MICHIGAN SENATE APPROVES RESOLUTIONS REJECTING GOVERNORS EXECUTIVE ORDER Two concurrent resolutions rejecting the governors executive order that would allow her to appoint the director of agriculture rather than the Michigan Commission of Agriculture were approved Thursday by the Michigan Senate.  [more]

KUIPERS SPONSORS TAX CREDIT BILL FOR VETERANS HOME DONATION Sen. Wayne Kuipers introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow an individual who makes a donation to a state veterans home to receive an income tax credit.  [more]

SENATE PANEL APPROVES KUIPERS RESOLUTION REJECTING GOVERNORS EXECUTIVE ORDER The Senate Appropriations Committee approved today a concurrent resolution, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Kuipers, to reject the governors executive order that would allow her to appoint the director of agriculture rather than the Michigan Commission of Agriculture.   [more]

KUIPERS ANNOUNCES NOV. 9 OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Nov. 9. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS PRESENTS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTE HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH State Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today presented a special tribute honoring Hispanic Heritage Month to students in the Adelante! America program of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP).   [more]

KUIPERS SPONSORS RESOLUTION TO REJECT GOVERNORS EXECUTIVE ORDER REMOVING COMMISSION OF AGRICULTURES DECISION-MAKING ABILITY State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today introduced a concurrent resolution to reject the governors executive order that would allow her to appoint the director of agriculture rather than the Michigan Commission of Agriculture.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES OCTOBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Oct. 12 and Friday, Oct. 16. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS COMMENTS ON BUDGETS APPROVED BY SENATE WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES ON FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES The Senate approved a budget that does not include tax increases, but instead makes necessary cuts. Making the cuts was not easy, but Michigan cannot continue spending money with reckless abandonment.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS GIVES BLOOD; URGES HOUSE ACTION ON BILL TO LOWER DONATION AGE LIMIT Sen. Wayne Kuipers gave blood and met with fellow donors at a local blood drive today in Jenison. The senator also discussed the need for the House to help the state meet its growing demand for blood by approving his legislation to allow more young adults to become donors.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES WORK-SHARE UNEMPLOYMENT BILL State Sen. Wayne Kuipers introduced legislation Thursday to help prevent layoffs by allowing employers to institute a work-share plan with the states unemployment agency.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO GIVE BLOOD, MEET WITH DONORS AT BLOOD DRIVE AND PROMOTE LEGISLATION TO LOWER DONATION AGE LIMIT Kuipers legislation helps community blood banks by lowering the minimum age limit to 16 for a person donating blood as long as they have permission from a parent or guardian.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS OFFERS COMMENTS ON WEDNESDAYS STATE BUDGET TARGET AGREEMENT Senate Republicans already voted on a budget plan that balanced the books through spending cuts. I am glad Senate and House leaders have agreed that cutting spending is the best plan to balance the budget.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES BILL BANNING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON AN ABORTED EMBRYO OR FETUS Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers would make it illegal to perform scientific research on an aborted embryo or fetus.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS GIVES AWAY FLAGS AT HUDSONVILLE COMMUNITY FAIR Two West Michigan residents won flags today from Sen. Wayne Kuipers at the Hudsonville Community Fair.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 18. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES CONSTITUTIONAL RESOLUTION ASSERTING A RIGHT TO INDEPENDENT HEALTH CARE Senate Joint Resolution K would allow Michigan residents to vote on a constitutional amendment which would proclaim that every person has a right to provide for his or her own health care.  [more]

KUIPERS BILL CLARIFIES CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES CAN FULFILL ALGEBRA II REQUIREMENT Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers and approved by the Michigan Senate Wednesday will make it clear that career and technical education courses that include embedded math content may be used to fulfill the states Algebra II requirement for high school graduation.   [more]

MICHIGAN SENATE ADOPTS KUIPERS RESOLUTION ASKING FOR FULL FEDERAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT ON GITMO DETAINEES A resolution urging President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress to give Michigan lawmakers vital intelligence information on Guantanamo Bay detainees was adopted by the state Senate Wednesday, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.  [more]

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA TO TESTIFY BEFORE SENATE PANEL ON THE PROPOSAL TO BRING GITMO PRISONERS TO MICHIGAN Testimony by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, to the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on the issue of bringing Guantanamo Bay prisoners to a state prison in Standish that is in the process of closing.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES AUGUST OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, August 17 and Friday, August 21. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS, GOVERNOR VISIT JOHNSON CONTROLS INC. TO CELEBRATE ITS $299 MILLION FEDERAL BATTERY GRANT State Sen. Wayne Kuipers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm visited the Johnson Controls Inc. plant in Holland Friday morning to celebrate this weeks announcement that JCI had been awarded $299 million in federal grants to build lithium ion battery cells at the facility.  [more]

KUIPERS WORKS WITH CREDIT UNIONS TO HELP RESIDENTS AVOID FORECLOSURE State Sen. Wayne Kuipers announced today that he is working with credit unions to provide residents with information on how to avoid foreclosure.  [more]

KUIPERS ANNOUNCES BILLS TO CRACK DOWN ON VOTER REGISTRATION FRAUD Senate Republican package will protect voters, reduce election fraud  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES JULY 17 OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in Grand Haven on Friday, July 17.   [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES EMPLOYEE PRIVACY PROTECTION BILL State Sen. Wayne Kuipers introduced legislation Wednesday to protect an employees private information from being disclosed by their employer without permission.   [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS REGULATORY EFFICIENCY PACKAGE APPROVED BY THE SENATE Senate Republicans led the effort to pass a series of bills today that will make Michigan more competitive and user friendly, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, sponsor of one of the measures.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS UNVEIL NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS PACKAGE Senate Republicans today unveiled their Neighborhood Public School legislation, a reform plan designed to bridge the educational achievement gap and meet the needs of all Michigan students by increasing choice, accountability and community partnerships.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES JUNE 19 OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in Grand Haven on Friday, June 19. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO DEVELOP NECESSARY REGULATIONS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA   [more]

SENATE APPROVES KUIPERS BILL TO ALLOW 16-YEAR-OLDS TO DONATE BLOOD The Michigan Senate today approved legislation sponsored by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers to help the state meet its growing demand for blood by allowing more young adults to become donors.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ACCEPTS 2008 STATE LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION LEAGUE State Sen. Wayne Kuipers was honored Wednesday by the Michigan Credit Union League as the 2008 State Legislator of the Year in recognition of his distinguished public service in advancing the cause of more than four million Michigan credit union members.   [more]

SENATE APPROVES KUIPERS BILL TO HELP SECURE MICHIGANS AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE Legislation designed to help spur economic growth by expanding the number of Michigan Business Tax credits for cell manufacturing from three to four was approved Thursday by the Michigan Senate, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

KUIPERS TELLS SENATE HEALTH PANEL ABOUT THE CRITICAL NEED TO EXPAND BLOOD DONATION AGE LIMIT State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today testified before the Senate Health Policy Committee about the importance of his legislation to help Michigan meet its growing demand for blood by allowing more young adults to become donors.  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS 2008-09 MICHIGAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTE State Sen. Wayne Kuipers honored Jennifer Haberling of Hudsonville with a special tribute Thursday at the Michigan Capitol. The presentation acknowledged Haberlings recent selection as the 2008-2009 Michigan Teacher of the Year.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO PLANT TREE AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN GRAND HAVEN FOR EARTH WEEK Sen. Kuipers will be planting the first tree in a new Kids Hope Garden at the school. The tree planting ceremony is part of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Associations Plant Michigan Green Initiative.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS APPLAUDS JOHNSON CONTROLS FOR INNOVATIVE ADVANCED BATTERY PROJECT I applaud Johnson Controls for its innovative thinking and willingness to make adjustments to meet the upcoming changes in the automotive and manufacturing industries. In todays difficult economic environment, we need companies that are willing to take on emerging technologies.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS REINTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW 16-YEAR-OLDS TO DONATE BLOOD State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today reintroduced legislation to help Michigan meet its growing demand for blood by allowing more young adults to become donors.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES MORE THAN $10 MILLION FOR OTTAWA COUNTY IN TRANSPORTATION STIMULUS FUNDING The Senate today approved legislation that will outline the spending of Michigans share of the federal transportation stimulus dollars, including more than $10 million to Ottawa County, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, who voted for the measure.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY BILL DURING SUNSHINE WEEK State Sen. Wayne Kuipers will formally introduce legislation Tuesday requiring state government to post virtually all spending on a searchable Web site that would be free and accessible to the public.  [more]

BILL WILL PROVIDE $300,000 FOR PROJECT IN GRAND HAVEN State Sen. Wayne Kuipers announced that the city of Grand Haven will receive $300,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for improvements to the East Grand River Park.   [more]

PHOTO ADVISORY: KUIPERS AND ZEELAND BIOBASED PRODUCTS REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATE IN AGRICULTURE FORUM Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, right, discusses agriculture and bioeconomy issues with Michigan State University professor and Zeeland Biobased Products representative Ramani Narayan.  [more]

KUIPERS AND LOCAL AGRICULTURAL REPRESENTATIVES PARTICIPATE IN FORUM ON THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN STATES FUTURE ECONOMY Local agricultural industry representatives joined Sen. Wayne Kuipers at a public forum Monday to discuss the significant role that agriculture and the new bio-based industry can serve in the states future economy.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ISSUES STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION OF THE GUN LAKE CASINO COMPACT I have opposed the Gun Lake Casino because the immediate positives are outweighed by the long-term negative effects on west Michigan. Numerous studies have determined that casino gambling ultimately harms the communities around the facility.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 20. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS REINTRODUCES BILLS TO REFORM RETIRED LAWMAKERS HEALTH CARE BENEFITS State Sen. Wayne Kuipers reintroduced legislation Wednesday that would change the health care system for future elected officials to a graded system similar to that of new school employees.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS OFFERS HELP WITH STATE UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS Sen. Wayne Kuipers announced today that residents having difficulty reaching the state unemployment agency can visit his Web site or call his office for help.   [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK RESOLUTION A Senate resolution to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Michigans Catholic schools to the education of thousands of children throughout the state was introduced Tuesday by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

MEDIA ROUNDTABLE TO REVIEW THE CSG JUSTICE CENTERS ANALYSES AND POLICY OPTIONS ON MICHIGANS CORRECTIONS SPENDING Policymakers and criminal justice experts will brief reporters on the results of a bipartisan effort to develop options for increasing public safety and addressing unprecedented corrections spending in Michigan. Legislative and executive branch leaders will join with the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center experts to present highlights from an analysis of Michigan crime, recidivism, and corrections data.  [more]

KUIPERS LEGISLATION TO CREATE THE CHILDRENS ADVOCACY CENTER FUND SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation to help fund child advocacy centers in Michigan that offer counseling and support services to victims of child sexual abuse and their families was signed Tuesday by the governor, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

KUIPERS: STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS GREAT NEWS FOR SAFETY AND ECONOMIC VITALITY IN SPARTA The road, sewer and landscaping improvements announced today for downtown Sparta will greatly improve safety and help foster economic growth in the community, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

KUIPERS ELECTED TO MICHIGAN YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS State Sen. Wayne Kuipers was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Michigan Youth in Government, an organization designed to foster students interest in the actions of state government.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES JAN. 12 OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in Grandville on Monday, Jan. 12. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.   [more]

KUIPERS AMENDMENT RESTORES FUNDING FOR MSU BIO-RESEARCH CENTER Birkholz strongly supports funding restoration  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 19. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.   [more]

SENATE APPROVES KUIPERS LEGISLATION TO CREATE THE CHILDRENS ADVOCACY CENTER FUND Legislation to help child advocacy centers in Michigan provide critical counseling and support services to victims of child sexual abuse and their families was approved today by the Michigan Senate, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Nov. 10 and Friday, Nov. 14. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES OCTOBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 17. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SENATE REDUCES BUSINESS TAX BURDEN, APPROVES PHASE OUT OF MBT SURCHARGE Legislation was approved today by the Michigan Senate that would reduce the tax burden on businesses by phasing out the nearly 22 percent business tax surcharge, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

KUIPERS: ENERGY LEGISLATION THAT ELIMINATES MARKET COMPETITION HURTS HOMEOWNERS “I am deeply dismayed with today’s Senate approval of energy legislation that will create a monopoly for utility companies in Michigan. Adding more government mandates and eliminating choice will only hurt our efforts to attract new businesses and jobs to Michigan."  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, Sept. 22 and Friday, Sept. 26. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS: TAX CREDITS WILL BRING NEEDED INVESTMENT AND JOBS TO WEST MICHIGAN State tax credits approved today could generate millions of dollars in local investment and create hundreds of jobs in the Holland area, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

KUIPERS: 37 PERCENT INCREASE IN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TAKING THE ACT WILL LEAD TO MORE STUDENTS HEADING TO COLLEGE An increased number of Michigan high school seniors will be eligible for college due to a new state requirement that resulted in more than 45,000 additional seniors taking the ACT in 2008, a 37 percent increase from the previous year, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES AUGUST OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Friday, August 22 and Monday, August 25. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS JULY 18 Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in Grand Haven on Friday, July 18.   [more]

SENS. BROWN AND KUIPERS: ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR UTILITY BILL SHOCK Two Republican members of the Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee expressed their dismay and disappointment over the chamber’s approval of legislation that will result in massive rate increases for Michigan electric customers and a re-monopolization of the state’s electric market.  [more]

SENATE PASSES KUIPERS’ READING INTERVENTION BILL Legislation to help students struggling with reading by implementing early intervention reading programs was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Michigan Senate, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ACCEPTS 2008 FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD Sen. Wayne Kuipers recently accepted the Friend of Education Award from the Michigan School Business Officials for his contributions to public education.   [more]

SENATE PANEL HEARS TESTIMONY ON KUIPERS’ BILL TO REQUIRE COMPUTER TECHNICIANS TO REPORT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony Tuesday on legislation aimed at combating child sexual abuse by compelling computer technicians to report any child pornography they discover on a client’s computer to law enforcement, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

MEDIA ADVISORY: SENATE PANEL TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON KUIPERS’ BILL TO REQUIRE COMPUTER TECHNICIANS TO REPORT DISCOVERY OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY Kuipers introduced Senate Bill 1328 to protect children from abuse by compelling computer technicians to report discovery of child pornography on a client's computer.   [more]

KUIPERS INVITES RESIDENTS TO SENATE’S MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE West Michigan residents are invited to attend the 14th Annual Memorial Day Service held by the state Senate in its chambers Thursday, May 22, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

KUIPERS’ RESOLUTION URGES CONGRESS TO EXEMPT RECREATIONAL BOATERS FROM FEDERAL DISCHARGE PERMIT REQUIREMENT Kuipers’ resolution urges Congress to exempt recreational boaters from federal discharge permit requirement.  [more]

KUIPERS TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS IN GRANDVILLE Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, April 14. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES CHARACTER EDUCATION RESOLUTION A resolution encouraging school districts to adopt and implement character education programs that address bullying in schools was introduced in the state Senate Wednesday by Sen. Wayne Kuipers.   [more]

KUIPERS HONORS UNITY CHRISTIAN BOYS SOCCER TEAM State Sen. Wayne Kuipers honored the Unity Christian boys soccer team with a special tribute Wednesday at the Michigan Capitol for winning the Division II State Championship.  [more]

KUIPERS TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS MARCH 21 IN GRAND HAVEN Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Friday, March 21. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS AND DAUGHTER TESTIFY TO HOUSE PANEL ON 'JENNA'S LAW' State Sen. Wayne Kuipers and his daughter, Jenna, told a House panel Thursday that "Jenna's Law" will increase Michigan's blood supply by allowing more young adults to donate.  [more]

HOUSE PANEL PASSES KUIPERS BILLS TO PUNISH THE STEALING OR TAMPERING OF PUBLIC SAFETY DEVICES Legislation was approved by the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday that provides penalties and fines for tampering with or stealing state-owned public safety devices, such as first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms and fire extinguishers, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

MEDIA ADVISORY: KUIPERS AND DAUGHTER TO TESTIFY BEFORE HOUSE PANEL ON BILL TO LOWER BLOOD DONATION AGE LIMIT Kuipers introduced Senate Bill 486 to help community blood banks by lowering the minimum age limit to 16 for a person donating blood as long as they have permission from a parent or guardian.  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS MICHIGAN'S CHAMPIONS ACROSS AMERICA REPRESENTATIVE State Sen. Wayne Kuipers honored Patrick Ferris of Grand Haven with a special tribute Monday at White Pines Middle School. The presentation was part of a special send-off for Ferris, who will be representing Michigan on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. this month to share his story of medical perseverance.  [more]

BILLS TO BOOST CLEAN ENERGY INTRODUCED Legislation that will pave the way for the development and construction of clean energy production facilities was recently introduced in the Michigan Senate. The package will help lure cutting-edge clean energy entrepreneurs to meet Michigan's future energy demands, create good-paying jobs, and make the state a leader in clean energy, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES MARCH OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, March 10. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS UNVEILS NEW HIGHER ED FUNDING PROPOSAL State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today presented a funding proposal for higher education that would tie state university funding to enrollment.  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS SUPPORTERS OF THE COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM State Sen. Wayne Kuipers recognized 20 volunteers and presented tributes to several organizations today for their support of the Communities in Schools program at Van Raalte School in Holland.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES ANTI-GANG LEGISLATION Individuals that commit a felony as a member of a gang could face up to 20 years in state prison under legislation approved by the Senate today, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

LEGISLATION TO COMBAT GANG ACTIVITY PASSED BY SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Legislation to help local and state law enforcement combat gang violence was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, February 11, and Friday, February 15. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

KUIPERS INTRODUCES RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK" A resolution to celebrate the tremendous impact Catholic schools have on thousands of children throughout Michigan was introduced in the state Senate today by Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS OFFERS COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS "Senate Republicans are committed to working together with the governor to turn around Michigan's anemic economy. To achieve long-term growth, we must reduce the size and scope of the state government bureaucracy. Michigan needs to work with the business community to encourage investment in our state, not stand in the way of expansion and job creation."  [more]

KUIPERS' BILL TO ENCOURAGE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN MICHIGAN COMPANIES APPROVED BY THE SENATE Legislation approved by the state Senate today will encourage more capital investment in Michigan job providers, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS VOW TO FIGHT FOR MICHIGAN FAMILIES AND JOB PROVIDERS Senate Republicans today previewed some of their top priorities for 2008, which include a comprehensive energy plan and legislation to cut the red tape for Michigan job providers.  [more]

SENATE PASSES PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURE The state Senate today approved public safety legislation that allows local governments to fingerprint certain individuals for the purpose of obtaining a criminal history record from the state police and FBI, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.  [more]

KUIPERS: PLAN WILL BOOST CLEAN ENERGY State legislators today announced a plan that will pave the way for the development and construction of clean energy production facilities. The package will help lure cutting-edge clean energy technologies to meet Michigan's future energy demands, create good-paying jobs, and make the state a leader in new energy.  [more]

GRAND ANGELS' PRESIDENT TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF KUIPERS BILL TO ENCOURAGE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN MICHIGAN COMPANIES Grand Angels' president Jody Vanderwel recently told a Senate committee that legislation sponsored by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers is needed to encourage more investment in Michigan companies.  [more]

KUIPERS OFFERS STATEMENT ON REPEAL OF THE SERVICE TAX "I was proud to vote yes to repeal the disastrous service tax expansion early today. We worked hard to negotiate a solution that sunsets after ten years, reduces the overall tax burden levied on job providers, and employs a surcharge rate 40 percent lower than the House proposed."  [more]

SENATE PASSES SERVICE TAX REPEAL AND REDUCES OVERALL TAX BURDEN ON BUSINESSES The expansion of the sales tax to certain services would be repealed and the overall business tax burden reduced under legislation approved Tuesday by the Michigan Senate, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY FROM HOLLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT ON GANG ACTIVITY The Holland Police Department testified last week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, about an alarming rise in gang activity in the Holland community. The testimony was part of a series of presentations on gang activity heard by the committee as members consider new legislation to help law enforcement officials combat gang violence.  [more]

KUIPERS: THREE BROWNFIELD PROJECTS RECENTLY APPROVED WILL BRING INVESTMENT AND JOBS TO HOLLAND Plans for three brownfield projects expected to generate more than $6.5 million in private investment and 45 full-time new jobs to Holland were approved Tuesday by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Board, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

SENATE PASSES KUIPERS' BILLS TO REFORM RETIRED LEGISLATORS' HEALTH CARE BENEFITS Under legislation passed Thursday by the Michigan Senate, the health care system for future lawmakers would be changed to a graded system similar to that given to new school employees, said state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.  [more]

SENATE PASSES REPEAL OF NEW SERVICE TAX EXPANSION The Michigan Senate passed legislation Wednesday, co-sponsored by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, that would repeal the expansion of the state sales tax to include certain services.  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS YOUTH MENTOR IN SPRING LAKE State Sen. Wayne Kuipers honored Dan Langlois with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring during a presentation Friday at Lucky's Coffee Shop in Spring Lake. Langlois, of Nunica, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to youth mentoring in the BRIGHT Futures program.  [more]

SENATE PASSES FIRST STEP TOWARD REPEALING NEW SERVICE TAX The Michigan Senate passed legislation Thursday that marks an initial step toward repealing the state sales tax expansion to certain services, said State Sen. Wayne Kuipers.  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS GRAND HAVEN MAN AS YOUTH MENTOR Bob Brophy was honored Friday by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring during a presentation at the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance office in Holland. Brophy, of Grand Haven, was recognized for his eight years of outstanding contribution to youth mentoring as a mentor in the Migrant Mentor Program.  [more]

KUIPERS CO-SPONSORS REPEAL OF NEW SERVICE TAX State Sen. Wayne Kuipers said Wednesday that he is co-sponsoring legislation that would repeal the expansion of the state sales tax to include certain services.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO HONOR LOCAL MENTOR IN HOLLAND The Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring was created by the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative and Sen. Kuipers to honor male mentors for their efforts and encourage other men to consider mentoring. Bob Brophy is being awarded for his outstanding commitment to youth mentoring.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS: BALANCED BUDGET INCLUDES SPENDING CUTS AND SIGNIFICANT REFORMS "After months of tough negotiations with House Democrats and the governor to balance the budget, Senate Republicans reached a settlement that combines deep cuts in spending with structural reforms. We insisted that fundamental reforms be a part of a balanced budget that avoids a devastating government shutdown."  [more]

KUIPERS HONORS LOCAL YOUTH MENTOR BEFORE JOINING HIM IN THE MILES FOR MENTORING 5K Charles Hoftey was honored Saturday by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring at a presentation before the annual Miles for Mentoring 5K Run/Walk in Zeeland. Following the presentation, Hoftey and his mentoring youth, Catt, were joined by Kuipers in running in the event.  [more]

GUN LAKE CASINO NOT IN BEST INTEREST FOR WEST MICHIGAN An op-ed from Senators Wayne Kuipers and Patty Birkholz  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS SPONSORS LEGISLATION AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE TO ASSIST MICHIGAN MILITARY PERSONNEL A bipartisan group of state lawmakers at the Capitol today introduced a comprehensive legislative package to assist Michigan veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.  [more]

SENATE PASSES PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS REFORM PACKAGE The Senate Tuesday passed legislation aimed at saving local governments and school districts money on the cost of public employee health benefits by developing optional health care pools and opening the process to competition. The measures are part of Senate Republican reform efforts to save Michigan more than $1 billion.  [more]

SENATOR KUIPERS SAYS CONNECTICUT MURDER OF FAMILY RAISES GREATER CONCERN FOR GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO RELEASE PRISONERS Sen. Wayne Kuipers today called the governor's plan to lower sentencing guidelines and release thousands of prisoners   [more]

KUIPERS HONORS AMERICORPS MEMBER AS YOUTH MENTOR Nick DeKoster was honored Wednesday by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring during a presentation at The Bridge Youth Ministry Center in Zeeland. DeKoster, originally of Hudsonville, was recognized for his extraordinary efforts in youth mentoring as an AmeriCorps member with The Bridge, where he coordinates a school-affiliated program that offers students an alternative to out-of-school suspensions.  [more]

KUIPERS HELPS BRING MORE THAN $1 MILLION TO OTTAWA COUNTY PARKS State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today helped bring $1 million in grant money to the people of Ottawa County to fund improvement projects at Mount Pisgah Dune and purchase undeveloped land at Bur Oak Landing.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS AND DAUGHTER DONATE BLOOD TO PROMOTE JENNA'S LAW State Sen. Wayne Kuipers and his daughter, Jenna, gave blood Monday after a tour of the Michigan Community Blood Centers' main donation center in Grand Rapids to highlight his bill lowering the age limit for blood donations in Michigan.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS AND DAUGHTER TO DONATE BLOOD; PROMOTE JENNA'S LAW TO LOWER DONATION AGE LIMIT Kuipers recently introduced legislation to help community blood banks by lowering the minimum age limit to 16 for a person donating blood as long as they have permission from a parent or guardian. The legislation, called Jenna's Law, is named for Kuipers' daughter after she was turned away from a school blood drive because she was only 16. The measure is supported by Michigan Community Blood Centers.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE GOVERNOR'S SENTENCING GUIDELINE CHANGES; OUTLINE $200 MILLION IN REAL REFORMS Senate Republicans today came out against the governor's plan to reduce sentencing guidelines for convicted felons and outlined a list of recommended reforms by the Senate prison reform subcommittee that could save the save state up to $200 million a year in corrections costs without putting public safety at risk.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS HONORS YOUTH MENTOR Cameron Cross was honored today by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring during a presentation at the Ottawa County Probate Courtroom in West Olive. Cross, of Holland, was recognized for his outstanding efforts in youth mentoring through the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Ottawa County program, which partners adult mentors with children involved in the court system.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS: HISTORIC AGREEMENT REACHED FOR SBT REPLACEMENT "The Senate has worked tirelessly with the House and administration to devise a replacement for the SBT that is fair, reasonable, and pro-growth. We have spent hours gaining feedback from small businesses and large companies across the state and incorporated their ideas into a new business tax."  [more]

SENATE PASSES LAW REQUIRING COMMON SCHOOL CALENDAR Senate Republicans today passed a measure designed to save school districts and the state money, along with giving students access to better educational experiences by requiring intermediate school districts and their member schools to adopt a single, common school calendar.  [more]

SENATE PASSES SCHOOL EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT REFORMS The Senate today passed landmark legislation aimed at saving school districts money on the cost of school employee retirement health care coverage through a series of structural reforms.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS HONORS HOLLAND MAN AS MENTOR Andrew Loker was honored today by state Sen. Wayne Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring during a presentation at JP's Coffee and Espresso Bar. Loker, of Holland, was recognized for his outstanding efforts in youth mentoring through the Barnabas Ministries mentoring program, which partners adult mentors with high risk youth in need of a positive and caring role model.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO HONOR MENTOR IN HOLLAND The Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring was created by the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative and Sen. Kuipers to honor male mentors for their efforts and encourage other men to follow their example.  [more]

SENATE PASSES "JENNA'S LAW" TO ALLOW 16-YEAR-OLDS TO DONATE BLOOD The state Senate today passed legislation to help community blood banks by lowering the minimum age limit to 16 for a person donating blood as long as they have permission from a parent or guardian, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ANNOUNCES JUNE OFFICE HOURS Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, today announced he will conduct office hours in the district on Monday, June 11. The office hours are open to residents to express their opinions or request assistance with a state issue.  [more]

SENATE HEALTH POLICY COMMITTEE APPROVES "JENNA'S LAW" TO ALLOW 16-YEAR-OLDS TO DONATE BLOOD Legislation to help community blood banks by permitting 16-year-olds to donate blood with a parent's or guardian's permission was passed today by the Senate Health Policy Committee, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.  [more]

SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE RELEASES REPORT ON STATE PRISONS AND CORRECTIONS REFORMS After conducting an overall assessment of the Michigan Department of Corrections, a prison reform subcommittee today released its recommendations to further protect public safety and increase efficient use of taxpayer dollars as costs escalate, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, Senate Judiciary Chair. The report is part of a series of ongoing reforms being proposed by Senate Republicans to streamline state government.  [more]

SENATE PASSES BILLS TO PUNISH THE STEALING OR TAMPERING OF PUBLIC SAFETY DEVICES The Senate Tuesday approved legislation that provides penalties and fines for tampering with or stealing state-owned public safety devices, such as first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms and fire extinguishers, said Sen. Wayne Kuipers, sponsor of the package.  [more]

SENATORS KUIPERS AND BIRKHOLZ TESTIFY WITH UNIONS IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS REFORM Sen. Wayne Kuipers and Sen. Patty Birkholz joined various unions in testifying before the Senate Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee today in support of legislation that will help public employers reduce the increasing cost of employee health care benefits.  [more]

LEGISLATION WILL REFORM GOVERNMENT AND FREE UP FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND SCHOOL CLASSROOMS An editorial from State Senators Wayne Kuipers and Patricia Birkholz  [more]

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO BRING MORE CHOICE, COMPETITION TO ELECTRICITY MARKETS IN MICHIGAN Michigan families and businesses need more opportunities to choose their electric suppliers, to let competition and free enterprise have a larger role in holding down prices and increasing reliability, Republican senators said today as they introduced legislation to expand electric choice.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS HONORS ZEELAND MAN AS MENTOR Sen. Wayne Kuipers honored Dave Daugherty with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring today at Zeeland East High School. Daugherty, of Zeeland, was recognized for his outstanding efforts in youth mentoring through Zeeland High's New Kids on the Block mentoring program, which partners adult mentors with youth in need of a positive and caring role model in their lives.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS HONORS HAMILTON MAN AS MENTOR Sen. Wayne Kuipers presented Ken Kuipers with the Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring today at the Ottawa County Family Court Building in West Olive. Ken Kuipers, of Hamilton, was honored for his commitment to mentoring through MSU Extension's Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program, which partners youth on probation or at risk of being on probation with caring adult mentors.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO HELP REFORM GOVERNMENT Plan will address the rising cost of health care for public employees  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS ACCEPTS 2007 MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER CHAMPION AWARD Sen. Wayne Kuipers recently accepted the Generation Award from Serve Michigan for steadfast commitment to volunteers who seek to engage seniors in service to others. As one of Serve Michigan's 2007 Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards, the honor recognizes Kuipers' efforts to promote mentoring and for being a mentor.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS TO HONOR LOCAL MENTOR IN WEST OLIVE The Senator's Award for Men in Mentoring was created by the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative and Sen. Kuipers to honor male mentors for their efforts and encourage other men to consider mentoring. Ken Kuipers is being awarded for his outstanding commitment to youth mentoring.  [more]

SEN. KUIPERS HONORS LOCAL MENTOR BLAINE SESSIONS Sen. Wayne Kuipers presented Blaine Sessions with the Senator’s Award for Men in Mentoring today at Allendale Elementary School. Sessions, 81, was honored for his six years of work as a one-on-one mentor through Kids Hope USA, which partners local churches with schools to provide mentors for elementary school children.  [more]

JACKSON RESIDENTS, JOB PROVIDERS AND OFFICIALS CALL ON THE GOVERNOR TO KEEP OPEN THE JACKSON PRISON AND NOT RELEASE 5,000 PRISONERS More than 200 Jackson area residents, job providers and local officials turned out today at a public hearing and called on the governor to keep open the Jackson prison and keep behind bars 5,000 convicted felons she plans to release.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCE NEW SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW STATE PRISONS AND CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and Senate Judiciary Chair Wayne Kuipers today announced a new subcommittee that will be charged with exploring the Michigan Department of Corrections and conducting an in-depth review of the governor’s latest proposals impacting public safety, such as her proposal for early release of 5,000 convicted felons and her plan to eliminate 30 troopers from the Michigan State Police force.  [more]

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