The state of Michigan and Enbridge Energy announced an agreement that will lead to major safety enhancements along the entire length of the Line 5 pipeline crossing the state, permanently shut down the current segment that crosses the Straits of Mackinac, and construct a multi-use utility tunnel beneath the straits. All costs for the tunnel will be paid by Enbridge.

In Michigan, voters must be registered one month before an election. For the Nov. 6 general election, that means residents need to be registered by Oct. 9.

Michigan's unemployment rate is the lowest in nearly 18 years, yet thousands of jobs throughout the state remain unfilled because employers cannot find enough skilled workers. Proos cosponsored Public Act 260 of 2018 to put the Going Pro Talent Program into state law. The program helps job providers train Michigan workers in an effort to meet growing demands for talent.

Senate Bill 1051 would require the governor to submit a budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the following fiscal year that includes anticipated state revenues, estimates of year-end unrestricted fund balances, and line-item details on specific spending categories. The reform builds on the initiatives Proos has fought for throughout his time in the Legislature.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission recently adopted new regulations aimed at stopping the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) - a deadly neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. In addition, Michigan law now prohibits hunters from bringing certain parts of a deer carcass into Michigan from out of state. The law exempts certain parts that do not pose a CWD risk, such as hides, deboned meat, finished taxidermy items and antlers.

House Bill 5377 would establish an objective, evidence-based parole policy in Michigan. The legislation would require that denial of parole for a prisoner who has a high probability of parole, as determined by the guidelines, must be for a substantial and compelling objective reason. The bill also requires an annual report to the Legislature detailing prisoner and parole numbers and reasons for parole denials.

Public Act 281 of 2018 codifies an executive order and establishes the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board in state law. The board will advise lawmakers on domestic and sexual violence and recommend solutions to improve the conditions for victims. The new law builds on Proos' efforts with Erin's Law to help prevent the sexual abuse of children in Michigan.

Southwest Michigan residents will be able to make voluntary donations on their state tax returns to help support foster kids scholarships, two nonprofit foundations and a fund for a World War II memorial under bills recently sign by the governor

The governor has signed Proos' bills to require schools to provide students with the most recent analysis of in-demand jobs their region and to make Michigan the first state to allow students to receive a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) certification on their diploma or transcript.

Watching fireworks during the Independence Day holiday is about as American as apple pie. Visitors to Proos' website can see a list of fireworks shows in more than a dozen communities in Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties.

The finalized 2019 state budget includes over $22.5 million more in revenue sharing to local governments to help support local services like police protection and firefighting. Over the past 10 budget years, revenue sharing in Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties has increased by 44 percent.

Senate Bill 343 requires schools to provide students with the most recent analysis of in-demand jobs their region. SB 344 would making Michigan the first state to allow students to receive a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) certification on their diploma or transcript as an incentive for taking additional STEM courses.

My colleagues and I in Lansing have worked hard in recent months to once again approve a balanced budget ahead of schedule. I am proud to announce that the Legislature has formally sent the final 2018-2019 budget to the governor for approval. This budget includes investments in roads, public safety and our schools, while also putting away money for the future needs of our state. I am proud to deliver this budget to Michigan's hardworking taxpayers.

The fiscal year 2019 state budget invests nearly $14.8 billion in K-12 education - including a foundation allowance increase of between $120 and $240 per pupil, dedicates an extra $330 million into fixing the roads, and builds on the success of the recent criminal justice reforms.

Drivers in Michigan are currently paying the nation's highest car insurance rates, and the Senate has taken a step in the right direction to make long-overdue reforms. Senate Bill 1014 would reform Michigan's auto no-fault insurance law, and SB 787 would allow Michigan residents age 65 or older the option to choose a capped auto- insurance policy

We in the 32nd District are blessed to have the beautiful Great Lakes Bay Region right in our back yards. Twice a year - once in the summer and once in the winter - the state waives all licensing fees for residents and nonresidents alike for a weekend. These free fishing weekends allow everyone to enjoy the world-class fishing opportunities our state has to offer. Though licensing fees are waived, all regulations still apply. Entry fees for state public boating access sites, state parks and recreation areas are also waived. Whether you're on a river in Saginaw County or a lake in Genesee County, there are endless opportunities to get out with the family and enjoy this timeless pastime. For more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit www.Michigan.gov/FreeFishing

"Michigan's annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend provides an outstanding opportunity for families to introduce the joy of fishing to children or to just get away from the stress of life and relax in the Michigan outdoors," said Proos, R-St. Joseph. "I encourage Southwest Michigan anglers - and those who have never gone fishing - to take advantage of this annual celebration of one of Michigan's premier outdoor activities this weekend."

"From fishing on our 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes to riding on 3,700 miles of route trails to just enjoying time with family in one of our state parks, this weekend offers great opportunities for residents to have fun in Michigan's great outdoors," Zorn said.

OK2SAY connects tip providers to the state police, who assess the situation and then refer the information to the appropriate school officials or law enforcement. Senate Bill 991 would ensure that the state police have the contact information for a school official who can receive critical information at any time.

The Senate-passed school safety package includes Senate Bill 959, which requires the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to develop statewide training standards for active-violence situations in schools.

LANSING, Mich.-State Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, encouraged 28th Senate District residents to participate in the Department of Natural Resources summer free fishing weekend, this Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. Fishing license fees will be waived Saturday and Sunday for all fish species on all bodies of water for all residents and out-of-state guests. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for more information.

The FY 2019 budget agreements for the Department of Corrections and the Judiciary focus on protecting the public, improving efficiency, reinvesting in important job- training opportunities and continuing support for the state's criminal justice reforms. The agreement also includes $2 million for a new enhanced food technology program to help train prisoners for jobs in the food service industry.

State Senator Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, encouraged Kalamazoo County residents to participate in the Department of Natural Resources summer free fishing weekend, this Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. Fishing license fees will be waived Saturday and Sunday for all fish species on all bodies of water for all residents and out-of-state guests. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for more information.

Michiganders are fortunate to never be too far from a body of water. Twice a year - once in the summer and once in the winter - the state waives all licensing fees for residents and nonresidents alike for a weekend. These free fishing weekends allow everyone to enjoy the world-class fishing opportunities our state has to offer. Anglers of all ages can get outdoors and enjoy Pure Michigan. Though licensing fees are waived, all regulations still apply. Entry fees for state public boating access sites, state parks and recreation areas are also waived. For more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit www.Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.

The Michigan Senate has approved legislation to fully fund and implement the governor's $100 million "Marshall Plan for Talent." Senate Bills 941 and 942 would invest in new competency-based education programs, equipment for the program and career and technology education, student scholarships, career exploration tools and more.

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who selflessly gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that you and I were able to enjoy the freedoms Americans are blessed with. It is also a time when many Michiganders choose to enjoy those freedoms by taking a vacation and getting away from their busy lives. I want to remind residents to stay safe this holiday and to take the time to participate in a parade or event that honors our country's fallen soldiers.

LANSING, Mich.- Sen.O'Brien, recently spoke with WJR radio on updates to legislation under consideration that would combat sexual assault and strengthen protections for crime victims in the state of Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. - State Senator Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, spoke with Detroit Public Radio on Wednesday, in reaction to news that a settlement was reached between Michigan State University and survivors of Larry Nassar's crimes.

LANSING, Mich. - Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, spoke from the Senate chamber on Thursday in support of reforms he sponsored that would end the burdensome and costly Health Insurance Claims Assessment, more commonly known as HICA, while adequately funding Michigan's Medicaid program. The long-term funding solution would provide substantial relief to both businesses and consumers while meeting federal obligations.

I was happy to hear today's news that the state's revenues are up from the projections earlier this year. This gives us a bit more flexibility as we continue through the budget process in the next few weeks. I look forward to working with my colleagues to come up with a plan for the money, whether it is funding crucial programs at a higher rate, paying down debt, or saving the money for future needs and investments.