Dear Neighbor,
As the summer season draws to a close, I’m excited to look back and share more information about the historic state budget that was signed into law last month and will take effect October 1. Included in this bipartisan budget is funding for several transformational projects that will allow us to address the needs of residents and show our community’s leadership in proactive problem solving.
Additionally, as August is National Water Quailty Month, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the work we’re doing in the Legislature to protect our state’s lakes, rivers and waterways. Representing Lake St. Clair is a resonsibility I take seriously, and I remain committed to supporting policy and budget items that equip us to protect our most precious natural resources.
As always, I’d love to know your thoughts on these or any other topics that matter most to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office to share your perspective or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments — we are here to serve you. You can reach my office by calling (517) 373-7315 or emailing SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter — I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
Featured in this newsletter:
- 2024 Budget for the People: Investments in District 12
- Protecting Michigan’s Water During National Water Quality Month
- Upcoming Events
2024 Budget for the People: Investments in District 12
In July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a $81.7 billion state budget that delivers on kitchen-table issues — uplifting families struggling to make ends meet by expanding access to affordable housing; providing students with the resources needed to achieve their full potential inside and outside of the classroom; making investments to ensure workers receive fair pay and have access to job training programs; improving water quality and protecting our state’s natural resources; and more.
Included in the budget was nearly $78 million for our lakeshore community to invest in water infrastructure, Selfridge ANGB, mental health, first responders and education. Some highlights include:
- $13 million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) to reroute the runway and make other updates necessary for the Harrison Township base to compete for next generation aircraft and future fighter missions.
- $40 million for the Macomb County Intake Facility to construct a new central intake and mental health unit, among other upgrades, allowing the county jail to provide better mental and physical health outcomes for those who come in contact with the criminal justice system.
- $12 million for St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield Township and Harsens Island to address issues with their existing water infrastructure, helping to protect Lake St. Clair, improve residents’ quality of life and support waterfront businesses.
- $1.25 million for the Lakeshore Early Childhood and Community Center to help support renovations to the physical infrastructure of the center, adding community and adult education spaces, in addition to revitalizing the existing early childhood and administration areas, and improving overall safety and accessibility of the center.
- $500,000 for the Mt. Clemens Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck, giving them the opportunity to retire a vehicle at the end of its life span.
Throughout the budget writing process, we listened to residents, local leaders and community organizations to meaningfully target funding in ways that would have the biggest impact on people’s everyday lives. I encourage you to read more here about the transformational investments we’re making across District 12 and how they will impact our community.
August is National Water Quality Month, and I am excited to have a spotlight on one of my favorite policy topics. For too long, coastal communities like ours have been disproportionately impacted by the negative consequences of catastrophic weather events and crumbling infrastructure. I’m proud to have worked with community partners and my legislative colleagues to ensure the 2024 state budget invests in District 12 so we can turn the tides and proactively work to keep our lakes clean and healthy.
Read more here about the work we’re doing in Lansing to strengthen environmental protections and keep our waterways such as Lake St. Clair clean for all to enjoy.
Upcoming Events
It is one of my top goals as your State Senator to have myself and my office be as accessible to you as possible. To share your thoughts on legislation or seek assistance with an issue, please join me at one of our upcoming district events:
Coffee and Conversation with Senator Hertel
WHEN: Friday, September 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
WHEN: Friday, September 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Saint Clair Shores Senior Center, 20100 Stephens St, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
District Office Hours with Staff
WHEN: Every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and by appointment
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081