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Senate panel considers Bumstead’s historic water infrastructure bill
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A budget supplemental bill that would invest over $2.5 billion to preserve and protect Michigan’s water quality, infrastructure and the environment received testimony during a recent hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Ensuring Michiganders have access to clean water and protecting our environment — especially our Great Lakes — have always been top priorities of mine. This is an unprecedented opportunity to invest federal funding in our state’s water infrastructure to make transformational improvements that will last generations.
Senate Bill 565 would provide funding for the replacement of lead pipes across the state, $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities and $85 million to ensure students have access to safe water by installing filtered water stations inside schools. The plan also addresses the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals and would dedicate $100 million in grants to remove the chemicals from “orphaned sites.”
Bumstead’s water plan would also make hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding available to:
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• Repair, rehabilitate or remove dams in critical condition to mitigate and avoid costly catastrophes like what happened in Midland last year;
• Assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure.
• Conduct surface water monitoring, including for wetland mitigation, and
• To implement recommendations included in the Groundwater Use Advisory Council Report.
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This is an opportunity to come together as Michiganders to take care of our clean drinking water, dams in critical condition, and to protect the environment. Now is the time to take advantage of this one-time federal funding to build a cleaner, safer Michigan.
The bill remains before the committee for further consideration.
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Bumstead: Prevailing wage harmful to workers, taxpayers
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Earlier this month I condemned the decision by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to reinstate prevailing wage on state-awarded construction contracts.
There’s a reason why Michiganders signed on to a petition to repeal our state’s antiquated prevailing wage laws three years ago. As a business owner of a construction company, I know free and open bidding of state contracts is a good thing. Prevailing wage, on the other hand, is anticompetitive, bad for taxpayers, hurts the economy and, ultimately, the workers its backers allege to support. It simply does not make sense for taxpayer-funded construction contracts to cost more than non-government projects for no reason other than the government demands it.
The truth is, workers are earning more today without prevailing wage. With thousands of unfilled jobs in our state, we should be focusing on promoting skilled trades education and job training programs to help fill these high-paying opportunities. The governor’s decision to reinstate prevailing wage is unfortunately another overreach by the executive branch.
In 2018, a citizen-led petition initiative to repeal the state’s outdated and harmful prevailing wage laws was approved by Legislature.
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Bumstead spearheads major investment to maintain, improve state parks
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Nearly a billion dollars could be going toward making upgrades and improvements at Michigan’s state and local parks under a new plan introduced Tuesday, said Sen. Jon Bumstead.
The three-bill budget supplemental would dedicate $968 million in one-time funding to clear a backlog of projects, create jobs and boost tourism.
More Michiganders and out-of-state guests seek a Pure Michigan experience at our state and local parks each year, yet many of these parks are in desperate need of repair and improvement. The primary problem is funding, and the bill I introduced would ensure the State Park Endowment Fund has a permanent source of funding to operate, maintain, and make capital improvements at Michigan’s state parks.
Bumstead’s bill would dedicate $508 million for the State Park Endowment Fund, which would enable it to immediately reach its full funding cap and fund Michigan state parks in perpetuity. Under the status quo, it is estimated the fund would not reach the funding cap for another 30 years.
Other bills introduced would:
-Address an infrastructure backlog at state parks and recreation areas; and
-Create a grant program supporting local park systems modeled after the successful Recreation Passport Grant Program.
On average for every $1 invested in land conservation, $4 is returned in economic benefit, yet over the past five years, nearly half of the DNR grant requests for local recreation needs have gone unsupported due to insufficient funding.
The legislation would provide significant funding to operate, maintain and implement projects needed to address critical issues throughout our state and local park systems. Surely that is something all of us can come together to support.
Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry contributes billions to the state’s economy and sustains 126,000 jobs with over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries.
Senate Bills 702-704 were referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review.
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Senate Passes MI Safe Drive plan
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The Michigan Senate recently voted to pass bills that would strengthen ID requirements for voting and make it easier for residents to get a free state ID card.
A 2021 poll, conducted by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Glengariff Group, showed that 79.7% of Michigan voters support requiring voters to present a government-issued ID in order to vote.
Senate Bill 303 would require voters to show proper identification when voting in person and require absentee voters to write their Michigan driver’s license number or state ID card number on their absentee ballot application to verify their identity. Under the bill, voters could also write the last four digits of their social security number on their application or present their ID to their clerk to get an absentee ballot. SB 303 would also prohibit the use of third-party money for elections administration in Michigan and ban the secretary of state or other government officials from sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters.
SB 304 would allow in-person voters without proper identification and absentee voters who fail to fill in the identifying information to cast a provisional ballot and return to their local clerk within six days after the election to verify their identity so that their vote can be counted.
House Bill 5007 would make getting or renewing an official state identification card free of charge to Michigan residents.
SBs 303-304 and HB 5007 await the governor’s signature.
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Celebrating our community members with special tributes for service
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My staff and I recently had the opportunity to celebrate members of our community with special tributes.
District representative Diane Schindlbeck presented Scott Rumsey and Theresa Dean–Rumsey, owners of Ed’s Orchard Market, with a tribute honoring the bussiness’ 78 years of operation. Ed’s Orchard Market was established in 1943 as a small corner grocery store in Hesperia, Michigan. Over the years, the market has been renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the residents. In 1996, Scott and Theresa took over ownership of the family business and have continued to nurture and cultivate the market. The success of Ed's Orchard Market is indicative of its efforts to address the needs of its customers with friendly and helpful staff to ensure a pleasant shopping experience. It is a great pleasure to celebrate this truly notable milestone.
We also honored Claudia Ressel-Hodan for her recent selection as the Pentwater Citizen of the Year. Active with the Pentwater Service Club, Claudia also contributes to many boards and organizations, including: serving as a village trustee council member since 2018, Pentwater Downtown Development, Friends of the Pentwater Hart Trail, Pentwater Women’s Club, Pentwater Chamber board, Pentwater Yacht Club, and Pentwater Lake Association. On top of all her volunteering, Claudia found time to bring her passion for biking to those in Pentwater through the Pentwater Bike Share. Since 2015, residents and visitors can utilize the Pentwater Bike Share to explore the village. She has given generously and has made a positive impact in Pentwater. We thank her for all she has done and continues to do for the Pentwater area.
Please join me in thanking Scott, Theresa and Claudia for their dedication to our communties.
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Bumstead receives MMA Legislator of the Year award
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I was proud to have accepted the 2021 Legislator of the Year award from the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA).
MMA cited my efforts as co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules fighting against making the MIOSHA pandemic workplace rules permanent.
Thank you to the MMA and all manufacturers throughout our district and the state for making Michigan a great place to work, live and raise a family.
You can read more about my award on the MMA’s website here.
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DNR asks hunters to report dead deer
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters to look around while in the field this fall and contact them if they find dead deer, especially near water. The animal may be infected with epizootic hemorrhagic disease. EHD is a viral disease, is sometimes fatal, and is found in wild ruminants such as white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk.
The Michigan DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed this week that six free-ranging, white-tailed deer from four counties across Michigan have died from EHD.
EHD is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge. Signs of illness in an infected animal can vary greatly, ranging from none to extensive internal bleeding and fluid accumulation. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus.
Animals infected with EHD can become sick suddenly, or the disease may linger in them for weeks or months in a low-grade state. Very sick deer will lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow weak, salivate excessively and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever and dehydration, infected deer often seek water to lower their body temperature and to rehydrate and are found sick or dead near or in bodies of water.
Anyone who discovers dead deer should report it through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field reporting form or call the closest DNR Customer Service Center.
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Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 34th District
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I want to remind area-residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks and months:
Silver Lake State Park Shoreline Horseback Riding Season
Monday, November 1 – Sunday, November 14
Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park
8960 W Fox Rd
Mears, MI 49436
Description: In 2021, the Michigan DNR partnered with the Michigan Horse Council to host a 2-week event as part of a pilot program to simulate what a riding season would look like at Silver Lake State Park. This mutually beneficial partnership is providing an opportunity for more than 800 equestrians to ride the Lake Michigan shoreline, connect with MHC and DNR and explore a new region of Michigan on horseback. More information can also be found here.
Dia de los Muertos - Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Monday, November 1 – Tuesday, November 2
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Hackley Public Library
316 W. Webster Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440
Description: Experience the celebration of Dia de los Muertos! We’ll learn about this Mexican-American holiday by creating crafts and enjoying a storybook read. Hackley Library, in partnership with Latinos Working for the Future, will also host a Dia de los Muertos Dress Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners! More information can also be found here.
Heroes United
Wednesday, November 10
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Main Street – Downtown Fremont
Thursday, November 11
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Western Avenue – Downtown Muskegon
Description: A Tribute to the Veterans of Muskegon, Newaygo & Oceana Counties & United Way of the Lakeshore. The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to the Lakeshore! More information and a full schedule of events can also be found here.
Turkey Trail 5K Run
Wednesday, November 17
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Hoffmaster State Park
6585 Lake Harbor Rd.
Norton Shores, MI 49441
Description: Turkey Trail Run located at Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Rd. *There will be no Little Trot this year* Please arrive 45 minutes prior to 5K start time of 10:00am in order to ensure that you obtain your t-shirt, race bib, chip and race packet. T-shirts are not guaranteed for 5K past November 3 registration date. More information can be found here.
Impactful Wealth Solutions Grand Opening
Saturday, November 13
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
865 Oak Ridge Road, Unit A3
Muskegon, MI 49441
Description: A ribbon cutting will take place at 12:00pm. More details to be announced shortly! More information can be found here.
28th Annual White Lake Area Holiday Walk
Friday, November 19, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Downtown Montague & Whitehall
Description: Enjoy Christmas Open Houses featuring gift guides, discounts, special sales and delicious refreshments. Montague and Whitehall will have individual tree lighting ceremonies on Friday night. Gather at 5p.m. at The Artisan Market Village on Water St. in Montague for a countdown and lighting at 5:30 p.m. Whitehall festivities are on North Mears Ave. starting at 6p.m. and culminating with the lighting at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to put their homemade or store-bought ornament on the community tree of their choice. More information can be found here.
Festival of Wreaths Downtown Muskegon Wreath Walk
November 24 - December 05
Muskegon Museum of Art
296 W. Webster Ave
Muskegon, MI 49440
Description: The Muskegon Museum of Art’s new, outdoor holiday event, the Festival of Wreaths spreads the holiday spirit throughout downtown Muskegon. Participants can take a “wreath walk” to find and view designer wreaths on display at participating businesses. Each participating downtown business or organization hosts a designer wreath provided by the MMA in a window facing the street or sidewalk. The Muskegon Museum of Art will also present a small gallery display of decor during the run of the Festival. A Walking Guide with the location of all the wreaths will be available at the Muskegon Museum of Art Store and at participating businesses starting November 24. More information can also be found here.
Home for the Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday, November 26
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Downtown Hart
16 S State Street
Hart, MI 49420
Description: Line-up at 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm at Hart Public Schools. Christmas themed entries welcome. Free to march; must sign waiver the day of the event. Visit with Santa at after the parade & Community Tree Lighting. More information can be found here.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 27
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Small businesses are the core of every successful community. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. They’re counting on all of us – let’s show them how much they mean to our communities. Hours will vary by location.
Home for the Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday, November 26
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Downtown Hart
16 S State Street
Hart, MI 49420
Description: Line-up at 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm at Hart Public Schools. Christmas themed entries welcome. Free to march; must sign waiver the day of the event. Visit with Santa at after the parade & Community Tree Lighting. More information can be found here.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 27
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Small businesses are the core of every successful community. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. They’re counting on all of us – let’s show them how much they mean to our communities. Hours will vary by location.
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Michigan's 34th Senate District
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The 34th State Senate District includes the counties of Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana.
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 34th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
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Senator Jon Bumstead
4600 Connie Binsfeld Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
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