Mark Huizenga

Mark Huizenga was born in and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Huizenga graduated from Calvin Christian High School in 1985. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Calvin University in 1990 and a master's degree in management from Aquinas College in 1996. Huizenga's career experience includes owning a consulting firm and working in senior management roles with healthcare organizations. Huizenga was elected to be a city commissioner in Walker, Michigan, in 2011 and then served as mayor of the City of Walker from 2013 to 2018.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Mark began his public service on the Walker Planning Commission before being elected to the Walker City Commission. He later successfully ran for Mayor of Walker, where he served the community with a focus on responsible budgeting, economic growth and local leadership.

At the state level, Mark served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives before being elected to the Michigan Senate. He is currently serving as the State Senator for the 30th District, representing portions of Kent and Ottawa counties.

Throughout his time in office, Senator Huizenga has earned a reputation as a practical problem-solver committed to delivering real results for West Michigan. He currently holds the most bipartisan voting record in the Michigan Senate.

Mark is the former Director of Pediatric Practices for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. He serves as a consultant in the health care and environmental sustainability industries. He previously held senior management roles at Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health) and numerous other health care organizations.

Mark has also served as an adjunct instructor at Grand Valley State University, a board member of the Calvin CPI Foundation , and a Boy Scouts leader and church elder and deacon.

Mark and his wife, Kris (Nawrocki), have three adult children and three grandchildren

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lowering Costs:

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Voted against more than 30 tax and fee increases

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Supported higher property tax credits to lower housing costs

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Supported hospital pricing transparency

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Expanded Medicaid to cover behavioral health transportation costsSupport Public Health:

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Focused on increasing access to healthcare including psychiatric facilities like Pine Rest

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Supported expanding insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse services

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Introduced legislation to establish free PFAS blood testing for children

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Introduced legislation to expand access to additional “swing beds” for hospitals to increase capacity limitsEducation:

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Supported record funding increases for students

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Introduced legislation to increase early literacy and tutoring programs

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Sponsored legislation to provide $10,000 bonuses to the most effective public school teachers

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Supported efforts to improve dyslexia screening

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health Policy - especially PFAS Testing and treatments

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Ronald Regan - He was able to unite the people of the United States. Regan was instrumental in ending the cold war - favorite quote - "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Transparency / Availability / Accountability

What legacy would you like to leave?

To know that the work that I have done made a difference for the people of Michigan

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked on my father's farm starting in 5th grade through 12th grade

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I was diagnosed with Cancer in 2006 - we had 3 small children. I had to go to Johns Hopkins University Hospital for major surgery, I was in the hospital for a month - then 6 months of chemo. Through the struggles it made our family stronger.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Collaborative, yet independent. As legislators we represent our district that it our foremost responsibility. It is also important that we work with the governor to meet statewide goals and of course, the budget.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education for our kids - we will have a significantly declining population of students. School districts will need to consolidate, and we will need to ensure that we can provide the best education for the next generation of kids

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is critical - As the most bipartisan senator, I know how to work together and get things done.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Farm Bureau

Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Michigan Fraternal Order of Police

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce

National Federation of Independent Businesses

Commercial Alliance of Realtors

Michigan Freedom Network

Right to Life

Citizens for Traditional Values

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Vietnam War - I remember watching TV as a kid and seeing soldiers in helicopters

Mark Huizenga did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Mark Huizenga did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.

Mark Huizenga did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.