As Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, Hertel has championed legislation to protect and expand access to affordable health care
LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s final “State of the State” address tonight where she highlighted the need to address the rising cost of health care amid federal chaos and cuts:
“As the price of everything from groceries and gas to child care and housing rises, health care bills are hitting families just as hard. And while the current federal administration doubles down on polices to drive up costs and gut critical health care programs, we here in Michigan are taking a different approach.
“Together with the governor, we’ve codified the Affordable Care Act into state law, stood strong against federal cuts to Medicaid, and made historic state investments to protect core health care services for Michiganders. While Washington continues to play politics with people’s health, I’m prepared to step up and ensure Michigan delivers real solutions for families.”
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