North Kent News

LANSING, Mich. - Senator Mark Huizenga expressed his pride in having Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom as his guest for Governor Gretchen Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Huizenga emphasized the importance of providing police officers with the necessary resources to ensure the safety of neighborhoods. He stated, "I was proud to have Chief Winstrom as my guest for the governor's address as we need to make sure our police officers have the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe."

Huizenga also highlighted his willingness to work across party lines to achieve bipartisan solutions for the state. After a year filled with partisan legislation, he expressed hope that the governor would collaborate with others to address crucial issues such as tax relief and regulatory policies that attract new investment and jobs.

The senator emphasized his focus on education and affordability. Huizenga acknowledged the importance of making higher education more accessible and proposed freezing tuition at community colleges and public universities. He expressed disappointment at the rejection of this proposal last year. Huizenga also drew attention to the concerning educational statistics in Michigan, stating, "Despite record K-12 school funding, our students rank in the bottom 10 nationally for high school graduation rates and fourth-grade reading proficiency, and only one-third of Michigan fourth graders are proficient in math. That's unacceptable."

Critiquing the governor's proposed spending of $25 million on subsidies for electric vehicles, Huizenga argued for a more comprehensive approach to lowering costs. He asserted that the focus should not be limited to electric vehicles alone, but rather on reducing expenses across the board. Huizenga's primary focus is enabling people to keep more of their hard-earned money.

In conclusion, Huizenga reiterated his commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and promoting bipartisan budgeting that supports Michigan's growth. He emphasized the importance of responsible spending, stating, "Free money and free tuition are just another headline. We must remember that these are your hardworking taxpayer dollars. I will work with anyone that will help protect your taxpayer dollars and provide a bipartisan budget that helps Michigan grow."

The State of the State address serves as a platform for lawmakers to outline their priorities and propose solutions to pressing issues. Huizenga's invitation to Chief Winstrom as his guest highlights his dedication to supporting law enforcement and ensuring the safety of his constituents. With a focus on education and fiscal responsibility, Huizenga aims to address critical challenges and foster a prosperous future for Michigan.