Dear Neighbor,
With fall officially in full swing, I hope you are able to take some time during these next few months to go outside and enjoy all the wonderful autumn festivities our state offers. From cider mills and apple picking to watching the leaves change color, there’s no end of options to choose from.
In this newsletter, I hope to share a few community resources and information on several upcoming events we have planned. I would also like to take a moment to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. If you or a loved one is struggling, please know that you are not alone and that help is available by calling or texting 988, the 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline.
As always, I’d love to know your thoughts on what topics you’re interested in or what questions you’d like to see answered. 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.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter — I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
Featured in this newsletter:
- Suicide Prevention Month
- Standing in Solidarity with UAW Workers
- Upcoming Events
- Community Resources
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we take a moment to raise awareness and destigmatize the topic. With one in five Americans and nearly 1.5 million Michiganders experiencing mental health issues each year, it’s important to remind ourselves to care for our mental and emotional health.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for those struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
For more information on how to spread awareness during Suicide Prevention Month, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website here.
Investments in Mental Health Care
As Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, expanding access to quality, affordable behavioral health care is a top priority of mine. Throughout our state, communities are grappling with the issue of having too little access to mental health support — a crisis particularly affecting young Michiganders and our veterans. That’s why the Michigan Legislature took action and made critical investments in the 2024 State Budget to address this gap in coverage and ensure all Michigan residents who need assistance can access it. A few highlights of the budget’s investments in mental health care include:
$280 million for certified community behavioral health clinics to expand access to care.
$328 million in the education budget to address the mental health and safety concerns of students and teachers.
$40 million for the Macomb County Intake Facility to construct a new central intake and mental health unit, among other upgrades, allowing the county jail to provide better mental and physical health outcomes for those who come in contact with the criminal justice system.
$1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to help military veterans and their families.
This month, the Senate Health Policy Committee will also be hearing testimony on several pieces of legislation related to reducing the negative impacts of substance use. If you have personal ties to the issue or have thoughts you would like to share with our members, I invite you to reach out and follow the progress of these bills here.
Standing in Solidarity with UAW Workers
Unions built our middle class here in Michigan, and they continue to be instrumental in helping families achieve their version of the American Dream. Throughout my time in public service, I have fought to represent Michigan workers and ensure they are able to succeed. This past year, our Majority for the People has proudly fought to restore workers’ rights to collectively bargain and uphold unions’ efforts to negotiate their wages and benefits.
As UAW workers use every tool at their disposal to earn a fair contract, I stand in solidarity with them. For too long, we’ve seen automotive executives’ pay checks reach higher and higher amounts, while workers have struggled to make ends meet. It’s time for our workers to begin enjoying the benefits of the economic success they are helping to create.
Ultimately, when our workers succeed, Michigan succeeds. A fair contract will not only benefit workers but will strengthen our automotive industry and set our state up for economic success for years to come.
Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the Strike
To those individuals and families impacted by this strike, I encourage you to check out the assistance being offered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO):
- The Claimant Roadmap
- First-time filer coaching sessions
- UIA Community Connect
- Assistance with resetting account passwords
- Work Share
- Registration and Seeking Work Waiver
- Employer Filed Claims
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
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:
Coffee and Conversation with Senator Hertel
WHEN: Friday, September 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Saint Clair Shores Senior Center, 20100 Stephens St, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
WHEN: Monday, October 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Tucker Senior Center, 26980 Ballard St, Harrison Township, MI 48045
WHEN: Friday, October 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Small Business Town Hall
WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Doors open at 10:00 a.m.)
WHERE: New Baltimore Civic Club, 36551 Main St, New Baltimore, MI 48047
Join us in New Baltimore for a Small Business Town Hall to learn about opportunities for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in our area. Guest speakers include representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Small Business Administration and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.
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, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Community Resources
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Apply for a Home Heating Credit — Deadline is September 30
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the State of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. Over the last five years, the average qualifying household received $209 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the September 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.