Dear Neighbor,
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who honored our country through the highest form of service.
This past Veterans Day, I reflected on the service of my grandfather, Jack Hertel. He shipped out to Normandy just five days after D-Day. After being wounded in combat, he returned home, put away his medals, and found a new way to serve his community by becoming a public school teacher in Detroit. 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 my family to live a life dedicated in service to the public.
I know in today’s world, especially after a hard-fought campaign season, that it can be difficult to believe that courage and goodness is still possible. But when I remember my Grandfather Jack and the men he served alongside, I find faith, and I find hope in our future. As we look to honor the legacy of our nation’s vets and restore the common thread
that binds us together as Americans, I encourage you to strive to embody the values our veterans exemplify every day — selflessness, service, and dedication to others.
As always, 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.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
- Nov. 11 was Veterans Day, a day to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Thank you to all those who served and their families for your sacrifice. Learn more about our work to support Michigan veterans here.
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation event tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at our District Office (28800 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores). RSVP here.
- Open Enrollment for 2025 health insurance runs through January 15, 2025, though the Michigan Dept. of Financial Services recommends residents choose their plan by December 15, 2024, for coverage to start on January 1, 2025. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.
Honoring Our Community’s Veterans
I was honored to connect with some of our community’s former service members at Veterans Day events in St. Clair Shores and Chesterfield. While no ceremony can fully repay the debt owed them for their contributions, I remain committed to ensuring our vets have every opportunity to thrive in the country they defended.
At the Capitol, I am truly grateful to serve as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police, where we’ve worked on a bipartisan basis to secure vital resources for Michigan veterans including funding for the state’s veteran homes, nonprofits who work to address veteran homelessness, and suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service. Learn more here about these investments and other policies we’ve passed to help make Michigan a place veterans can be proud to call home.
Supporting First Responders at the Capitol and in Our Community
The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters have been a tremendous partner in getting key legislation across the finish line, including legislation to reduce barriers to becoming a paramedic and expand survivor benefits for public safety officers. It was a pleasure speaking with some of their members recently about this work and future progress that we can continue to make together.
Mount Clemens State of the City
At Mount Clemens’ State of the City, the community’s resilience and innovation were on full display. I’m looking forward to continued partnership with local officials as we build on the state investments we’ve secured for housing and riverfront revitalization projects! Learn more about the funding we’ve brought back to Mount Clemens here.
Connecting with Families at Trunk-or-Treats
Throughout October, our team traveled across District 12 to connect with families, pass out candy and coloring books, and celebrate Halloween with one of the best backdrops around — Lake St. Clair. From St. Clair Shores and Mount Clemens to Chesterfield and New Baltimore, thank you to all the volunteers who made these trunk-or-treats possible and all the families who were in attendance.
Talking Clean Water Infrastructure with the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club
It was a pleasure to meet with the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club recently and discuss some of the investments we’ve secured for local projects that will help build up our clean water infrastructure and protect Lake St. Clair for generations to come.
Talking About the Issues Over Coffee
Thank you to everyone who came out to our October Coffee and Conversation event! Scheduled just before Election Day, it was refreshing to put all the political noise aside and close out the week by talking about the issues that matter over a hot cup of coffee.
Bringing Our Constituent Services to the Assumption Cultural Center’s Senior Expo
It was great connecting with folks at the Assumption Senior Expo recently! I always enjoy the opportunity to share information about the work we’re doing for Michigan seniors and hear how our office can best serve our community. If you ever need assistance navigating a state issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by our district office in St. Clair Shores — we have open office hours every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Celebrating Dedicated Volunteers at the Chesterfield Veterans Homes
The Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township is powered by an army of dedicated volunteers who take time out of their schedules to give back to our community’s veterans. I recently had the pleasure to celebrate these volunteers and thank them for all their work and care.
Protecting Lake St. Clair and Outdoor Spaces in Southeast Michigan
Six Rivers Land Conservancy is a critical organization in our community that works to preserve and manage lands to sustain the natural assets and agricultural heritage of the Southeast Michigan region through acquiring nature preserves and assisting public partners to acquire land for preserves and parks. They also have an active stewardship program and robust community engagement program that centers around providing educational activities to educate and engage residents in protecting and caring for our natural resources.
In some exciting news, the organization was just selected to receive a $200,000 grant from Google.org to support and expand their operations in our region! This generous donation to Six Rivers is a powerful investment in the future of our state. By supporting the preservation of our region’s natural resources, these funds help ensure communities along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair and across Southeast Michigan remain vibrant, healthy, and attractive places to live and work. This partnership is a shining example of what we can achieve when folks across sectors work together to invest in and protect the unmatched outdoor spaces we have here in the Great Lakes State.
Thank you to Six Rivers for all your work and thank you to Google.org for supporting their mission and our community!
Open Enrollment is Now Open!
During the 2025 open enrollment period, Michiganders can choose from 162 health plans on the marketplace, while taking advantage of subsidies that can help make health insurance more affordable. Last year, qualified enrollees were able to obtain health insurance for as low as $10 per month, saving on average more than $380 a month.
While the enrollment period officially closes on January 15, 2025, Michigan residents are encouraged to select a plan on HealthCare.gov no later than December 15, 2024, for coverage to start on January 1, 2025.
For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
Deer Hunting Begins Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer hunting season is Friday, November 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here.
Recognizing the significance and tradition of hunting here in Michigan, my colleagues and I have been working to reduce red tape for hunters and restore our game species, while also protecting Michigan’s many outdoor spaces, which offer ample opportunities for residents to explore, unwind, and enjoy nature.
If you’re planning on taking part in this tradition this year, good luck and remember to stay safe!
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: Friday, November 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper Ave., 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 Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
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.