It’s my honor to serve you
I would like to extend my family’s warmest wishes to everyone in the 34th Senate District during this holiday season. I hope you and yours had the merriest of Christmases and have a happy, healthy New Year. My thoughts are also with all the brave men and women who are unable to join their families this season while serving our country in uniform. Please keep them in your prayers.
Serving as your state senator is a job that I am honored to hold, and I encourage you to contact me with any questions or ideas you may have on state issues. You may call my office at 517-373-1635, send an email at SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov, or check out my Facebook or Twitter pages. Please let me know how I can be of service to you.
Gov. Whitmer requests six-month extension for Muskegon County casino project
For much of the past year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been presented with an opportunity to approve a major job-creating project in Muskegon County. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re going to have to wait a bit longer, as the governor formally requested a six-month deadline extension.
The governor’s request for an extension is not the news I was hoping Muskegon County residents would receive. Every day she postpones this project, she is also delaying 1,500 construction jobs and 1,500 high-paying full-time jobs.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians have been planning to build the casino in our county for many years. After a lengthy approval process, the federal government gave the go-ahead last December. Since the federal government’s approval, the decision on whether to proceed has been on Gov. Whitmer’s desk.
Many state and local officials, as well as countless residents, have previously joined together to support the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians casino project. The collective support speaks volumes about the shared belief in the project’s potential to positively impact our community.
The casino’s residual economic impact will also support additional jobs and businesses, as well as boost tourism in the region with an estimated 1.8 million visitors per year. It is also estimated that the casino will annually generate $15 million in tax revenue for the state and millions more for local governments.
I have been a constant supporter of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians casino project, and I have been encouraging the governor to quickly approve the plan so that construction of this major facility could promptly begin.
My thanks to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians for their commitment to Muskegon County, and to all local officials and residents who have been so vocal in their support. I strongly encourage West Michigan residents to continue contacting the governor’s office to let your voices be heard. You can reach the governor’s office by calling 517-335-7858.
You can also submit written comments that will be sent directly to Gov. Whitmer’s office. Please visit my website at SenatorJonBumstead.com/casino/ to share your thoughts with the governor and encourage her to support the casino in Muskegon County.
Bumstead supports increase to personal property tax exemption, opposes large corporate handout
Earlier this month I issued the following statement in response to legislation that passed in the Michigan Senate:
I voted in favor of House Bill 5351 to increase the true cash value, from $80,000 to $180,000, of industrial and commercial personal property for which a taxpayer may claim a personal property tax (PPT) exemption because of the positive economic benefit that property owners would receive.
I had initial concerns with this legislation and how the local tax collecting units would be reimbursed for the lost tax revenue. However, before casting my vote, I was assured that the state would hold our locals harmless.
Senate Bill 85 includes funding to hold locals harmless for the revenue shortfall they would see from the change in HB 5351. Unfortunately, this bill also contained $1 billion of unnecessary taxpayer handouts for large corporations, and I voted to oppose the supplemental for this reason. SB 85 ended up passing the Senate by a vote of 25 to 11.
I fully support the concept of increasing the exemption to provide much-needed tax relief to our small businesses and intended to vote to ensure our local governments would not experience a shortfall. However, I could not support a budget bill where the government creates winners and losers by giving away taxpayer dollars for large corporate handouts.
Snowmobile season is underway!
2021-2022 trail permits are now available!
The snowmobile program is 100% funded with your trail permit dollars. A $52 snowmobile trail permit is valid for one year and covers the cost of trail grooming and signage; bridges, culverts and grading; trailhead maintenance and more.
State-designated trails are open Dec. 1 through March 31 and will be groomed as enough snow accumulates.
Permits can be purchased:
▪ Online through eLicense.
▪ Online with the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association.
▪ In person at one of these DNR license agents and dealers.
Bumstead highlights upcoming events in the 34th District
Forest Park Ice Skating
Friday, December 31
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Mercy Health Arena
470 W. Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440
Description: Looking for something fun to do FREE? Kids, students and adults of all ages are welcome to join Forest Park Kids Ministry and Forest Park Covenant Church to ice skate at Mercy Health Arena. Skate rental is free but number and sizes are limited, if you have skates please bring them. More information can be found here.
Muskegon Economic Forecast
Friday, January 28
7:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Delta Hotels by Marriott
939 Third Street
Muskegon, MI 49440
Description: Join us for breakfast and a view of the economic road ahead. Presented by Economist Dr. Paul Isely, of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. More information can also be found here.
Free Family Movie Days – Soul
Saturday, January 30
2:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Frauenthal Center
425 W Western Ave # 200
Muskegon, MI 49440
Description: The Frauenthal Center invites everyone to attend this family-friendly entertainment series featuring 9 FREE family movies inside the Frauenthal Theater. This series aims to open doors for families in the community to experience the Frauenthal Center together or for those who are simply looking for a free and fun afternoon. More information can be found here.
The 34th State Senate District includes the counties of Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana.