LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 26, 2025) — Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “State of the State” address tonight and her proposal to include a $26 million investment in the state budget for infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base:
“The future of our community is dependent on the future of Selfridge. The base is not only a source of immense pride, but it serves as a critical asset to our national security and a driver of economic growth in our state. I’m grateful to have Governor Whitmer as a strong partner who recognizes the important role Selfridge plays and is committed to building on the progress we’ve already made to secure the funds needed for its long-term success.
“As conversations on the final budget continue, I will remain a staunch advocate for the future of Selfridge and keep working to ensure the Legislature’s spending matches the governor’s — and my — commitment to the base and the many men and women it employs.”
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police, Sen. Hertel has been a tireless advocate of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the brave men and women who serve there. Last term, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Resolution 9 of 2023, introduced by Sen. Hertel, that urged the United States Air Force to award an advanced generation fighter mission to Selfridge. Through the budget process, Sen. Hertel has also secured $28 million for the base to expand the runway and make other updates necessary to compete for a future mission.
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