Michigan Senate Democrats express gratitude for everything Michigan veterans have done for our nation and continue to do for our communities
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who sacrifice their safety from here in our backyards to some of the most dangerous corners of the earth to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Their service to our nation does not end when they take off their uniforms and return home or to civilian life, however. As they become first responders, teachers, coaches, colleagues, role models, or volunteers, each and every one continues to embody the spirit of service and sacrifice in new ways.
Michigan Senate Democrats work in the Capitol and in their communities to honor veterans throughout the year.
Despite their vast contributions to our society, several pressing issues continue to disproportionately impact veterans, including lack of access to mental health resources, employment opportunities, and adequate housing. While we can never serve these patriots in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation to support and honor them. Understanding this, Michigan Senate Democrats have worked to pass legislation and secure investments in Lansing to uplift veterans, while also recognizing the heroism and sacrifice of veterans in their communities.
Inspired by Others’ Service to Country
Michigan Senate Democrats’ approach to public policy is heavily influenced by the many values veterans exemplify, including their dedication to democracy and a belief in universal freedom and sacrifice for community. The work of Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) and Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), in particular, has been directly shaped by those who answered the call to serve.
A proud Army brat, Sen. Klinefelt grew up on base watching her father, Ret. Major General William McLean, serve his country. In addition to her father, her husband, brother, sister, and several other family members also served in the military — all of them instilling in her a belief that there is nothing more patriotic than working to improve the lives of others. In the Michigan Senate, Sen. Klinefelt currently serves as Chair of the Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, where she works to advance legislation to ensure veterans can receive the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve.
Sen. Kevin Hertel’s grandfather, Jack Hertel (Left), and Sen. Veronica Klinefelt’s father, Ret. Major General William McLean (Right).
Sen. Kevin Hertel comes from a long line of family members who were influenced by his grandfather Jack Hertel’s service during World War II. After being wounded in combat, Jack returned home, put away his medals, and traded in his “pinks and greens” to attend Wayne State University, earn his college degree, and serve the Detroit Public School system as a teacher. Though he chose to keep his memories of combat quietly close to his heart, his service and devotion to country was imprinted on his sons and his grandchildren — inspiring generations in Sen. Hertel’s family to live a life dedicated in service to the public. Now, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police, Sen. Hertel draws on lessons learned from his grandfather to inform funding decisions designed to support Michigan veterans and their families.
Policies and Investments to Uplift Michigan Veterans
Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Lolita Tucker, State Commander for Michigan’s Disabled American Veterans, provide testimony to the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee in favor of legislation to raise recognition of women veterans.
Inspired by the stories of veterans across the state, Sens. Klinefelt and Hertel, together with the Senate Democratic and House Caucuses, have championed a slate of legislative wins and secured vital resources to uplift the veterans who call Michigan home. Among the list of veteran-related items signed into law is legislation that:
- Lowers costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
- Protects the homes of active-duty military members by reducing the likelihood of their properties going unclaimed and reverting to state ownership while they are serving their country.
- Expands eligibility for tuition assistance to spouses and dependents of National Guard members — providing increased avenues for military family members to obtain a college degree.
- Strengthens protections for active-duty service members’ credit union accounts while they are deployed.
- Establishes a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan, helping to raise recognition of their contributions to our nation.
- Expands the eligibility of the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans, making it easier for our veterans to receive the recognition they deserve while also providing them with free access to Michigan state parks.
In July 2023, Sens. Veronica Klinefelt and Kevin Hertel joined Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), fellow legislators and veteran-serving organizations for a roundtable discussion on veteran and military suicide prevention.
In addition to passing legislation to uplift veterans, Senate Democrats have carefully crafted two state budgets that both acknowledge their service to our country and tackle the many issues facing them. More specifically, the most recent state budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year includes:
- Support for Michigan’s three veteran homes, including the Chesterfield Veteran Homes — the first and only location servicing the Metro Detroit area.
- Grants for nonprofits who provide or assist in providing housing for homeless veterans and their families.
- Support for suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service.
“Helping to secure funding for our military service men and women is an honor,” said Sen. Hertel who led the development of the budget for the Michigan Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. “After working across the aisle and hearing from our veteran population, our Legislature knows how much these patriots need our support as they often face severe trauma and various obstacles upon returning home. These investments are one way we can acknowledge their efforts after dutifully serving this country.”
Supporting Veterans in Communities Across Michigan
Michigan Senate Democrats’ work to honor the courage and bravery of veterans continues in their districts as well as in the Capitol. Back in their communities, members make it a priority to connect with local veterans at Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day events, coffee hours, and more.
From Detroit and Flint to Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Senate Democrats show appreciation to the men and women who served so that we may live free.
While no ceremony or parade can fully repay the debt owed them for their contributions, Senate Democrats remain committed to serving Michigan veterans and ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive in the country they defended. During their time in office, members have hosted constituent services fairs and town hall events to connect veterans with critical resources, help them work through challenges they face such as accessing housing or mental health services, and listen to ways we can continue to bolster our support for their community.
Sens. Kevin Hertel, Veronica Klinefelt, and Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) host community events to pair local veterans with available services to ensure they can access good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and quality health care.
Honoring Our Retired Service Members Beyond Veterans Day
As another Veterans Day comes and goes, Michigan Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring our service to veterans extends well beyond November 11. While legislators will continue to champion policies, secure investments, and connect veterans with resources, we all have a part to play in honoring the legacy of our retired service members. As we look to express gratitude to our veterans, Senate Democrats recognize that the best way to honor their legacy is by embodying the values they exemplify — selflessness, service, and dedication to others.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.