Dear Neighbor,
As the school year ends and summer events begin to pop up, I hope you can find time to enjoy the season and all it has to offer surrounded by friends and family. Whether you like to visit a local farmers market, fish on Lake St. Clair, explore a nature trail, or simply enjoy the summer air in your backyard, there are many ways to make the most of this time of year.
Even with the sun shining and the weather warming up, our team has been keeping busy. Between working to deliver a fiscally responsible budget by the end of June and connecting with constituents across District 12, we’re working every day to deliver solutions to the problems facing Michiganders.
Here in the community, we have been spending time discussing ways we can expand access to early education, support Michigan veterans, address our gun violence crisis, and more. I encourage you to catch up on what we’ve been up to here in our lakeshore district and check out some helpful summer 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
Recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Day and Meeting with Student Advocates
Despite having the threat of gun violence be ever present in their lives, we have seen young people in recent years stand up and demand action from those in power. And their years-long organizing endeavors have been a driving force behind Michigan’s gun safety legislation.
Ahead of National Gun Violence Awareness Day last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with gun violence prevention advocates from Grosse Pointe North to discuss the progress we’ve made thus far and ways we can continue to work together to address this public health crisis.
These students’ dedication, tenacity, and hope — even in the face of inaction from leaders who are supposed to represent their interests and look out for their well-being — is inspiring and gives me hope for the future of our state.
Welcoming Tashmoo Distillery to the Community
It’s always a great day to celebrate a new small business opening their doors, but last week’s beautiful weather just added to the grand opening of Tashmoo Distillery in New Baltimore. Welcome to the community!
Recognizing the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
I was humbled to join hundreds of community members, enlisted service members, and veterans at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial to honor the 150,000 souls who descended on the beaches of France 80 years ago and helped free Europe from tyranny.
Their heroism opened the gates for the Allied Forces, and within a month, one million of our troops flooded into Europe, bringing with them the hope of the world. One of those men who arrived on the beach days after the events of June 6, 1944, was my grandfather — Jack Hertel.
As I remember my grandfather and the valiant men he served alongside, I find faith and hope for the future of our nation. As we look to honor and build upon the efforts of the greatest generation who defied every danger, may we strive to embody the values they demonstrated: dedication to democracy, a belief in universal freedom and sacrifice for country.
Touring the Clinton Township Secretary of State Branch with Aghogho Edevbie
Over the past few years, the Michigan Secretary of State Department has been working hard to ensure Michiganders in every corner of our state can efficiently schedule an office visit, renew their license plates and tabs, register their vehicle, update their address, and more.
Recently, I joined Deputy Secretary Aghogho Edevbie to tour the Clinton Township branch and see some of their work up close. It was great getting to meet the dedicated clerks who work there and learn more about the Michigan Secretary of State’s efforts to improve service for Michigan residents.
Celebrating the Grand Opening of Eastland Commerce Center
Growing up, Eastland Mall was a cornerstone of the community. While it unfortunately waned in popularity in recent years, the space is now officially home to the Eastland Commerce Center which is slated to bring new jobs and new economic opportunities to the area! Last week, I had the pleasure of joining local leaders to celebrate its grand opening.
Raising Awareness of Angelman Syndrome
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet Leticia and her son, LJ, who is diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. After learning more about this rare genetic disorder, I introduced a resolution recognizing Angelman Awareness Day in the Michigan Senate.
Thank you — Leticia and LJ — for sharing your story and working to spread compassion and awareness for Michiganders living with AS.
Discussing the Importance of Pre-K with Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
Pre-K gives kids a head start in their academic careers, helping set them up for future success. Recently, I had the opportunity to join Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency to talk about the importance of early education and the work we’re doing to expand those opportunities for Michigan kids, including the legislative package I’ve introduced with Senators Kristen McDonald Rivet and Sarah Anthony to improve childcare access, affordability, and quality.
I have to say that the highlight of the visit, though, was getting to meet Ferry Elementary School’s therapy dog, Chuppa!
Joining Community Members to Honor Our Fallen Soldiers
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave military soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives to defend our democracy. I was humbled to join community members in St. Clair Shores and Harper Woods this year to honor our fallen heroes and their contributions to our nation. Thank you to both our service members and to everyone who worked so tirelessly to put these events together.
Checking Out the Newly Improved Walking Trails in Algonac
The biodiverse landscape of Clay Township is second to none. It also serves as a great classroom to get kids excited about nature and learning!
Recently, community organizations and school leaders from Algonquin Elementary School came together to clean up the nature trail and make improvements so more kids have the opportunity for unique learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. Thank you, Supervisor Bryson, for inviting our team to see and celebrate this team effort!
Touring Macomb County’s Rising Stars
Last month, our team had the opportunity to visit Rising Stars in Macomb County and learn more about their work to equip intellectually and developmentally disabled adults with hands-on learning experiences and the skills necessary to reach their fullest potential.
Catching Up with Constituents Over Coffee
It’s always great to visit the St. Clair Shores Senior Center for a lively coffee hour! Thank you to everyone who came out to discuss a wide array of topics ranging from our state budget process and investments in education to criminal justice reform.
During the summer, we have a handful of coffee hours planned throughout the district. Find more information below in the “Upcoming Events” section of our newsletter or visit our Facebook page here. These events are a great opportunity for you to ask questions and share your ideas with me while also receiving a firsthand update on what we’ve been working on in Lansing.
Helpful Resources
MDHHS Recommends Residents to Avoid Foam on Water Bodies
With summer beginning, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has recommended that residents and visitors avoid foam on water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Foam can form on any waterbody and is usually an off-white or brown color with an earthy or fishy scent, and tends to pile up in bays, eddies, or river barriers such as dams.
While some foam may be harmless, foams can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, that can include high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These foams will typically be bright white in color and lightweight. Studies have found that high exposure to some PFAS can be linked to damaging health effects, including high cholesterol and liver damage.
If you touch any foam, rinse off or bathe as soon as possible, especially if the water is suspected to be contaminated with PFAS, other chemicals, or bacteria. While the likelihood of PFAS entering your body through your skin is low, touching foam without rinsing or bathing increases the chances of accidentally swallowing the foam and its contents. It is also recommended that pet owners do not allow their animals to touch or swallow foam on waterbodies. If a pet does touch foam, it is also recommended that the owner rinse or bathe them.
To learn more, please visit Michigan.gov/PFASResponse or call (800) 648-6942.
Summer Meal Programs Available to Michigan Children
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as Meet Up and Eat Up, is available for children to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. This program is operated at the local level by program sponsors and is administered by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Office of Nutrition Services. To find a Meet Up and Eat Up Site please call 211 or text “food” to 304-304.
Take Advantage of Double Up Food Bucks
Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP or Michigan Bridge Card, they can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 230+ participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores across Michigan. With farmers market season officially here, it’s a great time to use the program! Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.
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, 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 Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
WHEN: Monday, August 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: St. Clair Shores Senior Center, 20100 Stephens Street, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Conversations by the Lake
From Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island, Lake St. Clair is what binds the communities of Senate District 12 together. The lake provides so much to our daily lives, including drinking water, economic prosperity, and recreational opportunities. Taking advantage of the summer weather, our team is hosting a series of Conversations by the Lake to talk about the investments we’re making in clean water infrastructure and the proactive ways we can work together to protect this unmatched natural resource.
For our St. Clair Shores conversation, we’ll be joined by Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller and Mayor Kip Walby.
WHEN: Monday, July 29 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Blossom Heath Beach House, 24800 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
We’ll have more dates to announce soon, so stay tuned!
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 Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
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.