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Muskegon Sun

Friday, February 21, 2025

Local Government News

Local Government

VanWoerkom supports bills on sick leave and tip credit protections

Rep. VanWoerkom recently supported legislation aimed at safeguarding workers and small businesses in Michigan.

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 21, 2025

Local Government

Rep. Greg VanWoerkom appointed chair of Medicaid and behavioral health subcommittee

State Representative Greg VanWoerkom has been appointed to the House Appropriations Committee, where he will lead the Subcommittee on Medicaid and Behavioral Health.

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 5, 2025

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Local Government

FOIA Request Sent to Muskegon County Election Department Regarding Upcoming Election Candidates on February 5, 2025

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 5, 2025

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Muskegon County Election Department on February 5, 2025.

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Local Government

EDA awards $276,630 in grants for economic development projects in Muskegon County in 2023

By Muskegon Sun | Jan 20, 2025

In 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a total of $276,630 in grants for economic development projects in Muskegon County, Michigan.

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Local Government

Michigan Senate approves fund to boost local startups

By Muskegon Sun | Dec 20, 2024

After a lengthy 29-hour session, the state Senate has concluded by passing Representative Greg VanWoerkom's bipartisan plan aimed at providing financial support to new businesses in Michigan.

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Local Government

Rep. VanWoerkom demands legislative action on tipping system amid political standoff

By Muskegon Sun | Dec 19, 2024

State Representative Greg VanWoerkom and his Republican colleagues have decided not to vote on any further bills until House Democrats address the concerns of tipped restaurant servers and bartenders, as well as amend a complicated sick leave law.

Local Government

FOIA Request Sent to Muskegon County Election Division Regarding Voting Machines Testing Report on October 30, 2024

By Muskegon Sun | Oct 30, 2024

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Muskegon County Election Division on October 30, 2024.

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Local Government

Casnovia Township Board incumbent Willick running for re-election

By Muskegon Sun | Jul 30, 2024

Todd Willick, incumbent Casnovia Township Trustee, is seeking the Republican nomination for re-election to his seat for a four-year term. The primary election will be held on August 6.

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Local Government

Rep. VanWoerkom criticizes Democrats' budget prioritization

By Muskegon Sun | Jun 27, 2024

State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom today voted against the Democrats’ $82.5 billion spending plan, criticizing it for prioritizing pet projects over the critical needs of Michigan residents.

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Local Government

Rep. VanWoerkom opposes budget, calls for transparency in taxpayer dollars spending

By Muskegon Sun | May 10, 2024

State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom voted against the state budget proposed by House Democrats this week, expressing concerns that the plan fails to support families, prioritize local infrastructure, or respect taxpayers. He fears that the plan is more aligned with national leftist interests, including expanding social programs and investing millions in green energy vehicles.

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Local Government

VanWoerkom applauds NRTF investment in Rosy Mound acquisition

By Muskegon Sun | May 9, 2024

State Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) has expressed his satisfaction over the inclusion of funding for the second phase of the Rosy Mound acquisition in the state budget proposal. This investment is among several projects recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) Board in December. The NRTF, funded by money from the development of minerals on state land and not tax dollars, partners with local governments annually to allocate these funds.

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Local Government

Sen. Bumstead highlights Manistee, Benzie projects supported through natural resource funding

By Muskegon Sun | May 2, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead on Thursday supported a Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) bill to invest $27.3 million in park and trail developments and public land acquisitions across Michigan, including two projects in Manistee and Benzie counties."The Natural Resources Trust Fund is a great way to reinvest money into our state’s outdoor recreation opportunities without adding costs to taxpayers," said Bumstead, R-North Muskegon. "These projects help to protect our valuable natural resources and add to the quality of life for...

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Local Government

Senate approves Rep. VanWoerkom’s economic development plan

By Muskegon Sun | Mar 20, 2024

On Wednesday, the Michigan Senate approved Rep. VanWoerkom's economic development plan, which aims to support economic risk-takers and push Michigan forward. The plan includes the establishment of the Research and Development Tax Credit program, a move that received bipartisan support with the approval of House Bills 4368 and 5099-5102.Representative VanWoerkom, from Norton Shores, expressed his enthusiasm for the plan, stating, “The goal is to keep good-paying jobs in Michigan and bring in new, long-standing opportunities in the fields of the future – that’s what this...

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Local Government

Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Muskegon County rise or fall in 2021?

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Muskegon County received $486,975 less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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Local Government

Taxpayer-funded subsidies offered to Muskegon County farmers in 2021 reached $1,181,900

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 23, 2024

Farms in Muskegon County received $1,181,900 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Local Government

How much did farmers in Kent County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Kent County received $7,017,773 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Local Government

Senate Republicans Criticize Governor's Budget Recommendation

By Muskegon Sun | Feb 7, 2024

Senate Republicans in Michigan have expressed their concerns over Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed budget for the state. In a letter sent to the governor and State Budget Director Jen Flood, Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt and Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead criticized what they perceive as unsustainable spending and a lack of tax relief.Nesbitt stated, "What we saw from Gov. Whitmer today was more public relations talking points paid for by the $700 million income tax increase the Democrat majority demanded." He added that Michigan...

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Local Government

Rep. VanWoerkom reacts to governor’s State of the State address

By Muskegon Sun | Jan 25, 2024

State Representative Greg VanWoerkom, a Republican from Norton Shores, has issued a statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's 2024 State of the State Address. In his statement, Rep. VanWoerkom criticizes the economic programs proposed by the governor, attributing the lack of job growth in Michigan to Democratic policies passed in recent years.According to Rep. VanWoerkom, these policies have undermined the pillars of Michigan's economy, such as low energy costs, a competitive tax structure, and access to skilled labor. He argues that in order to revive the...

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Local Government

Bumstead Welcomes Manistee County Commissioner Karen Goodman as Guest for 2024 State of the State

By Muskegon Sun | Jan 24, 2024

LANSING, Mich. - Manistee County Commissioner Karen Goodman was welcomed by Senator Jon Bumstead as his guest for the governor's 2024 State of the State address held on Wednesday. Goodman, who represents the 6th District of Manistee County, has been a dedicated member of the county commission for a decade.In addition to her role as a county commissioner, Goodman also serves as the chief operating officer for Centra Wellness Network, a community mental health service provider for Manistee and Benzie counties.Senator Bumstead expressed his appreciation for Goodman's...

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Local Government

Sen. Bumstead Calls for Tax Relief from State Revenue Surplus

By Muskegon Sun | Jan 12, 2024

LANSING, Mich. - Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead, R-North Muskegon, has spoken out after state fiscal and economic leaders revealed their projections for Michigan's economic and state tax revenue. The estimates indicate a surplus of over $1.3 billion in the general fund.In a statement, Senator Bumstead expressed concern over the financial struggles faced by families and seniors in Michigan. He highlighted the impact of rising prices and what he referred to as "frivolous government spending.""The people of Michigan cannot afford the trajectory we...