Dear Neighbor,
The sunshine has been out in full force, and I could not be more excited about the many things happening across our lakeshore district this season. With Lake St. Clair, a wide variety of lakefront restaurants, vibrant small businesses, and so much more all in our backyard — this time of year is our coastal community’s time to shine.
While our team remains busy in Lansing working to deliver a balanced budget by the end of June, we’ve been continuing to build connections with constituents, and we’re looking forward to spending even more time in the district meeting with folks during the summer months. I encourage you to catch up on what we’ve been up to around the community and check out some helpful resources we’ve outlined in this newsletter.
As always, I’d love to hear from you about the topics you’re interested in. 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. I also invite you to join me at an upcoming coffee hour or district event — more details can be found here.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter — I appreciate you staying connected with our work, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
Included in This Newsletter
- Community Connections
- Helpful Resources
- Upcoming Events
- Contact Us
Community Connections
Discussing the Importance of Civic Participation with Harper Woods High School Students
Getting Michiganders excited about civic participation at a young age matters. Earlier this week, I spent a morning at Harper Woods High School speaking with students about the state legislature and why their voices matter in the legislative process. From casting your ballot and working at your local polling place to attending a legislator’s coffee hour or simply keeping up with the news — you can always find ways to be engaged and participate in our democracy.
A very big thank you to Ms. Whitelow-Robertson for setting up this visit — I enjoyed the discussion and all the great questions students had!
Voting and Elections Town Hall with Jocelyn Benson
We had a great turnout at our Voting and Elections Town Hall! Thank you to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, State Rep. Veronica Paiz, the Michigan League of Women Voters, and Grosse Pointe Woods City Clerk Paul Antolin for joining us to break down the recent changes we’ve made to expand access to the ballot box and protect the integrity of our elections.
If you weren’t able to make it to the event, you can find more information here on our work to make our electoral process more fair, free and accessible.
Welcoming Lakeview High School to the Capitol!
It’s always a great day when constituents come up to Lansing for a visit! Recently, I was proud to welcome Lakeview High School’s student council to the Michigan Capitol. These young leaders not only know the importance of service above self but are working to embody those values every day in their school and community. I look forward to seeing the many positive changes they bring about.
If your classroom or organization is interested in taking a trip up to Lansing, you can find more information on Michigan State Capitol tours here. And if the Senate is in session during your visit, please reach out and let our team know — I would love to find time to meet with your group.
Receiving Mail from Mason Elementary Students
This was the best mail I could’ve received! Thank you to the students of Mason Elementary for sending these heartwarming cards — I’m glad you enjoyed your time at the Michigan State Capitol. I always enjoy welcoming students like you to Lansing and discussing our work to support you and your families.
Connecting with Constituents Over Coffee
At our April Coffee Hour, we had productive conversations on the importance of bipartisanship, our Veterans and State Police budget proposals, legislation to address our paramedic shortage and much more. Thank you to everyone who came out!
If you’re interested in learning more about what our team has been working on in Lansing or if you have questions about legislation, please join us for our next coffee hour on May 6 — more details can be found in the Upcoming Events section below.
Putting Patients Over Profits with St. John’s ER Doctors
In recent years, we’ve seen an alarming trend of private equity firms acquiring sectors of the healthcare industry. One firm, New York’s Blackstone Group and its subsidiary TeamHealth, took over management of the emergency department at Ascension St. John Hospital in Grosse Pointe a few years ago.
Recently, ER doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the hospital joined together to form a union and push back against unfair labor practices perpetuated by TeamHealth. Cost-cutting measures such as chronic understaffing and anti-competitive activities have been employed by the management company in attempts to maximize profit margins.
Believing that it’s far past time we put health and safety needs over the desire to turn the biggest profit, I was proud to stand with the healthcare workers in their fight for safer conditions for both themselves and their patients.
Chesterfield Small Business Town Hall
Another great Small Business Town Hall in the books! Thank you to the Chesterfield Community Center for hosting us and to everyone who came out to hear from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Small Business Administration and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses about the many resources available to local entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business.
Celebrating 80 Years of the Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901
The Fred Quandt VFW Post 3901 in Algonac has been an integral space in our community where veterans can connect with one another and receive support and resources. I recently had the pleasure of joining them to celebrate their 80th anniversary — here’s to many more years of service!
Coffee and Conversation with the Helm’s Wise Guys Group
It was great to share coffee and conversation with the Helm’s Wise Guys Group in Grosse Pointe! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share their thoughts and engage in a lively discussion. From repealing the retirement tax to protecting access to quality, affordable healthcare — our team has been committed to delivering results on the issues that matter most to our community’s seniors.
Touring Lakeview High School’s CTE Programs
Last month, I had the opportunity to meet with students and teachers at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, as well as tour their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. From facilitating an active student council to offering hands-on experience in drafting, engineering and childcare — Lakeview is helping to shape the next generation of leaders, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and character they need to chart a successful career in high-demand fields.
Making Public Safety Resources More Accessible with Global Interpreting Services
Public safety resources should be accessible to all Michiganders — including the 1.4 million hard-of-hearing folks in our state. Thanks to the work of organizations like Global Interpreting Services, more police officers are better able to communicate with hearing-impaired residents. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with them to learn more about their work and how it can support our first responders as they serve our community.
Helpful Resources
Join in on Community Festivities This Summer!
There’s no better summer than a Pure Michigan summer, especially when we have Lake St. Clair within arm’s reach. Communities across our lakeshore district are hosting a variety of events to showcase local businesses, connect residents with resources, protect our environment, and simply celebrate the season. A few highlights to mark on your calendar include:
- Clay Day: Celebrate the history of Clay Township at Clay Township Park on May 11, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event will include exhibits and story boards about the community’s storied past, the art project “What These Windows Saw,” collector coins, and the American Indian Communities Leadership Council will have dancing, American Indian arts and a food sale. Find more information here.
- Macomb Community Action 60th Anniversary Party: Join in on a county-wide celebration on May 18th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Clinton Township! The event will include food, fun, and games for all ages. Planned activities include bingo, bounce houses, lawn games, music, and raffle prizes. Representatives from a variety of county departments and organizations will be in attendance to share information about the life-changing services they provide to residents. Find more information here.
- Nautical Mile Coast Clean Up: Help the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee keep our community’s coastal beaches clean at the 29th Annual Nautical Coast Cleanup on May 19 at 8 a.m. at the Jefferson Yacht Club. Register here.
- St. Clair Shores Music on the Lake: Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from June 5 – August 7, take in a concert at Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores. This event is open to the public, parking is free, and no park passes are needed. Find more information here.
- Selfridge Open House Air Show: From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 8 and 9, Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s open house with have National Aviation Heritage Invitational displays and a STEM Education Discovery Zone. The event will culminate in a can’t-miss air show featuring the USAF Thunderbirds, Misty Blues skydiving team and other performers. Find more information here.
- Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival: From June 19-23, downtown New Baltimore will host a festival tent with live entertainment, fun activities for kids, the Miss Bay-Rama Queen’s Pageant, a waterfront fireworks display, a parade along Green Street, and much more. Find more information here.
For a full list of summer events in your city, visit your town’s website: Grosse Pointe Park | City of Grosse Pointe | Grosse Pointe Farms | Grosse Pointe Woods | Grosse Pointe Shores | Harper Woods | St. Clair Shores | Harrison Township | Clinton Township | Mount Clemens | Chesterfield | New Baltimore | Ira Township | Clay Township | Algonac
Michigan Education Trust Celebrates NFL Draft, Waives Enrollment Fee
The Michigan Education Trust (MET) helps make saving for college easier. MET is a prepaid tuition savings program that lets families pay today’s prices for future higher education costs. It’s flexible, transferable and even refundable.
To celebrate the 2024 NFL draft being held in Detroit this past week, MET is waiving their $25 online enrollment fee for anyone opening an account between now and June 30, 2024 — you just have to use the code 2024DRAFT when you enroll.
MET funds may be used to pay for future tuition and mandatory fees at a community college, college, university or trade school in accordance with the program’s terms and conditions. You can open a MET contract by purchasing as little as one credit hour, and anyone can contribute to a child’s education savings plan, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and others. With a Pay-As-You-Go plan, once the plan is opened, contributions can be as low as $25.
Learn more at SetWithMET.com.
Free Gun Locks Now Available at MDHHS Offices
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for Michigan children and teens, and in recent years, unintentional shootings by children have been rising. To promote responsible gun ownership and help keep families safe from the devastating effects of gun violence, my colleagues and I took bold action last year to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for.
Among the legislation passed, Public Act 17 of 2023 requires firearms to be locked and unloaded when unattended, particularly if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply results in penalties, including misdemeanors and felonies, if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms.
To help minimize the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are partnering together to offer free gun locks to the public at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.
To request a free gun lock while supplies last, you can visit your local MDHHS office or check with your local health department, some of which will have gun locks available. Free firearm safety devices can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. These cable-style gun locks are made possible due to funding secured in the 2024 State Police Budget passed by the Legislature last year.
For more information, click here.
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
WHEN: Monday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Saint Clair Shores Senior Center, 20100 Stephens Street, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
WHEN: Monday, June 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 Lanse Creuse Street, Suite A, Harrison Township, MI 48045
WHEN: Friday, June 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
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
*** Please note our regularly scheduled District Coffee Hour for Friday, May 17 is canceled due to a scheduling conflict. Please reach out to our office at (517) 373-7315 or SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov if you would like to schedule another time to meet.
Contact Us
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person or organization for help.
You may always feel free to call my office at (517) 373-7315 or email me at SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov.
Keep Up to Date: Our bi-weekly newsletters are full of updates on what Team Hertel has been working on both in Lansing and District 12 to deliver results for Michiganders. To keep up to date with what we’ve been up to — sign up here to receive my bi-weekly newsletter, or access previous editions online here.
For more frequent updates, I also encourage you to follow our team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.