Cutting Taxes and Lowering Costs
The cost of living is simply too high. That’s why I’m focused on giving Michiganders a little extra breathing room in their budgets, so they can actually get ahead — not just get by. We’ve already made real progress:
- Championed the repeal of the Snyder-era retirement tax to put an average of $1,000 a year into the pockets of 500,000 seniors.
- Passed the largest tax cut for working families in Michigan’s history by quintupling the Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and social security.
Despite the progress we’ve made, there’s still more work ahead — especially when it comes to lowering costs for families. One of the biggest strains on household budgets right now? Energy bills. That’s why I’m working on passing my legislation to tackle these skyrocketing costs head-on and delay how often utility companies can raise rates. Learn more at SenatorKevinHertel.com/energy-costs.
Protecting Access to Affordable Health Care
Everyone deserves access to quality health care they can afford, when and where they need it. And while Washington politicians fight to rip away health insurance from working families, I’ll keep pushing back and fighting as Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee to not only protect, but expand access to quality health care. Here’s what we already delivered:
- Protected the Affordable Care Act in state law, ensuring Michiganders cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, can stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26, and more.
- Fought against federal budget cuts to Medicaid and secured state funding to save the program in Michigan.
- Expanded access to mental health and substance use disorders treatment.
- Repealed the state’s immunity shield for drug manufacturers, allowing Michiganders to hold drug companies accountable if they or a family member are harmed.
Some of the priorities I’m working on getting across the finish line next include capping interest and late fees on medical debt and lowering the cost of medication through a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Investing in Our Community
Our state budget is more than just numbers on a page — it’s a representation of our commitment to building up Michiganders and the communities we call home. During my time in the Senate, I’ve helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding for projects across our lakeshore community. Some of the highlights include funding for:
- Selfridge, to modernize the base to help secure a new fighter mission.
- The Macomb County Jail, to construct a new central intake and mental health unit that will help keep our neighborhoods safe while also tackling mental health and substance abuse in our communities.
- Building up our region’s crumbling water infrastructure and tackle the muck plaguing the shoreline of Lake St. Clair.
