Senator Jim Stamas

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, outlines a Senate budget plan for fiscal year 2022 during session on Tuesday. The Senate plan focuses on maintaining record funding for schools, meeting the pressing issues facing Michigan and its people, continuing to provide critical services and making key investments to improve the state.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, discusses school funding with K-12 budget subcommittee Chairman Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, prior to the Senate finalizing the fiscal year 2021 budget on Wednesday. The budget would balance the state's deficit, increase funding for K-12 schools. fully fund the 2015 plan to help fix Michigan's roads, and boost local revenue sharing.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, on Wednesday outlined his legislation to provide $6 million in critical flood relief funding to communities in the Gladwin and Midland areas and to use $2.9 billion in federal funding for President Trump's $300 per week unemployment support. During his address to the Senate, Stamas thanked Rep. Annette Glenn, R- Midland, for her leadership and hard work to help their communities recover and rebuild following devastating flood damage in May. After Stamas' remarks, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 745, which also includes $3 million for Detroit flood response and $8 million for Michigan's contribution to an Asian carp barrier at Brandon Road Lock in Illinois. The bill now heads to the governor to be signed.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, on Wednesday praised first responders and members of the communities impacted by historic flooding, thanked the governor for quickly declaring states of emergency in affected counties and requested that the governor allow restaurants in the impacted counties to reopen so that the displaced families have a place to go for a safe meal.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, addresses the Senate as it prepares to approve his legislation to invest $524 million in available federal funding to help Michigan families, front-line workers, first responders, and teachers affected by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, discusses the need for Senate Resolution 114, which gives the Senate authority to challenge in court executive actions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic taken by the governor after the Legislature's state of emergency extension expires on May 1.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, signs the blueback for legislation to name the eastern gray tree frog as Michigan's official state amphibian. Stamas is working with Mr. Bevier's fifth grade class at Blessed Sacrament School in Midland to help them learn about state government, and the students proposed the bill to Stamas during one of his recent visits.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, joined Gavin Brown, executive director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA), to announce the findings from an initial site-selection process for potential horizontal space launch sites in Michigan. The study identified the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport as the top candidate for a horizontal spaceport.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, welcomed several local business leaders to the Michigan Capitol as their guests for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2020 State of the State address on Wednesday night. Pictured from left: Dave Midkiff, operations director for Corteva Michigan; Glenn; Mary Beth Heydrick, vice president of operations - Performance Materials and Coatings and Northern Americas region at The Dow Chemical Company; Stamas; Christian Velasquez, global market director at The Dow Chemical Company; Tina Lynch, director of business development at the Midland Business Alliance; and Jon Lynch, president of Three Rivers Corporation.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, joined family and friends of Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Szymanski at a ceremony to dedicate a part of U.S. 10 in Midland County as a memorial highway in Szymanski's honor. Szymanski was killed while on duty during a training exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 2014.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, details Senate Bills 376 and 377, which would restore a total of $573.5 million of the governor's nearly $950 million in line-item vetoed funding and her $625 million in administrative funding transfers.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, details the fiscal year 2020 budget finalized by the Legislature on Tuesday. The budget bills would increase funding for roads, schools and water protection to record levels - without depending on a massive $2.5 billion tax hike on Michigan families. It increases school funding by nearly $400 million, boosts local road and bridge funding by $400 million, invests $120 million in drinking water protections, and increases funding to local governments.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, receives the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) 2019 Legislator of the Year Award from MTA Executive Director Larry Merrill at the MTA Board of Directors meeting in Portage. The award honors lawmakers who are instrumental in legislation impacting township government and who work diligently on townships' behalf.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Sgt. Joseph McLosky from Hope to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate's 25th Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan's fallen soldiers. McLosky served in the U.S. Army from 2003 until 2012. In October 2007, he was injured in an IED blast while serving in Iraq. He was awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Purple Heart. During the Senate ceremony, Stamas recognized Pfc. Michael A. Thomason, a soldier from Michigan who was killed in April while serving in Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, outlines the Senate's fiscal year 2020 budget plan during session on Tuesday. The Senate-passed budget increases funding for roads and schools to record levels while living within the state's means. It also includes an additional $51.2 million for constitutional revenue sharing for local governments and invests $120 million for drinking water protections.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, welcomed Standish Area Chamber of Commerce President Tara Binder to the Michigan Capitol on Thursday. She was a guest of Stamas and spent the day learning more about state government. Binder lives in Pinconning, is a graduate of Unionville-Sebewaing High School and is the bank manager at Independent Bank's Standish office. Last year, she was honored by Independent Bank with its first-ever Volunteer of the Year Award.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, R-Midland, listens as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (left) presents her fiscal year 2020 state budget recommendation during a joint meeting of the Senate and House appropriations committees on Tuesday. The governor's recommendation starts the process of enacting a state budget for the next fiscal year.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomes Ken and Brenda Borton of Otsego County to the Michigan Capitol as his guests for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the State address on Tuesday night. Ken Borton is chairman of the Otsego County Board of Commissioners and board president of the Michigan Association of Counties.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomes Bob Young of Presque Isle County to the Michigan Capitol as his guest for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's 2019 State of the State address on Tuesday night. Young is the owner of Young Appliance in Alpena.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, was sworn in for a second term as senator for the 36th District on Wednesday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman administered the oath of office. Stamas was joined on the Senate floor by his wife Marsha, son Nick, brothers Nick and Tony, nephew and niece Dima and Sophie Stamas, sister and brother in law Angela and Gus Wojda, and niece Miranda Wojda.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, joined friends and family members of the late Rep. Peter Pettalia at a ceremony dedicating a part of U.S. 23 in Presque Isle County between Maple Drive and Misiak Highway as a memorial highway in Pettalia's honor.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Union Township, joined the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan Burgess at a ceremony to dedicate a part of U.S. 10 in Sanford as a memorial highway in Burgess' honor. Pictured from left: Burgess' father Jon Burgess, Burgess' sister Lindsey Elias, Stamas, Burgess' mother Kim Burgess, and Hauck.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland; Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine; and Karen Pettalia on Tuesday spoke before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of Stamas' legislation to permanently honor Pettalia's late husband, former Rep. Peter Pettalia, who died in 2016 in an accident while traveling down to the Capitol for session. Senate Bill 622 would designate the portion of U.S. 23 in Presque Isle County between Maple Drive and Misiak Highway as the "Peter A. Pettalia Memorial Highway." Rep. Pettalia served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 until his untimely death in September 2016. Allor has introduced similar legislation in the House.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin (center left), Midland Fire Department Assistant Chief Josh Mosher (left) and Howell Area Fire Department Chief Andrew Pless (right) to the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday. Coughlin joined Stamas in testifying before the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee in support of Senate Bill 279, Stamas' legislation to require the state fire marshal's designee on the Construction Code Commission to be certified as a fire protection specialist or as a fire inspector and plans examiner by the National Fire Protection Association.

Jon and Kim Burgess joined Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Williams Township (left), Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Union Township (center left), and Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday for a bill signing ceremony for Stamas' legislation to permanently honor their son, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan Burgess. Senate Bill 481, now Public Act 52 of 2018, designates a portion of US- 10 from N. Stark Road to N.W. River Road in Sanford as the "Marine Lance Corporal Ryan Burgess Memorial Highway." Burgess was a graduate of Meridian High School and served as a vehicle commander and squad leader. He was serving his second tour in Iraq when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in December 2006.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Diane Bristol of Midland joined Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday for a bill signing ceremony of Stamas' legislation to allow collection agencies to hire in- house attorneys to collect debts owned by the employer. Senate Bill 385, now Public Act 197 of 2017, was officially signed on Dec. 28 during the holiday break. Lawyers can now work for collection agencies as in-house counsel for compliance and human resource matters.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, welcomed the Rev. Jon Jenkins to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Jenkins is the senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Gaylord and delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session. Also joining Jenkins, Stamas and Cole at the Capitol were the Rev. Greg Ewing, (second from left) assistant pastor at Grace Baptist Church, and Darren, (right) a student at Grace Baptist College.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, welcomed the Rev. Jon Jenkins to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Jenkins is the senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Gaylord and delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, was honored with the Friend of Local Public Health Award from the Michigan Association of Local Public Health in Lansing on Wednesday. Denise Bryan, health officer for District Health Department No. 2 and No. 4, nominated and presented Stamas with the award in recognition of the senator's work on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in area groundwater. Stamas joined Bryan last summer to go door-to-door in an effort to help better inform local residents about the PFAS issue.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, received the 2018 County Advocate of the Year award from the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) in Lansing on Tuesday. MAC Director of Governmental Affairs Deena Bosworth presented Stamas with the award in recognition of his leadership on increasing local revenue sharing and last year's local retirement stability reforms. Stamas also was praised for having an open door policy and for his willingness to listen and work toward a solution on every issue he takes on.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Jenee Velasquez and Becky Church to the Michigan Capitol as his guests for Gov. Rick Snyder's 2018 State of the State address on Tuesday night. Velasquez serves as executive director of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, and Church is president and chief operating officer of Midland Tomorrow.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined Gov. Rick Snyder as he signed legislation to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan Responsible Retirement Reform for Local Government Task Force. Stamas served on the task force and was the lead sponsor of Public Acts 202-214 of 2017, which create a stress system with additional reporting and steps for local governments with unfunded liabilities to develop and implement action plans to address the community's debt.

The parents of Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan Burgess joined Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, to testify in support of Stamas' legislation to permanently honor Burgess by designating a portion of US-10 in Sanford as the "Marine Lance Corporal Ryan Burgess Memorial Highway." Pictured from left: Jon Burgess, Kim Burgess and Stamas.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley welcomed the Rev. Joseph Dorais and his son Ethan to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Dorais is the senior pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Gladwin and delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin (left) join Gov. Rick Snyder for a bill signing of Senate Bills 264-265, which update Michigan's firefighter training standards for the first time in more than 30 years. Midland Fire Department Assistant Chief Joshua Mosher and former Stamas legislative director Meghann Keit also participated.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (left) and Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, (right) welcomed Iosco Exploration Trail advocates Dana and Jane Hayward to the Michigan Capitol on Thursday. Once completed, the nearly 38-mile-long Iosco Exploration Trail will be part of the state's Iron Belle Trail through Iosco County.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, was honored as 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Library Association (MLA). Stamas was presented the award by MLA Executive Director Gail Madziar and Alpena County Library Director Eric Magness-Eubank in Alpena. Pictured from left: Ron Meneghel, treasurer of the Alpena County Library Board of Trustees; Stamas; Magness-Eubank; Madziar; Tammy Thompson, secretary of the Alpena County Library Board of Trustees.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, honored the Lafarge Presque Isle Quarry with a signed tribute for their continued conservation efforts with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). For several years, the Lafarge Presque Isle Quarry has fostered a partnership with the Black Mountain Chapter of the NWTF to increase, maintain and manage upland habitats on quarry land. Stamas and Allor presented the tribute to Joe Heberling, Vicki McCoy and Tim Cordes with the Presque Isle Quarry and Pete Demos (right) with the NWTF.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, welcomed the commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League and officials from the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday. Pictured from left: Dick Garber, Jr., owner of the Saginaw Spirit; Horn; Flint Firebirds Governor Rolf Nilsen; Stamas; Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch; Craig Goslin, Saginaw Spirit president and managing partner; and Flint Firebirds President Costa Papista.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle welcomed Michigan's Catholic bishops to the state Capitol on Wednesday. Among the bishops at the Capitol were Bishop Steven Raica of the Diocese of Gaylord and Bishop Joseph Cistone of the Diocese of Saginaw.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan John Burgess to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate's 23rd Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan's fallen soldiers. Burgess of Sanford was killed in Iraq in 2006. His family attended the ceremony with Gold Star families.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Chief Warrant Officer 3 Douglas Robinson of Gaylord to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate's 23rd Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan's fallen soldiers. Robinson is currently a veteran's representative for the state in northeast lower Michigan and is president of the Northern Michigan Veterans Coalition. His 22 years of service in the U.S. Army included commanding troops in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Calm.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall, R-White Lake, (left) welcomed the Rev. Charles Donajkowski to the Michigan Senate on Wednesday to deliver the invocation before the start of Senate session. Father Donajkowski is the pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oscoda.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, welcomed board members and staff from Michigan Community Action (MCA) to the Capitol on Tuesday after the Senate approved Stamas' and Schmidt's resolution to declare May 2017 as Community Action Agency Month. Pictured from left: Schmidt, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency Executive Director Lisa Bolen, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency Executive Director John Stephenson, Mid Michigan Community Action Executive Director Jill Sutton, and Stamas.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, welcomed Joe Kaczynski to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday. Kaczynski won the gold medal in March in the 5K Freestyle Cross Country Skiing event at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. He was in Lansing as part of the Special Olympics Michigan Capitol Day. Kaczynski was presented with a special tribute signed by Stamas, Glenn, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Gov. Rick Snyder. Pictured from left: Brig. Gen. Michael A. Stone, assistant adjutant general - Michigan Army National Guard; Stamas; Calley; Kaczynski; and Glenn.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin (left) in telling the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee on Wednesday about the need to pass Senate Bills 264-265 to update Michigan's firefighter training standards, which have not been updated in more than 30 years.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin (left) in telling the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee on Wednesday about the need to pass Senate Bills 264-265 to update Michigan's firefighter training standards, which have not been updated in more than 30 years.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined with Senate colleagues during session on Tuesday to honor and celebrate the service of the late Sen. John Pridnia with Pridnia's family. Pridnia served the people of the 36th Senate District for eight years and also served eight years in the House of Representatives. After leaving the Legislature, Pridnia was active in his new community of Port Austin, where he lived until he died in November. Pictured from left: Pridnia's son John and his wife Michelle; Stamas; Pridnia's wife Lisa; Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville; Pridnia's cousin Stephanie Harrah; Lt. Gov. Brian Calley; Pridnia's daughter-in-law and son Liana and David; and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, toured Nowicki's Sausage Shoppe in Alpena with owner Phil Nowicki (left). The family business opened in 1917 and now makes more than 80 homemade specialties. Stamas toured the shop as part of an effort to highlight successful small businesses and engage local leaders about economic development issues.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, toured the Fiber Char Corporation in Alpena with owner Dennis Schultz (left). The family business opened in 1978 and manufactures of custom wood mouldings and components. Stamas' tour was part of an effort to highlight successful small businesses and engage local leaders about economic development issues. Pictured from left: Schultz, Stamas, tour guide Mike Bagnieschi, Tim Schultz and Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jackie Krawczak.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, toured Cutting Edge Computers with owners Mike and Courtney Willits in Gaylord. The family owned business provides the latest in computer technology and privacy protection. Stamas' tour was part of an effort to highlight successful local businesses and engage area leaders about economic development issues. Pictured from left: Robert Klatt, Kenny Dangler, Stamas, Cindy Keefe, Mike Willits, Courtney Willits and Cole.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, toured SunFrog with owner Josh Kent (left) in Gaylord. Sunfrog became the nation's largest online t-shirt company in less than three years and its website is among the most-visited sites in the world. Stamas' tour was part of an effort to highlight successful local businesses and engage area leaders about economic development issues.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined children's advocacy center board members from across the state as Gov. Rick Snyder signed Stamas' legislation to help the centers protect Michigan children. Public Act 491 of 2016 will enable children's advocacy centers to access abuse and neglect information that can be critical in supporting young victims. Among those attending the ceremony were Northern Michigan Mobile Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Bethany Law; Michelle Waskevich, executive director of the Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center in Midland; and Kaity Doyle and Lindsay Colon with the Northern Michigan Children's Assessment Center.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora and Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jackie Krawczak to the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed 4-H members from Arenac and Iosco counties to the Michigan Capitol. The group was in Lansing as part of the 4-H Capitol Experience, an annual four-day conference that focuses on civic engagement and public policy. Pictured from left: Liam Straver, Joslyn Nelkie, Halle Matthews, Jennifer Colvin, Stamas, Hannah Hayes-Butterfield, Miranda Hall, Brody Ruckle and 4-H Program Coordinator Kelli Rau.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Alpena Fire Chief Bill Forbush to the Michigan Senate on Thursday. Forbush was in Lansing to testify in support of Senate Bill 46, which is co-sponsored by Stamas. The bill would allow the use of corner flashing lights on emergency vehicles as an option instead of rotating or oscillating lights attached to the roof.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Alpena Fire Chief Bill Forbush to the Michigan Senate on Thursday. Forbush was in Lansing to testify in support of Senate Bill 46, which is co-sponsored by Stamas. The bill would allow the use of corner flashing lights on emergency vehicles as an option instead of rotating or oscillating lights attached to the roof.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, welcomed the Rev. Timothy Cook to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Father Cook is the presiding priest at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saginaw and delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Kathie Fuce-Hobohm of Midland to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday night. Fuce-Hobohm is president and CEO at SPACE, Inc. in Midland and was Stamas' guest for Gov. Rick Snyder's 2017 State of the State address.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, thanked Eric Alcott of Midland for his successful completion of a legislative internship in Stamas' Senate office. Alcott is a 2012 graduate of H. H. Dow High School and is currently pursuing a degree in communications from Michigan State University.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, outlined to the Senate Economic Development and International Investment Committee on Tuesday the need for Michigan to create a transparent and capped incentive program aimed at attracting projects that would provide a significant number of high-wage jobs. Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, (right) is a sponsor of one of the bills in the package and joined Stamas at the hearing.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, chairman of the Joint Select Committee on the Flint Water Emergency, outlines the committee's report and recommendations with Sen. Jim Ananich, D-Flint, (left) committee minority vice chairman. The report was released on Wednesday and includes more than 30 policy recommendations.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, received the 2016 Legislator of the Year from the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) in Lansing on Tuesday. MMA President and CEO Chuck Hadden (left) presented Stamas with the award in recognition of Stamas' leadership and support of Michigan manufacturers throughout the state.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland; and Rep. Peter Pettalia, R-Presque Isle; join parade marshals Clarence and Bernadine Hincka at the 2016 Posen Potato Festival.

State Sens. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (center left) and Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, (center right) listen as Dan Leonard, of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, discusses the Alpena facade update during the second of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right), Rep. Brad Jacobsen, R- Oxford, (second right), and Sen. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, (center) tour the MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena during the second of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

Participants of Sen. Jim Stamas's 2016 legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route stop for a picture at Alpena's Island Park, a 17 acre island owned by the city and developed and maintained by the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board.

State Sens. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) and Margaret O'Brien, R- Portage, talk with state Department of Natural Resources Director Bill Moritz (center) during a tour of the historic 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. The visit was part of Stamas's tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sens. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (left) and Margaret O'Brien, R- Portage, met with Phil Pressell, a service officer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Veterans Services, at his office in Rogers City. The visit was part of Stamas's tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) and Rep. Peter Pettalia, R- Presque Isle, spoke at the Good Morning Alpena Breakfast, hosted by the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce. The event kicked off the second day of Stamas' U.S. 23 heritage route tour.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and colleagues pose for a photo after a briefing from MDOT officials on the Little Black River Bridge upgrade project. The visit was part of Stamas? U.S. 23 Heritage Route tour. Pictured from left are: Sen. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage; Rep. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; Stamas; Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City; MDOT representative Douglas Wilson; Rep. Brad Jacobsen, R-Oxford, and MDOT Regional Engineer Scott Thayer.

Doug Hoover with the?Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in?Mackinaw City?gives a tour of the retired ship to Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, on July 15. The visit to the icebreaker was the final stop of Stamas' two-day U.S. 23 Heritage Route tour. Pictured from left are:?Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz;?Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon; Stamas; Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City; and Hoover.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) talks with Perry Pelton, of Standish, at Wheeler's Restaurant, which Pelton owns, during the first of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) poses for a picture outside of Wheeler's Restaurant, in Standish, with owners Perry and Rose Pelton during the first of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sens. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) and Margaret O'Brien, R- Portage, (left) talk with state Department of Environmental Quality Director Keith Creagh at Wheeler's Restaurant in Standish during the first of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (left) listens as Wheeler's Restaurant owners Perry and Rose Pelton (center) talk with state Department of Environmental Quality Director Keith Creagh during the first of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

Mark "Whitey" Hintz (foreground left) talks during a tour of the Anderson Grain Elevator, in Standish, as Sen. Jim Stamas, R- Midland, (foreground right) and others listen. The tour is part of a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, poses for a photo near the Anderson Grain Elevator, in Standish, after a tour of the facility during a two-day legislative tour of the U.S. 23 heritage route from Standish to Mackinaw City. Pictured are, from right, Stamas, state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams; Sen. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage; and representatives from Anderson Grain Elevator.

Sens. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage, along with participants of the legislative U.S. 23 heritage route tour see improvements to the Blue Water Trail stop at Point Au Gres State Park.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) and state Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon (second from right) talk with Arenac County Commissioners Bob Luce (center) and Bobby Burke (left) during a stop along the legislative U.S. 23 heritage route tour.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (left) stands with Felske's Farm Market owner Heather Heckman and State Rep. Peter Pettalia at the East Tawas store during a stop of the legislative U.S. 23 heritage route tour.

State Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right) stands with, from right, Felske's Farm Market owner Heather Heckman, state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams, and Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz at the East Tawas store during a stop of the legislative U.S. 23 heritage route tour.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, joined the family of U.S. Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate the bridge on US-10 over Eastman Avenue in Midland as the Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge. Pictured from left: Stamas, Glenn, Ullom's mother Debi Ullom and Ullom's father Kevin Ullom.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, joined U.S. Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom's friends, family, military comrades and area supporters in the release of balloons following a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate the bridge on US-10 over Eastman Avenue in Midland as the Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Matt Rassette of Midland to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate's 22nd Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan's fallen soldiers. Rassette served in the Marines from 1984-1992 and was Stamas' honored guest on the Senate floor for the ceremony.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Matt Rassette of Midland to the state Capitol on Thursday for the Michigan Senate's 22nd Annual Memorial Day Service, which honored Michigan's fallen soldiers. Vadnais is the adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. Rassette served in the Marines from 1984-1992 and was Stamas' honored guest on the Senate floor for the ceremony.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, received the 2016 Senator of the Year Award from the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) on April 18. Incoming MLTA President and CEO Diana Richeson (left) and retiring MLTA President and CEO Steve Yencich (right) presented the award to Stamas during the 2016 Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in recognition of his support of Pure Michigan and tourism throughout the state.

Flint resident LeeAnne Walters testifies before the Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency. The committee met to discuss the Flint water health emergency with local officials and members of the public at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency Chairman Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, confers with a colleague during a hearing on the Flint water health emergency with local officials and members of the public at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

The Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency meets to discuss the Flint water health emergency with local officials and members of the public at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

The Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency meets to discuss the Flint water health emergency with local officials and members of the public at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency Chairman Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, (right), and committee members, Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, (center) and Sen. Joe Hune, R-Hamburg, (left) listen to testimony during a hearing on the Flint water emergency at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha testifies before the Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency during a hearing on the Flint water emergency at the University of Michigan - Flint on Tuesday, March 29.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, Roxanne Affholter of Michigan Crisis Response Association (right) and Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin (center) joined Gov. Rick Snyder (seated) at the Capitol on Tuesday for a signing ceremony of the senator's legislation to support Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams in Michigan. Senate Bill 444, now Public Act 40 of 2016, defines CISM and its key components and outlines confidentiality provisions.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed the Most Rev. Steven J. Raica, bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Raica delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley joined the Most Rev. Steven J. Raica, bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, as he delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, talks to the press about his recent appointment as chairman of the new Joint Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency. The joint committee will review the findings surrounding the Flint water crisis, take testimony on the mistakes at all levels of government that led to this situation and explore potential policy solutions to prevent a similar disaster in the future.

The family of U.S. Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom joined Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, in Lansing on Tuesday to see Gov. Rick Snyder sign Stamas' legislation to permanently honor Ullom by designating the bridge on US-10 over Eastman Avenue in Midland as the "Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge." Pictured from left: Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland; Stamas; Erinn Kane, Stamas' legislative assistant; Snyder; Ullom's step-brother Sean Bartley, mother Debi Ullom, and father Kevin Ullom.

Sens. Tonya Schuitmaker (second from left), Judy Emmons (sixth from left), Arlan Meekhof (seventh from left), Jim Stamas (eighth from left), Peter Macgregor (ninth from left), Rick Jones (seventh from right), Margaret O'Brien (fifth from right), and Goeff Hansen (right) joined other members of the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder at a bill signing for the $28 million appropriations supplemental to support efforts in Flint.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Ethan Miracle (left) and James Hogge (right) to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday night. Miracle is a painting foreman at Paramount Painting in Gaylord and Hogge is a firefighter at the Otsego County Fire Department. They were guests of Stamas for Gov. Rick Snyder's 2016 State of the State address.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Ben Sklarcyzk, chief operating officer at Sklarczyk Seed Farm in Johannesburg, to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday night as his guest for Gov. Rick Snyder's 2016 State of the State address.

Midland County Treasurer Cathy Lunsford (center) and Libby Varner (left) and Ann Townsend from her staff joined Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, on Wednesday for Gov. Rick Snyder's formal bill signing of Stamas' legislation to revise the timeframe in which county treasurers may send delinquent property tax notices. Also joining Stamas for the signing was his Legislative Director Meghann Keit (right).

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, is pictured on Day One of his participation in "No-Shave November" in an effort to grow awareness of the many of the health issues facing men, such as prostate and testicular cancer, heart disease and obesity.

The family of U.S. Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom joined Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, to testify in support of Stamas' legislation to permanently honor Ullom by designating the bridge on US-10 over Eastman Avenue in Midland as the "Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge." Pictured from left: Ullom's mother Debi Ullom, Stamas, Ullom's father Kevin Ullom and step-brother Sean Bartley.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Kathleen Wojda from the Alpena Community Credit Union to the Michigan Senate on Wednesday. Wojda was the senator's guest on the Senate floor during session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Peter Pettalia, R-Presque Isle, honor Emily Kieliszewski upon her selection as Miss Michigan 2015. Kieliszewski is the daughter of Alpena County Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski and Erin Kieliszewski, a teacher. Emily graduated from Michigan State University in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in political science and won the Miss Michigan 2015 title with a platform of "Adopting America's Children." Pictured from left are: Deb Zale, former executive director of the Miss Capital City pageant; Erin Kieliszewski; Emily Kieliszewski; Pettalia; and Stamas.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed the Rev. Brad Matuzak to the Michigan Senate on Tuesday. Matuzak serves as a pastor at Word of Life Baptist Church in Alpena and delivered the invocation before the start of Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, listens as Roxanne Affholter of Michigan Crisis Response Association shared with members of the Senate Health Policy Committee about the need to support Michigan's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams. Stamas' measure, Senate Bill 444, would define CISM and its key components, as well as outline confidentiality provisions.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, meets with Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin after a meeting of the Senate Health Policy Committee about the need to support Michigan's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams. Coughlin spoke in support of Stamas' measure, Senate Bill 444, to define CISM and its key components, as well as outline confidentiality provisions. Roxanne Affholter of Michigan Crisis Response Association also testified in favor of the bill.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, honored the Midland Northeast Little League All-Stars at the Capitol on Thursday in recognition of the team earning the state championship for the nine- and ten-year-old age group. During Senate session, Stamas presented Coach Chris Haney with a special tribute signed by Stamas, Glenn and Gov. Rick Snyder.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland, honored the Midland Northeast Little League All-Stars at the Capitol on Thursday in recognition of the team earning the state championship for the nine- and ten-year-old age group. During Senate session, Stamas presented Coach Chris Haney with a special tribute signed by Stamas, Glenn and Gov. Rick Snyder.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams (left) discuss opportunities for Michigan-made products with Neiman's Family Market owner Hal Neiman at his store in Alpena. The market was a stop during the first day of Stamas' 2015 Heritage Route 23 tour.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, joined local and state officials for a tour of the East Tawas State Harbor Dock. Stamas visited the harbor as part of his 2015 Heritage Route 23 tour to hear from the Department of Natural Resources on their plans to improve the docks.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Rep. Peter Pettalia, R-Presque Isle, join workers from Kalitta Air for a tour of the company's new aircraft hangar at Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda. The airport was a stop during the first day of Stamas' 2015 Heritage Route 23 tour.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and an official from LaFarge North America discuss the importance of Michigan resources in providing construction materials in the U.S. and Canada. The senator visited the company's Alpena facility as part of his Heritage Route 23 tour.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, presided over the Michigan Senate during session on Tuesday. It was the first time that Stamas had presided during session since he took office as senator for the 36th District in January.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley welcomed David Pendley (center) to the state Capitol on Thursday. Pendley is a minister to students and family in Midland and delivered the invocation before Senate session.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, speaks to members of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security Committee about the importance of connecting veterans with employment information and benefits that they earned while serving America. The committee approved Senate Bill 52, which gives the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency responsibility for sending out the state's outreach to veterans returning home.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, received the 2014 Legislator of the Year Award from the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) on Friday. MDA President Dr. Martin Makowski (right) presented the award to Stamas in recognition of his efforts to improve access to dental care.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, welcomed Mary Draves of Midland to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday night before Gov. Rick Snyder's 2015 State of the State address. Draves (right) is the global director for environmental remediation and restoration at Dow Chemical and was Stamas' guest for the annual address.

Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, was sworn in as senator for the 36th District during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. administered the oath of office. Stamas was joined on the Senate floor by his wife, Marsha, and his family.