Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer before the crisp, cool autumn air approaches.
As we near the end of the season, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and share with you what Team Hertel has been up to during the Legislature’s in-district work period. From Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores to Chesterfield and Harsens Island — we have been meeting with residents, small business owners, local leaders and first responders to listen to their priorities and discuss recent legislative accomplishments.
As we gear up for the fall legislative session, I’d love to know what topics you’re interested in or questions you’d like to see answered. Please feel free to reach out to my office with your thoughts on any legislative topic, or with any questions or 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.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter — I hope to see you soon.
Working for you,
Kevin HertelState SenatorDistrict 12
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Community Updates
Celebrating Buy Michigan Week in New Baltimore
The Pink House Tea Room in New Baltimore is filled with so much joy and history and delicious scones. Thank you, Jennifer, for inviting me to tour your vibrant small business — it was a perfect way to celebrate Buy Michigan Week!
Touring Sans Souci Bar
After closing a few years ago, Sans Souci Bar on Harsens Island is set to reopen soon and reestablish itself as a pillar of the community. Thanks for letting me stop by to see the progress — I cannot wait until it’s open!
Talking About Water Infrastructure with Harsens Island Residents
I enjoyed visiting Harsens Island where I talked with residents and business owners about upcoming plans to bring a new wastewater treatment plant to the island. With the proper water infrastructure, we can protect our waterways and revitalize the Sans Souci community for all to enjoy!
Distributing Water in Chesterfield Township
Thank you to the Chesterfield Township Fire Department and Supervisor’s Office for ensuring residents affected by the water main break have access to bottled water. I was glad to lend a hand with distribution and meet with affected community members. I remain committed to advocating for funding to address our community’s aging infrastructure and ensure all residents have access to clean drinking water.
Checking Out the Bassmaster Tournament in Chesterfield
Bassmaster is such a cool event right in our backyard on beautiful Lake St. Clair! I had a great time in Chesterfield checking out the festivities.
Meeting with First Responders at the St. Clair Shores Fire Department
Stopped by to see my friends at the St. Clair Shores Fire Department (and get some culinary tips)! It was great to meet some of our city’s brave first responders and discuss how we are working in Lansing to support their efforts to keep our communities safe.
Participating in a Roundtable Discussion on Veteran Suicide
This session, I am honored to serve as Chair of the Military, Veterans, State Police Appropriations Subcommittee. During the budget process, our committee secured $1.2 million to address veteran suicide. To further discuss behavioral health and what this funding means for Michigan veterans, I participated in a roundtable discussion with Lt. Gov. Gilchrist, Senator Veronica Klinefelt, Major General Rogers and veterans service organizations.
Sailing on Lake St. Clair with the Macomb Chamber of Commerce
We are so fortunate to have Lake St. Clair in our backyard. In July, I joined the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce and local elected officials to learn about the economic impact of our great lake. To learn more about just how much Lake St. Clair has to offer, click here.
Celebrating Local Heroes
I was humbled to present Justen Bechamp with a tribute honoring his vigilance and moral strength, which allowed him to step up and take quick action to protect his community from a dangerous individual who was suspected of stabbing two people.
Touring the Michigan State Police Training Academy
Thank you to the Michigan State Police for welcoming our team to the MSP training academy to celebrate critical funding the department is set to receive in the 2024 budget! I had a great time touring the facilities and discussing ways we can continue to modernize policing efforts.
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:
Sans Souci Town Hall WHEN: Thursday August 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Harsens Island Lions Hall, 230 La Croix Rd, Harsens Island, MI 48028 Join Senator Hertel, Clay Township Supervisor Artie Bryson and other guests for a town hall to discuss an upcoming project to construct a new wastewater treatment plant on Harsens Island and have your questions answered by local leaders and subject experts.
Coffee and Conversation with Senator Hertel WHEN: Friday, August 18, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Small Business Town Hall WHEN: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. WHERE: Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Join Senator Hertel and Representative Mentzer, the Small Business Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a town hall to connect budding entrepreneurs and existing small business owners with the support and opportunities that available to them.
District Office Hours with Staff WHEN: Every Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Helpful Resources
Helping Medicaid Members Keep Their Coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals were planned to start again in June. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced that individuals will have an extra month past their original deadline to submit their required documents.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
In the recently passed state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, the Michigan Legislature — after 30 years of inadequate funding — reinvested in local health departments to ensure they had the resources necessary to provide residents with essential health services such as immunizations. Every Michigander committed to protecting the health of themsevles, their family and community can recieve free or low-cost vaccinations at their local health department.
> To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.
> Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.
Consumer Protection Advisory – Be Cautious of QR Codes from Unknown Sources
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office wants residents to be cautious of the QR (or quick response) codes they scan. Some criminals are hijacking these by placing stickers with codes they create over the top of the real QR code. When scanned, these malicious codes direct victims to phishing websites where their personal or financial information can be stolen.
It is important to know the codes themselves are not dangerous. It’s when they are used to steal or commit fraud that they become problematic. In order to avoid falling victim to this scam, do not scan a code if it is on a sticker, looks like it has been replaced or is covered up. If possible, simply type in the URL for that website. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your personal information, click here.