Senator Wayne Kuipers

Senator Wayne Kuipers was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002 (and again in 2006) after having served two terms in the House of Representatives. He represents the 30th District of Michigan, which encompasses Ottawa County, the city of Grandville, and the village of Sparta in Kent County.

Senator Kuipers chairs both the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Education - one of two senators to chair two standing committees. He also serves on the Senate Committee on Energy Policy, the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Reform, and on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

Senator Kuipers has received numerous accolades for his legislative efforts, including: the Small Business Association of Michigan's Champion of Small Business, the Independent Colleges and Universities' Distinguished Service Award, the Building Owners & Managers Association's Legislator of the Year, the Michigan Business & Professional Association's Distinguished Service Award, the Michigan Credit Union League's Legislator of the Year, the Michigan Parent, Teacher & Student Association's Legislator of the Year, the Michigan Council for Social Studies' Great Influence Award, the Michigan Community College Association's Legislator of the Year, the Michigan School Counselor Association's Legislator of the Year, the Michigan School Business Official's Friend of Education Award, the Michigan Agribusiness Association's Outstanding Legislator Award, was twice named the Michigan Manufacturers Association's Advocate of the Year, and the Michigan Volunteer Champion Award for his efforts to promote youth mentoring.

Wayne earned his B.A. in Special Education from Calvin College in 1983 and a master's degree in Management from Aquinas College in 1995. He is a graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program and a 2000 graduate of the Boway Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD).

A lifelong resident of the Holland area, Kuipers worked in landscape construction at Hollandia Gardens Inc. until his election in 1998, serving as a project manager, general manager and vice president. He also served as a management consultant for Bosch's Landscape and Lawn Specialties, Inc.

Senator Kuipers is an active member of Holland Area Right to Life, Ottawa County Farm Bureau and Sons of the American Legion Squad #0179. Prior to serving in the legislature, Kuipers had membership in the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, the Home Builders Association of Holland and Holland Kiwanis. He remains an honorary Rotarian.

Wayne and his wife Jodi have three children, Corey, 21; Jenna, 19; and Makenzie, 16. The Kuipers family attends Faith Christian Reformed Church in Holland where he serves as an Administrative Elder.

Senator Wayne Kuipers can be contacted by clicking here.