Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! 2025 was a year full of unprecedented challenges — as many leaders in Lansing and Washington were unfortunately too preoccupied with playing political games than with addressing the needs of the people they serve. Despite this, our team was able to find ways to work together with Democrats and Republicans to deliver results for our lakeshore community. Read more about the legislative priorities we had signed into law, the bills we’re still working towards, the investments we secured, and more in our newsletter below.
But before I dive into those details, I want to take a moment to thank you and the many people who engaged with our office this year. The legislation we passed and the funding we secured were only possible because of your perspective and partnership. The stories and personal experiences shared with me help inform my work and strengthen my ability to be a responsive, representative voice for our community.
As we head into 2026, I encourage you to stay involved and keep reaching out to me and my team. 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
- 2025 was a busy year! In Lansing, we had three bills signed into law to give working families a pay increase, support Michigan veterans, and help tackle our affordable housing crisis. Read more about this work below.
- For me to effectively be your voice in Lansing, I need to hear from you! Learn more about the ins and outs of our Senate session and how you can participate in the legislative process here.
- Join me for my upcoming Happy Hour event on January 26 at 6:00 p.m. in Grosse Pointe Park. RSVP here.
Recapping 2025
The 2025 session was one unlike any other I have experienced. Due to different political parties gaining control of each chamber — Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans controlling the House — there was unfortunately too much throwing around of political rhetoric than there was actual lawmaking. In the past year, the Legislature sent only 74 bills to the Governor for signature. This is a record low number of bills signed into law in our state’s history.
Nevertheless, our team was committed to putting politics aside and finding ways to work across the aisle — without compromising our core values — to find common ground where possible, deliver solutions to challenges facing Michiganders, and push back against harmful legislation and budget cuts. Read on to learn more about this work.
Three Bills Signed into Law in 2025
During the past year, I introduced 23 bills, with three of them making it through the full legislative process. Normally, this number is a bit larger — but given the current climate in Lansing, I ended up being the Senator with the second most bills signed into law.
To get these pieces of legislation across the finish line, it was imperative that I worked with Senators and House members, both Democrats and Republicans. And because of that bicameral, bipartisan spirit, I am proud to say that all three bills were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
1. Accelerating the Increase of the Minimum Wage and Protecting Servers’ Tips: When the livelihoods of workers and business owners in our state were threatened with the uncertainty a recent state supreme court case brought, they didn’t care about politics — they just wanted their elected leaders to come together and find a solution. This legislation is exactly that: a solution that balances the needs of workers and small business owners alike.
More specifically, it will put more money in the pockets of working families by accelerating the increase of Michigan’s minimum wage, with 731,000 workers overall getting a pay raise. The bill also supports restaurant workers and other tipped employees by protecting and increasing the tipped wage credit. Learn more here.
2. Supporting Michigan’s Veterans: Meeting the full spectrum of our veterans’ needs takes a coordinated, all-hands-on-deck approach — one where nonprofits and community-based organizations are treated as vital partners. This legislation will fulfill that vision to ensure veteran service organizations have the tools and resources necessary to connect more veterans with the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. Learn more here.
3. Beginning to Tackle the Housing Crisis: If we’re serious about tackling this crisis and making housing more attainable for working families, we have to explore every avenue available to us. This legislation, which increases the number of buildable lots on parcels of land, is one way to simplify burdensome bureaucratic hurdles and spur the construction of more affordable housing. Learn more here.
Actions to Lower Costs Amid Skyrocketing Prices
Between groceries and gas, child care and doctors’ visits, the cost of living adds up really quickly. As folks face these high costs and economic uncertainty, Michiganders need real, immediate relief. That’s why I’ve been laser-focused on giving families a little extra breathing room in their budgets.
One of the first actions I took in the Senate was to pass the biggest tax relief initiative Michigan has seen in decades, which cut taxes by $1 billion by repealing the retirement tax and expanding tax credits for working families. But our work didn’t stop there! This past year, my colleagues and I continued working to lower costs in every aspect of families’ budgets, from health care and housing to education and child care, by:
- Eliminating state taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
- Protecting Medicaid from devastating federal cuts to ensure health care remains accessible and affordable.
- Continuing to fund the free school meal program, saving families an estimated $1,000 per child every year.
- Making major investments to lower child care costs and expand affordable preschool for four-year-olds, helping families save $10,000 annually.
- Passing legislation to rein in the cost of prescription drugs and establish hospital price transparency.
- Working to modernize and expand the Homestead Property Tax Credit to provide meaningful tax relief to nearly half a million Michigan renters and homeowners.
Pushing Back Against the Chaos and Cuts Coming from Washington
At the start of 2025, we saw a new President and a new Congress take hold of power. One of the main messages we received from our new Republican leaders in Washington: they are hellbent on attacking the health and safety of Michiganders. All for the purpose of affording a $4 trillion tax break for the wealthiest individuals and corporations.
They began the year off by laying the groundwork to make massive cuts to Medicaid, which they successfully did in July when they passed President Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill. This move is anticipated to kick hundreds of thousands of Michiganders off their health insurance, force rural hospitals to close, and drive up costs for everyone else. Then, to end the year, Washington Republicans failed to renew the ACA tax credits that have helped over 500,000 Americans access affordable health care. Now, families across Michigan are bracing for the consequences of these actions. Already, we’ve seen reports of folks going without insurance due to the skyrocketing costs.
Informed by patients, health professionals, and care providers, Senator Sylvia Santana and I compiled a report earlier this year that underscores how federal cuts to Medicaid would be disastrous for the state. Read it here.
Throughout it all, I’ve used my position as Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee to uplift the voices of Michiganders who stand to be impacted by these devastating cuts, while advocating for our federal representative to course correct and protect working families’ health care access.
In our 2026 state budget, I also supported key investments to mitigate the damage of these cuts to ensure those who rely on Medicaid here in Michigan can continue to seek care when needed.
As we enter into the second year of this administration, I stand ready to keep fighting for you and our community. But I can’t do this work alone. I invite you to share with us your personal story of how these cuts are impacting you and your family. By sharing your experiences, you can help shape our next steps and give us more tools to fight back. Learn more and take action here.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Passing the Building Blocks Michigan Needs to Cut the Cost of Parenting
While it may be a new year, my priorities are still the same: lowering costs and creating opportunities for Michigan families. In 2025, I introduced a bold, transformative package to help make parenting more affordable. This legislation would:
- Provide a significant income boost to working families through a targeted Working Parents Tax Cut.
- Expand Rx Kids statewide, a first-of-its-kind program that provides cash payments to new mothers and their babies.
- Tackle the child care crisis from both the demand and supply side.
Specifically, my bill in the package would provide a tax credit of $5,500 for working families with children through the age of 3. The credit would be simple to apply and qualify for, so you can keep more of what you earn and focus on giving your kids the healthy, happy lives they deserve.
As we head into 2026, I’ll be working to advance this package and continue delivering solutions to the affordability crisis Michigan families are facing.
Learn more here.
Putting Kids Over Clicks and Holding Big Tech Accountable
As the father of two young boys, one of the biggest concerns I have is how I can keep my kids safe in an increasingly digital world where Big Tech companies seem to do everything in their power to prioritize profit over their well-being. While we see report after report from doctors and researchers about the harmful effects of endless social media scrolling, we continue to see no action from CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk that center the well-being of our kids.
That’s why I joined with my colleagues to introduce legislation to hold Big Tech accountable and begin to combat the detrimental effects of unfettered online activity on Michigan kids. More specifically:
- The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act would prohibit social media platforms from providing addictive, personal data-driven feeds to minors unless parental consent is given;
- The Kids Code Act, my bill, would mandate stricter data privacy and safety settings for minors on digital platforms while also giving parents more control over their children’s online accounts; and
- The Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act would ensure that dangerous AI companion chatbots are inaccessible to children, including those that have the capability to encourage self-harming behaviors, illegal activities, sexually explicit interactions, etc.
Getting this package across the finish line will be one of my top priorities this year. As we work with community members and stakeholders to get this accomplished, you can learn more here.
Over $30 Million Secured for Our Community in 2025
In addition to passing legislation, the Legislature is also responsible for crafting a fiscally responsible state budget by July 1st each year. Once again, this year’s budget process was very different from previous ones.
Here in the Senate, we stuck to schedule: starting in January, we sat down with stakeholders across Michigan to learn more about their needs; we crafted a budget that reflected what we heard; we passed it through the chamber; and we came to the table ready to negotiate a fair and timely compromise ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, our colleagues in the House failed to do so — choosing not to pass their final budget proposal until a mere 40 days before the start of the new fiscal year.
Nevertheless, despite the uncertainty that marked last year’s budget process, both chambers were able to come to a bipartisan agreement that ensures a stable and balanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year. This final agreement helps to keep our state moving forward through targeted and intentional investments that are rooted in what matters most to the people we serve.
At the state level, this budget makes record investments in education and protects vital services like SNAP and Medicaid. The budget also supports numerous projects throughout our lakeshore community. Some of these highlights include:
- $26 million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to reroute their runway and make other updates in preparation for the arrival of new fighter and refueling missions.
- $800,000 for Macomb County Public Works Department to conduct a three-year field trial to test strategies to manage and remove the muck plaguing Lake St. Clair.
- $1 million for the city of St. Clair Shores to make infrastructure improvements along the Nautical Mile.
- $500,000 for Chesterfield Township to construct a safety storage facility at Brandenburg Park to help improve efficiency and public safety response along the waterfront.
- $450,000 for Grosse Pointe Public Schools to make needed upgrades to the district’s technology system.
To learn more about these investments and the 2026 state budget, click here.
Exciting Progress Made with Previous Investments
While we worked to secure funding for new projects throughout our community, there were several projects we’ve assisted with in budgets past that had some exciting developments. Some of these include:
- Chapaton Retention Basin: This September, I had the privilege of joining Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller to announce that the Chapaton Canal rehabilitation and expansion project is complete. Made possible by a $27 million state investment I helped secure, this long-awaited initiative is set to reduce sewer overflows from the county’s southeast drainage district by 50%, helping to protect the health of Lake St. Clair as the state faces more frequent heavy rain events. Read more here.
- Algonac Community Pool: In 2020, Algonac’s pool was closed due to significant water loss and safety concerns. Ever since then, community leaders and residents have been actively working to bring back this important public asset. In our 2024 state budget, I secured a $1 million investment to help them rehabilitate the community pool, which was officially opened to the public this past August! I had a blast celebrating this exciting news with Mayor Gillis, members of the city council, and Algonac families. Read more here.
- Water Monitoring Program: Back in August, I joined the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments at the Marysville Water Filtration Plant as they launched a new water monitoring program with the help of a $1.5 million state investment. This new program will help Lake St. Clair communities swiftly detect and address potential contaminants in our water. That means families can have greater peace of mind knowing the water coming out of their faucet at home is safe. Read more here.
- Macomb County Jail Intake: Earlier this year, I met up with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel to see the incredible progress they’re making on the county jail’s new central intake and mental health unit. This project, fueled by a $40 million state investment I fought to secure, will allow us to ensure better mental and physical health outcomes for those who come through our criminal justice system. When finished in early 2027, this facility will set a new standard nationally — showing that we can keep our neighborhoods safe while also tackling mental health and substance abuse in our communities. Read more here.
- Mount Clemens Housing Development: After the old Victory Inn was demolished last year, we were finally able to break ground on a new housing development that will be built on the Mount Clemens site. This will nearly double the number of available housing units in the city’s downtown and help provide new opportunities for young people looking to make their home in Macomb. Read more here.
And the biggest piece of news we received about the progress of past investments: Selfridge has finally secured a new fighter mission! Thanks to a $54 million state investment I worked with my colleagues to secure, the U.S. Dept. of Defense announced that they will be locating a future fighter mission composed of 20 F-15EXs at the Harrison Township base.
This announcement is a major win for our region, made possible by leaders at every level working together — from my legislative colleagues and Governor Whitmer to our congressional delegation and the President. Read more here.
A Year Full of Community Connections
While we were busy delivering legislative wins in Lansing, my team and I also made it a priority to stay in touch with District 12 residents through coffee hours, town halls, and community events.
Throughout this past year, I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents, leaders, and advocates — from Harper Woods to Harsens Island — to hear about what issues matter most to them. Between the many community events we attended and the thousands of doors our team knocked, I’m thankful for each and every person who took the time to engage with our office.
As I head back to Lansing for a new session year, I invite you to reach out to our team or attend one of our events. Our work is better when it’s informed by the voices of our community. Whether you have concerns to share, ideas for new polices, or simply want to stay informed, your input and involvement in the legislative process is invaluable.
Your Guide to Session: Take Part in the Legislative Process
This winter, I’m returning to Lansing with the hope that our divided government can finally put politics aside once and for all, so we can come to the table to find common ground and deliver solutions for our communities.
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. 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.
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends This Week
The Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of all the benefits and savings they may qualify for before the 2026 open enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace closes on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Marketplace consumers who missed the Dec. 18 deadline for coverage to begin on Jan. 1 may qualify for a special enrollment period if they have experienced a qualifying life event, such as birth, job loss, or divorce.
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.
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:
Happy Hour in Grosse Pointe Park
WHEN: Monday, January 26, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Atwater in the Park, 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Please RSVP here.
Community Office Hours with Team Hertel
During the week, I often have to travel to Lansing for votes and committee hearings, which takes me away from attending community events and meetings with folks in the district. Despite this, I still wanted to ensure my office is available to assist and hear from community members. That’s why in 2025, we launched a new slate of office hours that take place throughout the 12th District.
From Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores to Mount Clemens and New Baltimore, members of our team are available to you whether you need assistance navigating an issue with a state department or simply want to share your thoughts on an issue.
I encourage you to stop by if you can! And if these times do not work with your schedule, please reach out — we’re happy to find an additional time to meet.
[RSVP for Upcoming Office Hours Here]
New Baltimore Office Hours
WHEN: Tuesday, January 20, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: MacDonald Public Library, 36480 Main St., New Baltimore, MI 48047
Weekly Office Hours in St. Clair Shores
WHEN: Every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and by appointment.
WHERE: District Office, 22424 Greater Mack Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
Mount Clemens Office Hours
WHEN: Tuesday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Harper Woods Office Hours
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Harper Woods Public Library, 19601 Harper Ave, Harper Woods, MI 48225
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, Instagram, and BlueSky.