Gretchen Whitmer AP File Photo

LANSING – Today, Gov.Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill to lower costs for Michigan National Guard members and last month, she signed six bipartisan bills to implement the budget.

These bills secured resources to support local parks and recreation projects across the state, bolstered conservation programs and protected Michigan’s land, air, and water, and cut red tape for local governments. Including today’s legislation, Whitmer has signed a record 1,531 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

“Since I took office, I’ve been committed to protecting Michigan’s environment, ensuring generations of Michiganders can explore and enjoy all our state has to offer,” said Whitmer in a press release on Tuesday. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these seven bills into law so our departments have enough funding and support to continue programs that protect Michigan’s water, air, and land. Whether it’s maintaining a supply of clean drinking water or creating new trails in our parks, I’ll keep working with anyone to protect and defend our environment. Together, let’s get it done.”

House Bill 4962, sponsored by state Representative Ron Robinson (R-Utica), supports Michigan’s National Guard members by establishing a Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund to put more money back in servicemembers’ pockets. Specifically, the fund will help Michigan National Guard members afford childcare, health care, and tuition. The fund ensures servicemembers and their families have the support they need to make it in Michigan. HB 4962 will not take effect immediately, as the tie-barred bills have not been passed out of the legislature.

House Bill 4392, sponsored by state Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), protects Michigan’s environment by allocating $41.8 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for 85 projects across the state. Specifically, the projects conserve natural resources and develop land to support public recreation, conservation, and accessibility. This includes protecting wildlife habitats, building new trails, improvements to parks, and more.

Senate Bill 273, sponsored by state Senator Kevin Daley (R-Lum), supports environmental conservation efforts by continuing water quality protection fees. The fees were set to expire in 2025 but have been extended through fiscal year 2029. The money collected from the fees funds environmental and conservation efforts run by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Senate Bill 574, sponsored by state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), amends the tobacco settlement fund allocations and helps to increase the Michigan Merit Award Trust Fund, supporting scholarships, tuition assistance programs, nursing scholarships, and other related expenses.

Senate Bill 577, sponsored by state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), ensures Michiganders continue to have clean drinking water across the state. Specifically, the bill extends the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy authority to charge fees for training and certifying people who operate public water systems. The fees help fund important programs that train and certify water operators, support emergency responses to drinking water threats, and monitor and protect Michigan’s water quality. Overall, this bill generates around $600,000 per year in funding for these programs.

Senate Bill 579, sponsored by state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), protects Michigan’s environment by allowing the state of Michigan to continue collecting certain environmental fees. The fees are paid by individuals, businesses, or governments when they apply for permits to build near bodies of water, discharge water into storm drains or rivers, handle hazardous waste, or get certified to operate wastewater or stormwater systems. The fees help fund important programs that protect Michigan’s environment. Overall, this bill delivers $7.6 million a year for environmental protection programs.

Senate Bill 565, sponsored by state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), allows unused money in the Local Government Reimbursement Fund to be transferred to the General Fund.