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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 in Lansing this past month.
Sincerely,
Jon Bumstead
State Senator
32nd District
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Budget plan built on raiding the teacher pension fund and raising taxes
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Just one year after squandering the state’s $9 billion surplus on pet projects and corporate handouts, Senate Democrats have passed a budget plan that includes a $700 million income tax hike, a $670 million raid on the teacher pension fund and a 1,200% tax increase on trash.
Michigan taxpayers are struggling under crushing inflation. This budget plan does nothing to help solve that problem and very little to fix local roads and bridges. Instead, it creates new programs and bureaucracies and sends hundreds of millions of your tax dollars to profitable multinational corporations.
Putting together the state budget is a process, and there is still a lot of work ahead. In the coming weeks, both the House- and Senate-passed budgets will move forward to conference committee where more negotiations will take place.
As we continue to move forward with the budget, I will be focusing on alleviating tax burdens rather than creating them, continuing our efforts to pay down debt and pension obligations, and investing in projects that have a lasting impact such as roads, water infrastructure, education, our natural resources, and public safety.
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Senate introduces ‘Grow MI State’ plan
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Senate introduces ‘Grow MI State’ plan
Senate Republicans recently introduced a package of bills aimed at rolling back red tape, restoring worker freedoms, and boosting economic growth in Michigan.
The “Grow MI State” economic development plan includes legislation to:
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Make it easier to do business in Michigan by ensuring state regulations are not stricter than those imposed by the federal government, requiring an annual review of all state agency rules to make sure they are still necessary, and forcing bureaucrats to receive approval from the Legislature before imposing costly regulations. |
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Help people plant their roots in Michigan by improving licensing reciprocity in over 40 occupations for people from nurses and doctors to barbers and accountants and investing more in apprenticeship scholarships to expand Michigan’s skilled trades workforce. |
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End corporate slush funds and reinvest in Michiganders by stopping cash payments to corporations and investing in desperately needed bridge repairs. |
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Restore worker freedom to allow workers to decide for themselves whether they want to join a union and let job providers know Michigan is open for business again. |
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Each year, Michigan residents look forward to spring and summer when the days are longer and the skies are clear. But these months can also bring severe weather.
If a severe storm hits your community, it is important to pay attention to state and local officials and follow their instructions. It is usually best to avoid traveling to hard-hit areas if possible, as it can hinder cleanup efforts. Keep these things in mind as you begin your own cleanup:
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Look carefully for downed power lines or branches that are about to fall. Never approach a downed power line; report them to your local utility company. |
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Remember to take pictures or video of the damage and review your insurance policy before beginning any repairs; notify your agent to clarify any issues. |
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Be aware of scams! It is not unusual for scam artists to pose as contractors after a natural disaster. Before hiring any contractor or signing a contract, check to be sure the company is licensed and insured. Make sure you understand what you will be charged, and do not pay in full until the job is completed. |
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Contact 2-1-1 for local resources that can help with your recovery efforts. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can connect you to resources like temporary housing, transportation and financial assistance. |
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The Michigan State Police MIREADY program has plenty of resources and educational materials to assist Michigan residents in preparing for or recovering from weather emergencies and other disasters.
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Bird flu detected in Michigan dairy cattle
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Confirmed cases of Avian Influenza have been detected in dairy cattle in the U.S., including herds in nine Michigan counties. As of May 13, infected dairy cattle have been identified in Allegan, Barry, Clinton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Montcalm and Ottawa counties. Immediate measures are being taken to contain the disease. There is no concern that the virus poses a risk to consumers.
Avian Influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese and guinea fowl, but human infections are uncommon. The virus is spread naturally among flocks through free-flying waterfowl. Since 2022, cases of bird flu have been confirmed in 48 states, including flocks in 23 Michigan counties.
Effective April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring mandatory testing of all dairy cattle moved between states. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued a Determination of Extraordinary Emergency for “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Risk Reduction Response Order” to protect Michigan's poultry and dairy cattle from further spread of the virus. Accurate and timely reporting is important to better understand and contain the virus.
According to the department, the outbreak does not pose a risk to consumers of milk or other dairy products. Only milk from healthy dairy cattle is authorized for distribution into the commercial market; milk from the infected cattle is destroyed so it does not enter the human food supply. Pasteurization offers an additional layer of protection to the consumer as it has been proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Overall, the outbreak is limited and is not expected to have a major impact on the supply of milk or other dairy products.
For more information on Avian Influenza visit the USDA or MDARD, or sign up to receive email updates for up-to-date information.
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Help prevent the spread of invasive pests
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This spring and summer as we head outdoors to hike, camp, or even plant a garden, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for our help in preventing the spread of invasive plants and other pests.
Undetected pests are easily spread by hitching rides on outdoor gear, vehicles and untreated firewood, or hiding in or on plants, soil, seeds and fresh produce. These invasive species can have devastating effects on native plants and animals, competing with them for limited resources and altering their natural habitats.
There are simple ways to help limit the spread of invasive species:
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Learn to spot invasive pests that might pose a threat to agriculture in your area. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases at Michigan.gov/Invasives. |
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Purchase heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it |
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When traveling, be aware of the pests that live in the area you are visiting and be sure not to bring them home with you. If you will be traveling internationally, always declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. |
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The weekly fishing report is an email newsletter from the DNR that provides subscribers with updates on fishing conditions from around the state. Information comes directly from creel clerks and other DNR staff who spend their days in and around Michigan lakes and rivers. The report is organized by region and provides information on recent weather conditions and species updates, along with links to a Great Lakes Temperature Map and Daily Streamflow Conditions.
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Transportation Career Pathways Program
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Do you know a young person who is interested in a career in the transportation sector? The Michigan Department of Transportation has launched its Transportation Career Pathways Program, a unique, paid internship opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in transportation careers at MDOT.
The program runs from May through September. Participants gain hands-on experience exploring various career paths, including transportation maintenance worker, transportation technician and skilled trades helper positions while earning up to $17.50 an hour.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license. For more information and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/TCPP.
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Senate Memorial Day ceremony
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On May 23, the Michigan Senate held its 29th Annual Memorial Day Service to honor fallen service members and veterans. I had the pleasure of welcoming U.S. Marine Corps veteran Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas Drent of North Muskegon to the Michigan Capitol for the ceremony.
Drent served from 1983 to 2007 and was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One from 2005 to 2007. Marine Helicopter Squadron One is responsible for the transportation of the president and vice president of the United States, heads of state, Department of Defense officials, and other dignitaries as directed by the Marine Corps and White House Military Office. A Marine helicopter with the president of the United States aboard uses the call sign “Marine One.”
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 32nd District
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Downtown Flower Planting with Hart Rotary
Saturday, June 1
8 a.m. — noon
Hart Commons
206 E. Main St.
Hart
Description: Come to Hart Commons for a community flower planting event. This is not a weeding event! Bring your gloves and a small shovel, and help us beautify downtown Hart! More information here.
Crystal Conference – Open House and Pig Roast
Saturday, June 1
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Crystal Conference Center
2365 S. Shore Drive E.
Frankfort
Description: This family-fun event is open to the public and includes a pig roast with all the trimmings, live music, tours, natural walks, and youth games at this beautiful 100-year historic facility overlooking Crystal Lake. More information here.
Feet on the Street
Sunday, June 2
2 — 7 p.m.
North Mears Promenade
Whitehall
Description: Feet on the Street is a block party to kick off summer in the White Lake Area. More information here.
Muskegon Economic Summit
Friday, June 7
7:30 — 10:30 a.m.
Marriott Muskegon Convention Center
939 Third St.
Muskegon
Description: Business and community leaders come together to discuss issues facing our community and brainstorm solutions. More information here.
Love Ludington Street Party
Friday, June 7
6 — 9 p.m.
Downtown Ludington
Description: This free event will take place within street closures in Downtown Ludington. Family-friendly activities, like bounce houses and games, will be featured, along with food trucks and a live entertainment stage! More information here.
Betsie River Cleanup
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m. — noon
Homestead Dam
Benzonia
Description: Enjoy a morning on the Betsie and help Benzie Conservation District keep the river healthy and trash-free! Registration required. More information here.
Asparagus Festival Parade
Saturday, June 8
2 p.m.
Downtown Hart
Description: Parade will start at the fairgrounds and head north on South State Street, west on Washington Street, south on North Water Street, and west on Johnson Street. More information here
National Asparagus Festival
Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9
9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Downtown Hart
Description: Each year, the National Asparagus Festival marks the celebration of our harvest. Join us for the longest-running asparagus festival in the country! More information here.
Frankfort Household Hazardous and Electronics Waste Collection
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Frankfort High School
534 11th St.
Frankfort
Description: Appointments are required. There is no charge to recycle computer equipment and small miscellaneous electronic items; not all items are accepted. More information here.
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Ludington Blessing of the Boats
Saturday, June 8
4 — 9:30 p.m.
Safe Harbor Credit Union
950 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington
Description: Join us at the West End to get your keys blessed for the 2024 boating season, hear some great music, and enjoy food and drink with family, friends and fellow boaters. More information here.
Ludington North Breakwater Light 100th Anniversary
Saturday, June 8
6 — 10:15 p.m.
Stearns Park Beach
420 N. Lakeshore Drive
Ludington
Description: This light show at dusk (around 10 p.m.) will project lasers onto the North Breakwater Light, which is 100 years old this year! This free event will be best viewed from Stearns Park Beach or the West End. More information here.
Fish on for Freedom
Friday, June 14
Noon
Ludington Pierheads
Description: At noon, Lake Michigan fishing boats full of military veterans will return outside the Ludington Pierheads to be escorted by Ludington Harbor Patrol, Mason County Sheriffs, and U.S. Coast Guard Boats, as well as a planned USCG helicopter flyover. Come out and line the pierheads and welcome these heroes home from their day on the water. More information here.
Hart Heritage Car Show
Saturday, June 15
10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Hart Historic District
570 E. Lincoln St.
Hart
Description: Annual Hart Heritage Car Show has something for everyone! Enjoy concessions of coffee, cookies, desserts, hot dogs, pulled pork, chips, and drinks as well as entertainment with museum tours and music. More information here.
Annual Frankfort Craft Fair
Saturday, June 15
10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Downtown Frankfort
Description: Downtown Main Street will be blocked off. Come and shop for arts and crafts in sunny Frankfort. More information here.
White Lake Area Annual Arts and Crafts Festival
Saturday, June 15 — Sunday, June 16
10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Goodrich Park
100 N. Lake St.
Whitehall
Description: Whitehall’s Goodrich Park is home to the 45th Annual White Lake Area Arts and Crafts Festival! Spend a day at this popular outdoor event held off the shores of beautiful White Lake and under the trees at Goodrich Park. More information here.
Spring Fest Arts, Craft and Antique Fair
Saturday, June 15 — Sunday, June 16
10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Pentwater Village Green
327 S. Hancock St.
Pentwater
Description: Enjoy shopping at more than 100 artist booths, music, and food. More information here.
Manistee Chamber Golf Outing
Tuesday, June 18
Crystal Mountain
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville
Description: Annual Chamber Golf Outing presented by Smith and Eddy Insurance and Frankenmuth Insurance! More information here.
Benzie Area Chamber ‘Off the Clock’ Event
Thursday, June 20
Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave.
Benzonia
Description: Enjoy an evening networking with members of the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce. More information here.
S.S. Milwaukee Clipper 120th Anniversary Event
Sunday, June 23
11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Bella Maria’s Event Center
513 W. Pontaluna Road
Muskegon
Description: Live auction and lunch provided by Teddy Spaghettis. More information here.
Pentwater Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, June 28
Noon — 4 p.m.
Lakeside Links
5369 W. Chauvez Road
Ludington
Description: The format of the tournament is a four-player scramble with closest to the pin, longest drive, and longest putt contests. Enjoy a cookout-style meal, raffles, and awards presentation following the tournament. More information here.
Fruitland Township Senior Palooza
Saturday, June 29
9 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Fruitland Township Hall
4545 Nestrom Road
Whitehall
Description: Enjoy activities, informational vendors, and friends. All geared for seniors, free to everyone. Free luncheon for Fruitland Township seniors and their caregivers. More information here.
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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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