VAN WOERKOM VOTES TO REJECT GOVERNORS EO, WARNS PLAN COULD HARM STATES AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Bieconomy Committee, today voted to reject the governors Executive Order that minimizes the responsibilities of the nonpartisan Michigan Commission of Agriculture.  [more]

LAWMAKERS, AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD INDUSTRY LEADERS ENCOURAGE REJECTION OF GOVERNORS SHORT-SIGHTED E.O. Plan could harm one of states few successful economic sectors  [more]

SENATE APPROVES VAN WOERKOM LEGISLATION TO HELP CLARIFY DRAIN WORK NOTICES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS The Senate recently approved a bill that would bring more clear and uniform language to notices of cost assignments for drain work, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM SUPPORTS KEEPING MDA A DISTINCT DEPARTMENT The Michigan Senate approved two resolutions Tuesday designed to ensure that the Michigan Department of Agriculture will remain a distinct state agency, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, who voted for the measures.  [more]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM SEN. GERALD VAN WOERKOM A recent letter encouraged the state Senate to change Michigans unemployment insurance system to take advantage of additional federal stimulus dollars. Unfortunately, this would place long-term tax increases on employers to pay for short-term assistance.   [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES $928,773 FOR COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN MASON, MUSKEGON, OCEANA COUNTIES Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom is pleased to announce that four communities in the 34th Senate District will receive funding for public infrastructure projects.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES TAX CREDIT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that Whitehall Township will use state and local tax capture valued at $491,767 to redevelop the former Muskegon County Whitehall-Montague wastewater treatment plant.   [more]

SENATE SENDS VAN WOERKOM BILL TO REVISE MICHIGANS LIST OF INVASIVE PLANTS AND SPECIES TO GOVERNOR The Senate today sent legislation to the governor that would revise Michigans list of invasive plants and species, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO DEVELOP NECESSARY REGULATIONS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE IN MICHIGAN Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today introduced legislation that would develop necessary regulations for medical marijuana use in Michigan.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER FORESTRY PROGRAMS FROM THE DNR TO MDA Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today introduced legislation that would reorganize Michigan forestry programs within state departments to consolidate and make operations more efficient.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM TO PARTICIPATE IN TREE PLANTING CEREMONY FOR EARTH WEEK Sen. Van Woerkom will participate in a tree planting ceremony with the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association as part of the groups Plant Michigan Green Initiative.   [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES TAX CREDIT FOR CONCRETE MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN NORTON SHORES Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that PolyCem, LLC in Norton Shores will receive a High Technology Employment Tax Credit valued at $791,333 over seven years.   [more]

SENATE APPROVES $11.8 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION STIMULUS FUNDING FOR 34TH SENATE DISTRICT The Senate today approved legislation that outlines spending guidelines for Michigans share of the federal transportation stimulus dollars, providing more than $11.8 million for projects in and near the 34th Senate District, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES VAN WOERKOM BILL TO REVISE MICHIGANS LIST OF INVASIVE PLANTS AND SPECIES The Senate today approved legislation to revise Michigans list of invasive plants and species, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES VAN WOERKOM MORTGAGE REFORM LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LOAN OFFICER REQUIREMENT LAWS The Senate today approved legislation to help ensure that all mortgage loan officers conducting business in Michigan will be registered with the state, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, one of the sponsors of the package.  [more]

BILL WILL PROVIDE $821,100 FOR NATURAL RESOURCE PROJECTS IN MASON, MUSKEGON AND NEWAYGO COUNTIES State Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that Mason, Muskegon and Newaygo counties will receive $821,100 for three natural resource improvement projects.   [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM TO MEET WITH WHITEHALL AREA RESIDENTS Sen. Van Woerkom will update residents on important issues facing Michigan.   [more]

LOCAL AGRICULTURAL REPRESENTATIVES AND LAWMAKERS HIGHLIGHT ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN STATES FUTURE ECONOMY Local agricultural industry representatives met Monday at a public forum hosted by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, and Rep. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, to discuss the significant role that agriculture can serve in the states future economy.   [more]

MEDIA ADVISORY: PANEL TO DISCUSS THE LEAD ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN MICHIGANS FUTURE ECONOMY Sen. Van Woerkom and Rep. Hansen are hosting a forum to discuss how agriculture can serve a lead role in Michigans future economy. The public is invited to attend the event.  [more]

HEALTH CARE WORKGROUP DISCUSSES WAYS TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY State senators from across Michigan convened a workgroup today in Muskegon to discuss ways to make health care affordable and accessible.  [more]

SENATE PASSES VAN WOERKOM BILL TO INVEST FUNDS IN MICHIGANS AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Bioeconomy Committee, that will help make $5 million available for value-added agriculture grants.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES BUDGET SAVINGS RETURNED TO STATE Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that he will return $74,472 to the state of Michigan. The funds will come from staff, office and committee budget savings.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM NAMED LAWMAKER OF THE YEAR BY MTA The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) named Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, the 2008 Lawmaker of the Year for his consistent work on behalf of township government in Michigan.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE FOR SENATE COMMITTEE TO RECOGNIZE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the committees name is changing to acknowledge the diversification of the agricultural industry. It will now be known as the Senate Agriculture and Bioeconomy Committee.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO INVEST MONEY IN MICHIGANS AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced legislation that will help make $5 million available for value-added agriculture grants.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM: VISIT WEB SITE OR CONTACT OFFICE FOR HELP ON STATE UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom announced today that constituents can visit his Web site or call his office if they are having difficulty reaching the state unemployment agency.   [more]

SENATE SENDS GOVERNOR LEGISLATION TO HELP MAKE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH MORE ACCESSIBLE TO JOB PROVIDERS The Senate today approved legislation that will help create more jobs in Michigan by making innovative research and technologies generated by state universities more accessible to Michigan businesses, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM COLLEGE TUITION PROMISE ZONE LEGISLATION APPROVED BY SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Senate Education Committee today approved legislation that would allow local communities to create promise zones and provide college tuition to all students living within designated areas, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.   [more]

LUDINGTON NATIVE TO JOIN VAN WOERKOM SENATE STAFF Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that Jordan C. Hankwitz, a Ludington native, has joined his Senate staff in Lansing.   [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES TAX CREDIT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURER IN ROTHBURY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that Carlton Creek Ironwoods, LLC in Rothbury will receive a Rural Employment Tax Credit valued at $1.63 million over seven years.   [more]

SENATE AUTHORIZES $2.5 MILLION FOR MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROJECT The Senate adopted a measure Thursday paving the way for Muskegon Community College to proceed with the construction of its Student Services One-Stop Center, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.  [more]

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO USE MICHIGAN GROWN AND PROCESSED FOOD The Senate Agriculture Committee today approved a legislative package that encourages Michigan schools to use food grown or processed in Michigan to help children eat healthier and support the state's agriculture industry, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the committee.  [more]

SENATE LEGISLATION IMPROVES MICHIGAN BUSINESS TAX The state Senate today approved legislation that will revise the Michigan Business Tax to help rejuvenate Michigan’s economy by providing needed tax relief to Michigan’s businesses, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES $26 MILLION FOR LOCAL COLLEGES Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that three local colleges and universities will receive more than $26 million for infrastructure projects.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM SUPPORTS ENERGY COMPETITION AND NEW STANDARDS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY "I voted against the energy legislation in House Bill 5524 that limits competition among the utilities in Michigan. Under this bill, the ability for businesses and homeowners to choose their energy providers is capped. Without competition in the marketplace, I am concerned that prices will increase and customers will have very limited options."  [more]

VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR HART STATE POLICE BUILDING Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced the Senate has approved legislation that provides additional funding for the Michigan State Police headquarters in Hart.   [more]

SENATE DISCUSSES DISCOVERY OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN KENT COUNTY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today held a joint meeting with the Senate Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation Committee to learn more about the recent discovery of chronic wasting disease in a Kent County deer.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO HELP MAKE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR BUSINESSES AND JOB PROVIDERS The Senate approved legislation Tuesday that will help create more jobs in Michigan by making innovative research and technologies generated by state universities more accessible to the state’s businesses, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.   [more]

VAN WOERKOM: ENERGY LEGISLATION WILL BURDEN HOMEOWNERS " voted against House Bill 5524 because it will further burden Michigan’s already struggling homeowners. It will cause a rate hike for all state residents who are already finding it difficult to pay their mortgages, food bills and rising gas prices-some individuals may see an increase of more than 25 percent."  [more]

VAN WOERKOM WATER LEGISLATION SENT TO GOVERNOR Michigan’s water protection legislation received final approval from the state Senate Wednesday and has now been sent to the governor for her signature, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, who sponsored part of the comprehensive package.  [more]

SENATE LEARNS ABOUT PSEUDORABIES OUTBREAK IN SPORT AND FERAL SWINE Disease threatens commercial swine industry in Michigan  [more]

SENATE APPROVES VAN WOERKOM LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH BIODIESEL STANDARDS AND INCREASE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom that would require the Michigan Department of Agriculture to establish standards for B20 biodiesel.   [more]

SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO INCREASE USE AND PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE FUELS IN MICHIGAN The Senate today approved the first part of a renewable fuels legislative package that will help increase the use and production of biofuels in Michigan, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  [more]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM SENATORS BIRKHOLZ AND WAN WOERKOM A recent editorial in the Muskegon Chronicle about the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact criticized the state Senate. Several points in the column warrant rebuttal.   [more]

SENATE PASSES ECONOMIC STIMULUS LEGISLATION The Senate today approved an economic stimulus plan crafted to spur home sales and put more money back into taxpayers’ pockets through significant tax breaks, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the legislation.  [more]

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE MOVES RENEWABLE FUELS BILLS The Senate Agriculture Committee today approved the first part of a renewable fuels legislative package that will help increase the use and production of biofuels in the state, while reducing our dependence on foreign oil, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the committee.  [more]

SENATE COMMITTEE LEARNS ABOUT URBAN FARMING AND AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS IN MICHIGAN CITIES The Senate Agriculture Committee today held a hearing to learn about urban farming projects throughout Michigan including Muskegon, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the committee.  [more]

RENEWABLE FUELS: A GOOD CHOICE FOR MICHIGAN The production and use of renewable fuels are important issues facing Michigan. We have a great opportunity to expand renewable fuel options that are efficient, accessible and cost effective.  [more]

LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO INCREASE USE AND PRODUCTION OF RENEWABLE FUELS IN MICHIGAN "Michigan has a great opportunity to expand renewable fuel options that are efficient, accessible and cost effective," said Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "Renewable fuels are a good choice because they generate new markets for farmers and their products, while also helping the environment."  [more]

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE APPROVES MILK SAFETY LAWS The Senate Agriculture Committee today approved legislation that will update Michigan's dairy laws to improve food safety, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the committee.  [more]

SENATE PLEDGES TO FIGHT FOR MICHIGAN FAMILIES AND JOB PROVIDERS Senate Republicans today announced their top priorities for 2008, which include a comprehensive energy policy, transportation and infrastructure reform, and legislation to cut the red tape for Michigan job providers, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM BILL TO PROTECT FOSTER CHILDREN SENT TO GOVERNOR Lawmakers have approved legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, that would help protect foster children. The measure has been sent to the governor.  [more]

SENATE PASSES REPLACEMENT FOR SERVICE TAX EXPANSION The Michigan Senate replaced the expansion of the state sales tax on certain services Tuesday with a fairer plan that addresses the concerns of the business community, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES BILL TO ENCOURAGE STATE RECYCLING Legislation has been introduced in the state Senate that would expand recycling opportunities in Michigan, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM OFFERS COMMENTS ON PASSAGE OF FINAL STATE BUDGET "All through the process, I lobbied to make sure this year's budget contained significant decreases to help make state government more accountable and efficient. This budget delivers meaningful cuts while still protecting critical state programs like maintaining the state police post in Hart."  [more]

VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES BILL TO CREATE COLLEGE TUITION PROMISE ZONES Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, today introduced a measure that would allow local communities to create promise zones as a way to provide college tuition to all students living within designated areas.  [more]

VAN WOERKOM OFFERS COMMENTS ON PASSAGE OF STATE BUDGET "The reforms we passed will save the state hundreds of millions of dollars. The budget agreement will help ensure long term stability for the state's finances, so we don't have similar problems in the coming years. We hope this will restore Wall Street's confidence in Michigan. The Senate will continue to pursue reform policies that create a leaner and more efficient state government."  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM URGES THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TO ALLOW A VOTE ON CONTINUATION BUDGET "While Senate Republicans have passed a set of comprehensive cuts and reforms to bring state spending under control and have offered proposals in the spirit of compromise to bring in additional revenue, the House and administration have failed to take appropriate action."  [more]

VAN WOERKOM OFFERS COMMENTS ON PROGRESS OF STATE BUDGET "Senate Republicans are making progress on a solution for the budget crisis and are working to control government spending. We passed significant legislation this evening and offered a set of comprehensive cuts and reforms to reduce the size of state government. We will continue to negotiate and work with the House Democrats and the administration to solve this budget crisis without shutting down state government."  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSERVATION, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC POLICY Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, today received the Teubor Award from the Michigan Forest Products Council for his support of Michigan's natural resources and the forest products industry.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM RECEIVES MML DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Michigan Municipal League Wednesday for his commitment to local government.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM'S LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING DISABLED VETERANS HUNTING SEASON SIGNED INTO LAW Sen. Van Woerkom's legislation establishing disabled veterans hunting season signed into law  [more]

VAN WOERKOM CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation that will protect residents from potential identity theft was signed Tuesday by the governor, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

SENATE PASSES PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS REFORM PACKAGE The Senate today 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.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM WORKING TO KEEP GREAT LAKES DOWNS TRACK OPEN NEXT YEAR Legislation that would help keep the Great Lakes Downs thoroughbred track open next year was today introduced in the state Senate, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the bill.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM WELCOMES DON KOIVISTO AS THE NEW MDA DIRECTOR Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement in response to today's selection of former Sen. Don Koivisto as the new director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  [more]

BILL WILL FUND $1.5 MILLION TO IMPROVE MUSKEGON AND NEWAYGO PARKS State Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that $1,580,400 has been awarded to the people of Muskegon and Newaygo counties to fund habitat protection and expansion projects at several county parks.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES BILL TO CREATE PILOT DEER HUNTING SEASON FOR DISABLED VETERANS The state Senate today approved legislation that would establish a pilot program for a two-day firearm deer hunting season for disabled veterans, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the bill.  [more]

JOINT SENATE COMMITTEE QUESTIONS ADMINISTRATION ON INABILITY TO OBTAIN TB-FREE STATUS Senate Republicans held a special joint hearing Wednesday to look into what led the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to deny Michigan tuberculosis-free status, despite tens of millions of taxpayer dollars being spent in an attempt to eradicate the disease.  [more]

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL FIREARM DEER HUNTING SEASON FOR DISABLED VETERANS The Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee today approved legislation that would establish a pilot program for a two-day firearm deer hunting season for disabled veterans, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the bill.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM THANKS DIRECTOR IRWIN FOR SERVICE TO THE MDA "I would like to thank Director Irwin for his service and commitment to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. He was an avid supporter of agricultural development as well as the alternative energy industry, and I have greatly appreciated his bipartisanship."  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM'S CAREER-TECH LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation updating the definition of vocational education to include career-tech programs was today signed by the governor, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM: HISTORIC AGREEMENT REACHED FOR SBT REPLACEMENT "The Senate has spent months working with the House and administration to develop a fair replacement for the SBT. After gaining much feedback from small businesses and large companies, we now have a reasonable new tax system."  [more]

SENATE APPROVES LEGISLATION TO REFORM SCHOOL EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT The Senate passed legislation Tuesday aimed at saving school districts money in the long-term by reforming retirement health care coverage for new school employees, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, vice chair of the Senate Education Committee.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES PLAN TO UPDATE MICHIGAN'S FOOD SAFETY LAWS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS During a news conference held today at the state Capitol, Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom introduced a comprehensive plan that will increase rules on food preparation and help prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.  [more]

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN RULES FOR LARGE LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS BY PUTTING MAEAP REQUIREMENTS INTO LAW The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation that will strengthen laws governing large livestock producers in Michigan, while helping them protect the environment and remain economically competitive, said Sens. Gerald Van Woerkom and Cameron S. Brown, sponsors of the legislation.  [more]

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE PASSES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LAWS FOR LARGE LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS BY PUTTING MAEAP REQUIREMENTS INTO LAW The Senate Agriculture Committee today approved bipartisan legislation that will strengthen laws governing large livestock producers in Michigan, while helping them remain economically competitive, said Gerald Van Woerkom, chair of the committee and sponsor of the legislation.  [more]

COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES PROGRAM SUPPORTERS TESTIFY AT SENATE COMMITTEE CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children as they go through the court process.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM COMMEMORATES JUNE AS HORSE RACING MONTH Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom recently introduced a resolution commemorating June 2007 as Horse Racing Month in Michigan.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM WELCOMES ASPARAGUS QUEENS TO THE CAPITOL Senator Jerry Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, is joined at the state Capitol by Michigan's asparagus queen, Heather Green (left), and the runner-up, Kimberly Marden.  [more]

UNIONS TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF OPENING BENEFITS PROCESS FOR PUBLIC AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS The Senate Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee today approved legislation that will help public employers reduce the increasing cost of employee health care by developing optional medical benefits pools and requiring health care providers to share claims data to increase competition.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM'S CAREER-TECH LEGISLATION APPROVED Legislation updating the definition of vocational education to include career-tech programs was approved by the state Senate on Thursday, said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores.  [more]

HEALTH BENEFIT REFORMS WILL ADDRESS RISING COST OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE An editorial from Senator Jerry VanWoerkom  [more]

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON MAEAP AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR LARGE LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS The Senate Agriculture Committee today heard testimony on bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and clarify permit requirements for large livestock producers in Michigan.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LAWS FOR LARGE LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today introduced legislation that will strengthen laws for large livestock producers in Michigan. The bills will increase enforcement measures for large farms that pollute, while providing incentives for all farmers to be wise environmental stewards.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION DURING FIRST-EVER MICHIGAN CONSERVATION WEEK Senator Gerald Van Woerkom and Senate Republican colleagues today announced the first-ever Michigan Conservation Week and introduced key legislation designed to protect outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ACCEPTS SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD State Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom recently accepted the Servant Leadership Award from Serve Michigan. The award is one of Serve Michigan's 2007 Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards and honors Van Woerkom for his dedication and outstanding leadership in advancing service, volunteerism and civic engagement in Michigan.  [more]

SENATE ACTS TO PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES FROM ASIAN CARP The Michigan Senate today passed a resolution sponsored by Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom that strongly encourages the U.S. Congress to support legislation which will help prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes ecosystem.  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM ANNOUNCES BUDGET SAVINGS DONATION TO THE STATE Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom today announced that he will donate $13,524 back to the State of Michigan. The funds will come from office and committee budget savings.  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS BALANCE BUDGET WITHOUT RAISING TAXES - VOTE NO ON GOVERNOR'S $1.5 BILLION TAX PLAN "Senate Republicans developed a plan to balance the budget without raising taxes on our hardworking families," said Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores. "Michigan residents and businesses are already struggling-increasing taxes will just increase their current problems. We followed the wishes of many state residents and did not put in place a tax increase."  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS BALANCE BUDGET WITHOUT RAISING TAXES - VOTE NO ON GOVERNOR'S $1.5 BILLION TAX PLAN "Today, Senate Republicans showed bold leadership and a commitment to helping Michigan regain its financial footing. We accomplished a resolution to the 2007 budget deficit without asking Michigan families and job providers to shoulder the burden of the governor's $1.5 billion tax increase," said Bishop, R-Rochester. "Balancing the state's '07 budget deficit without asking residents and businesses to pay more will require all of us to make painful sacrifices, but we believe it's the right action to take. The budget solution we've put forth looks out for the long-term interests of the people of Michigan."  [more]

SEN. VAN WOERKOM WELCOMES CHERRY QUEEN TO THE CAPITOL ON AG DAY Senator Jerry Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, is joined by Michigan’s cherry queen, Kaley Schroeder, from Ludington. Schroeder visited the Capitol as part of the annual Ag Day observance.  [more]

FOREST PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE Applications are available on the state Department of Treasury's Website that will allow owners to qualify forest property for a tax exemption.  [more]

SENATE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT FOSTER CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS The Senate unanimously passed legislation today that would help protect foster children from sex offenders.  [more]

SENATE FAMILIES AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT FOSTER CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS Legislation that would help protect foster children from sex offenders passed the Senate Families and Human Services Committee today, said bill sponsor Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores.  [more]

SENATOR VAN WOERKOM OFFERS COMMENTS FOLLOWING GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT “I appreciate where the governor is coming from in terms of wanting to invest in Michigan, and in particular, our schools,” said Van Woerkom. “But with so much undecided about the future of our tax code, I find it a little unusual that she wants to spend more money when we have a deficit in this year’s budget."  [more]

SENATOR VAN WOERKOM OFFERS COMMENTS FOLLOWING STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS “The governor laid out a very broad agenda, and I am especially interested in education plans,” said Van Woerkom. “Many of her ideas have merit including helping the unemployed get job training at community colleges."  [more]

SENATOR VANWOERKOM OFFERS TAX REFUND, TAX CREDIT REMINDERS Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, would like to remind constituents that tax season offers an opportunity to bring money back into the household through numerous state and federal tax programs. By applying for credits and refunds, people can return money to their own pockets.  [more]

GERALD VAN WOERKOM SWORN IN AS SENATOR FOR 34TH DISTRICT Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R- Norton Shores, was part of today’s swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol with Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor administering the oath of office.  [more]

SENATOR VAN WOERKOM APPOINTED TO KEY SENATE COMMITTEES Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores, today announced he will be serving as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and chair of the Senate Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee during the new legislative session.  [more]

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