 893% increase in antisemitic incidents over the past decade. Just a few weeks ago, Temple Israel — here in our state — was deliberately attacked, and generations of families will forever be affected by what happened that day.

A safe house of worship is the right of every American, and we must be clear: We will not tolerate this or any type of targeted religious attacks here in our state.

You can view my remarks in support of my resolution on the Senate floor prior to its adoption.

The Michigan Senate approved legislation that would allow doctors to provide patients with information about organ donation.

Senate Bill 205 would allow physicians to ask about a patient’s interest in becoming a bone marrow, organ or tissue donor and provide information about how to register.

Over the past decade, more than 9,000 Michigan patients have received organ transplants, while more than 2,700 remain on a waiting list. The bill aims to increase awareness and expand participation. For more information on organ donation, or to sign up, visit Gift of Life Michigan.

The 2026 Pure Michigan Hunt winners have been announced. Each winner is awarded an incredible prize package that includes every 2026 limited-license hunt offered by the DNR, along with hunting gear and other outdoor items.

A total of 93,380 entries were purchased for a chance to win one of three packages. The $5 entry fee supports Michigan’s wildlife habitat restoration and management efforts.

Congratulations to Don “Papa Don” Lang and Sheryle Pitt!

I had the privilege of presenting tributes to Don Lang and Sheryle Pitt in recognition of their well-deserved achievements. Don, the newly named Livingston County Veteran of the Year, served with distinction in the U.S. Army and continues to mentor and lead through his work with the Americanism Committee.

Sheryle, who was recently named Livingston County Auxiliary Member of the Year, is a dedicated member of Pinckney American Legion Auxiliary Unit 419. She has raised over $10,000 annually for veteran programs, organized creative and impactful fundraisers, and provided vital support to veterans both locally and nationwide.

Their commitment uplifts our community and is truly inspiring! It was an honor to present them with tributes acknowledging their commitment to Livingston County and our state!

Michigan is home to more than 400,000 veterans. National Military Appreciation Month recognizes their service and the sacrifices of their families.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides support services, including employment assistance, mental health resources and help accessing medical benefits.

Veterans can learn more online or by calling 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).