Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! As we kick off 2025, my colleagues and I are also kicking off the start of the 103rd Legislature. Looking back on the work we were able to accomplish for the people of Michigan during the first half of our term, it’s hard to believe that it was only two years ago I was sworn in to the Senate. Since 2023, my team and I have introduced 62 bills, had 13 signed into law, and connected with constituents at more than 300 community events.
Every day, it is an honor to serve our lakeshore community in Lansing. From continuing to lower costs and improving education outcomes to making it easier for folks to find a good paying job and raise a family here in Michigan, I look forward to all we can accomplish together with your perspective and partnership in the upcoming year!
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts 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 emailing SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov, calling our Lansing office at (517) 373-7315, or calling our district office at (586) 252-2157.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
- For me to effectively be your voice in Lansing, I need to hear from you! Learn more about the ins and outs of session and how you can participate in the legislative process here.
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation event on January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at our District Office (28800 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores). RSVP here.
- If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, there are several warming centers located throughout our community. Find a list here.
Reflecting on the Historic Progress of the 102nd Legislature
Since the 102nd Legislature began in January 2023, my colleagues and I worked hard to pass policies to solve real problems for our community and build tangible progress that improves the lives of everyday Michiganders. While our state saw political gamesmanship and special interests win out under previous leadership — our new Senate Majority opted to legislate in a bipartisan and pragmatic fashion that put people first. Among the wins we delivered for our community was legislation to:
- Deliver on pocketbook issues by repealing the unfair retirement tax, securing historic tax relief for working families, making child care and higher education more affordable and accessible.
- Obtain transformational investments for people, schools, and communities here in our lakeshore district and across the state, including $15 million to improve local water infrastructure and $28 million to help secure the future of Selfridge.
- Build healthier, safer communities by protecting Michiganders’ affordable health care coverage, enacting common-sense gun violence prevention policies, addressing our state’s paramedic shortage, and supporting first responders.
- Strengthen the rights and freedoms of all Michigan residents, including voters, workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Preserve Michigan’s unmatched natural resources by passing historic clean, renewable energy policies and finding ways for business and environmental interests to work together to create communities with access to fresh air, clean water, and good-paying jobs.
First Bills of 2025 Introduced: Building a Fair Economy that Works for All
In 2018, advocates across Michigan worked to include two proposals on residents’ ballot aimed at improving our state’s minimum wage and paid leave policies. However, Republican lawmakers in Lansing tried to play political games, preemptively passing both initiatives before Election Day so they wouldn’t go on the ballot, only to return later in the year to significantly weaken the policies. After years of court battles regarding these back-door tactics, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled their actions unconstitutional this past summer.
As a result, both workers and small businesses are facing uncertainties and economic repercussions. To find a balance that ensures that workers have strong rights, employers are able to run their businesses, and that the spirit of the ballot initiative process is upheld, my colleagues and I worked with a broad coalition of stakeholders and developed a policy proposal we introduced this week. Composed of Senate Bills 8 and 15, this legislation would accelerate the increase of Michigan’s minimum wage, protect and improve the tipped credit, and guarantee access to paid sick time for workers. (Read more about these bills here.)
As the new legislative session gets underway, I’m hopeful the legislature can pass a reasonable compromise that sets us on a path to create a fairer, more robust economy that works for everyone.
Your Guide to Session
I take tremendous pride of this historic work that the Michigan Legislature accomplished over these past two years. Working across the aisle and with constituents and varied stakeholders, we tackled issues and addressed the needs of Michigan residents that have been overlooked for decades. We sought to transform our state and build a brighter future for everyone, and while we made progress, our work is never done.
As we enter 2025, we begin a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House and new opportunities to deliver results for our community. To do that work most effectively, though, I need to hear your perspective.
As committees begin to meet and more votes are scheduled, I hope that you will follow along and reach out to me with your thoughts and ideas. Learn more about the ins and outs of session and how you can participate in the legislative process here. And to share your input with me, please reach us through our website, give us a call, or attend one of our upcoming events!
Stay Warm as Temperatures Drop
With Michigan’s infamous cold weather here, please make sure to stay warm. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, below is a list of warming center locations in or around District 12 that are heated and open to the public.
- Chesterfield Township Library | (586) 598-4900 | 50560 Patricia Ave., Chesterfield Twp. | See hours here.
- Clinton-Macomb South Library | (586) 226-5070 | 35891 South Gratiot Ave., Clinton Twp. | See hours here.
- Harrison Township Government Office | (586) 466-1400 | 38151 L’Anse Creuse, Harrison Twp. | See hours here.
- Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility | (586) 469-5265 | 43533 Elizabeth Rd., Mount Clemens | See hours here.
- Macomb County Sheriff’s Department | (586) 469-5151 | 43565 Elizabeth St., Mount Clemens | See hours here.
If possible, call ahead to ensure the warming center has space and capacity. For additional locations, please dial 2-1-1 or find a complete map online here.
Michigan Green Schools Application Now Open
The Michigan Green Schools program is a fun, educational initiative that encourages students and teachers to participate in activities that are good for the environment and promote energy efficiency and savings. For the 2023-2024 school year, more than 30 schools here in District 12 were awarded a Green School designation for their stewardship activities!
Now through March 9, the program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Any K-12 public or private school in Michigan may apply using their online portal. For more information about the program or how to apply, click here.
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:
January Coffee Hour
WHEN: Friday, January 17 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 email me at SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov. You can also call our Lansing Office at (517) 373-7315 or our District Office at (586) 252-2157.
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.