Senate District 12 Updates

Dear Neighbor,

When my team and I put together this newsletter, we had no idea that our community was about to be directly impacted by the tragedy at Michigan State University. As a father and a Spartan, my heart is broken. I want to wish all of you who are feeling the impacts of this event peace and comfort, and let you know that the victims and their families are in my thoughts each day. 

While we still want to share with you information about the Governor’s executive budget recommendation and our support for Selfridge Air Base, the events of this month have thrown into sharp focus the need to prioritize efforts to keep our students and families safe. Last week, I joined with my colleagues in introducing a package of widely supported measures to reduce gun violence in the state of Michigan. My bill, Senate Bill 76, would require universal background checks before purchasing a firearm. This is legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders, and together with the other ten bills in the package will help save lives throughout the state. There are no perfect solutions to gun violence, but doing nothing is not an option. We cannot continue to accept that this is an inevitable outcome of our children going to school. 

Immediately below this section of the newsletter, you will find a section of resources available to help residents process the events at MSU. Please share them with your loved ones or anyone you know who may find them helpful.  

As always, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach me at senatorkevinhertel.com or by phone at (517) 373-7315. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12

GRIEF RESOURCES 

In the aftermath of tragedy, it is especially important to check in on yourself and your loved ones. These can be hard conversations, but I hope the resource list below is helpful. If you are having an urgent mental health crisis and fear for yourself or others, please dial 911. You can also call or text 988 to be connected directly to mental health support. 

• Resource list for families. 
• Resources for parents and educators on having conversations about gun violence. 
• Toolkit for survivors and allies. 
• Self-care resources. 

SUPPORTING SELFRIDGE AIR BASE 

This month, I was proud to introduce Senate Resolution 9, which supports the location of a permanent next-generation fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB). Coupled with the Governor’s Executive Recommendation of an $11.5 million dollars investment and our federal Congressional delegation’s letter of support, this is an exciting moment. Michigan is positioning itself to be the next defense hub in our nation—and we should be. 

Currently, Selfridge ANGB has over 600 employees working on 21 A-10 Warthogs, which the military plans to phase out over the next several years. These employees and their families help drive our local economy, supporting local businesses and making homes in Michigan. But in addition to securing the jobs of the hardworking Michiganders who want to continue supporting our nation’s security, the majority of the parts used in building the F-35s are created right here in our state. The location of Selfridge ANGB also offers unmatched land and water training opportunities. We have an opportunity to both reduce supply-side inefficiencies in the creation of these fighter jets and expand the topography our enlisted personnel train on. Placing a next-generation fighter mission at Selfridge just makes sense.  

I look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with my colleagues at all levels of government to help get this done for our state and community, and I will be sure to keep you updated on our progress.

BUDGET OVERVIEW 

This month, Governor Whitmer unveiled her Executive Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Here are some of the things I was most excited to see, broken out by the HEEALS framework I am using to prioritize policies. 

Health 

As a father of two, I am strongly supportive of the Governor’s recommendations around maternal and child health, including the Plan First! Program and Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies. Together, these two programs will support screenings, lab services, and family planning resources to families, as well as home visiting, doula support, and timely check-ups for new parents. Keeping our families healthy, safe, and whole is a top priority for me. 

I am also happy to see the Governor’s support for insulin access and manufacturing. Too many people in our state have had to go without critically needed medication due to cost, and it is time for us to do something about it.

Education 

There is a lot to be excited about in the education budget this year, but here are some highlights: 

• Funding for school meals. Kids can’t learn when they’re hungry, and offering state support to ensure all our children are eating at least two meals a day will go a long way to alleviating child hunger. 
• Balanced per-pupil funding that offers additional dollars for students who need additional support. 
• Added mental health and safety resources so that parents can know their children will be safe while they’re away for the day.  
• Lowering the costs of higher education through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Here is a list of upcoming informational webinars from the Department of Treasury about the scholarship that you and your children may wish to attend.

I am also pleased to see a recommendation for spending state dollars to support educators at all levels. We must support all school personnel as they continue to work towards a brighter future for Michigan. 

Environment 

The governor’s budget includes ongoing money to ensure lead service lines are replaced and offers a tax credit to encourage businesses to invest in clean manufacturing in Michigan. I am proud to support efforts to maintain Michigan’s historic role in production and manufacturing while ensuring we are on the path to a sustainable future. 

Armed Forces and Veterans 

As I mentioned above, I am excited to see the Governor’s investment in Selfridge as part of her executive recommendation, as well as further support for our veterans’ homes. As the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police, I am looking forward to ongoing discussions about how we can best support those who serve our state and nation. 

Labor 

One of the most important pieces of the Governor’s plan to expand workforce development is the Michigan Reconnect program. I am happy to see age expansion and continued funding for this program to help make higher ed free for many Michigan residents. This program helps ensure Michigan residents have the credentials they need to succeed in today’s workforce.   

Seniors 

Governor Whitmer’s budget provided support for repealing the retirement tax. You can read more about my work on Senate Bill 1, a bill to alleviate the tax burden on our state seniors, in last month’s edition of this newsletter. It is estimated that this plan will reduce taxes for seniors by about $1,000 per year.