Investing in Opportunities for Our Community 

Over $140 Million Secured 

Letter from the Desk of Senator Kevin Hertel

Our state budget is more than just numbers on a page — it’s a representation of our commitment to building up Michiganders and the communities we call home. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I make it a priority to meet with a wide range of folks, including constituents, local leaders, community organizations, veterans, small business owners, educators, and first responders. 

Crafted with these voices at their heart, our state budgets have been able to present real solutions to the challenges facing our state, while setting us up for long-term growth. They also make key investments in local projects to ensure residents have clean water to drink, good roads to drive on, safe communities to call home, excellent schools to send their kids to, and much more. During my time in the Senate, I’ve helped secure over $140 million in state funding for projects across our lakeshore community — from Grosse Pointe to Harsens Island — all with the goal of making life better for the people who call this region home. 

Nevertheless, this work is far from over, and I remain committed to using my position to build up our community for this generation and the next.  

Sincerely, 

Senator Hertel Signature

Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12 

I’ve helped secure nearly $110 million in state funding for projects across our lakeshore community
I’ve helped secure nearly $110 million in state funding for projects across our lakeshore community

2026 State Budget

A Budget that Puts You First 

After spending months doing the hard work required to reach a fiscally responsible budget that delivers on the priorities of Michiganders, the Legislature has finally gotten the job done! The bipartisan agreement my colleagues and I passed not only meets today’s needs but will help set up our state for success in years to come. Here’s a few highlights of what’s included: 

Protecting Health Care Access

Protecting Health Care Access

While the Trump administration works to slash Medicaid funding and throw hundreds of thousands of Michiganders off their insurance, our state budget saves the program from devastating cuts to ensure health care remains accessible and affordable.

Making Historic Investments in Students

Making Historic Investments in Students

To give our students the best chance at a bright future, this budget includes the highest-ever per-pupil funding, ensures every public school student gets free breakfast and lunch, increases funding for school safety and mental health, and so much more.

Funding a Long-Term Road Solution

Funding a Long-Term Road Solution

This plan makes a historic $2 billion investment in the local roads you drive on every day and sets aside funding for new projects to repair highways and bridges — helping make your daily commute easier while supporting thousands of good-paying construction jobs.
 

Learn more about how our 2026 state budget invests in you and your family. 

Investments by the Numbers 

Building Safe Communities

Building Safe Communities

Everyone deserves to feel safe, whether you’re at home, grocery shopping, or driving to work. That’s why as Chair of the committee responsible for crafting the State Police and Veterans Affairs budgets, I’ve focused on bringing state dollars back to our community to support first responders and secure the future of Selfridge. 

$54 million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to reroute the runway and make other updates necessary for the Harrison Township base to compete for next generation aircraft and future fighter missions.  

$40 million for the Macomb County Jail 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.  

$500,000 to allow the Mt. Clemens Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck, giving them the opportunity to retire a vehicle at the end of its life span. 

$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. 

Revitalizing Community Spaces

Supporting Local Schools

As the father of two boys, I understand the importance of making sure all young Michiganders can receive the best education possible. From expanding Pre-K opportunities to providing students with more access to hands-on experiences in the classroom — I’m fighting to prioritize school funding so children in our lakeshore community can have a promising future. 

$1.25 million for the Lake Shore Public Schools, allowing the district to expand their early childhood center, while also adding community and adult education spaces. 

$1 million for Harper Woods Public Schools to expand their Career and Technical Education program and continue providing students with opportunities to develop and apply their academic and industry-based skills in real-world experiences. 

$450,000 for Grosse Pointe Public Schools to make needed upgrades to the district’s technology system. 

Supporting Local Schools

Revitalizing Community Spaces

If we’re serious about growing Michigan’s population and strengthening our communities, we need to make them places where people want to work, live, and play. Over the last few years, I’ve made it a priority to work with local leaders to identify meaningful projects to expand access to affordable housing, revitalize shared spaces, and create recreational opportunities that everyone can enjoy.  

$10 million for a housing development project in Mount Clemens to revitalize the old Victory Inn and provide new housing opportunities for young people looking to make their home in Macomb. 

$5 million for Lake St. Clair Metropark’s North Marina to support a large-scale renovation of the park and its water access. 

$2 million for a riverfront revitalization project in Mount Clemens that will create vibrant, attractive spaces and help boost economic development.

$1 million for the City of St. Clair Shores to make infrastructure improvements along the Nautical Mile. 

$1 million for the city of Algonac to renovate the Lions Field community swimming pool. 

$1 million for Detroit and the Grosse Pointes to come together and build a co-designed future for Mack Avenue, including green design, pedestrian-friendly corridors, and high-density, mixed-use zoning. 

$980,000 for the Vernier Road project in Grosse Pointe Woods, redesigning a safer route to nearby schools for students. 

$200,000 for a pocket park in Harper Woods, affording young people in Harper Woods the opportunity to have a neighborhood park within walking distance from where they live. 

Investment Spotlights 

Macomb County Jail Mental Health Unit

Macomb County Jail Mental Health Unit

Championed funding for a new central intake and mental health unit at the Macomb County Jail.  Once complete, the new jail is set to become a national model on how to keep our communities safe, while ensuring the needs of our most vulnerable and underserved are met. 

Learn More

Selfridge Air National Guard Base

Selfridge Air National Guard Base

Secured tens of millions of dollars to upgrade the infrastructure at Selfridge and position the base for a future fighter mission. Thanks to these investments, the base has been awarded new refueling and fighter missions, securing the base’s future. 

Learn More

Chapaton Retention Basin

Chapaton Retention Basin

With a $72 million appropriation, Macomb County can expand the Chapaton Retention Basin in St. Clair Shores, cutting sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair so your basement stays dry, the lake stays clean, and our families can keep enjoying all that it has to offer. 

Learn More

Fighting to Protect Lake St. Clair 

Protecting the lake for current and future generations is a responsibility I take seriously.  

As we see an increasing number of extreme weather events that strain the capabilities of our aging infrastructure and send pollution into the water, it’s important for all of us to work together to ensure the health of Lake St. Clair. That’s why, throughout my time in the Legislature, I worked to secure nearly $100 million to build up our region’s crumbling water infrastructure.  

Learn more here

Taking Action to Protect Michiganders’ Access to Clean Water

Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township

“Selfridge Air National Guard Base plays a pivotal role in our nation’s defense and our state’s economy. With the strategic leadership of base command, support from Gov. Whitmer and Sen. Hertel and relentless advocacy from our local champions, we were successful in securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge. As we prepare for the arrival of this mission, we are appreciative of the state’s commitment to invest in and modernize the bases infrastructure.”

— Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive

Affordable Housing Project, Mount Clemens

“As we look to invite more young people and young families to Macomb County, we must make investments in the types of housing they’re looking for. We are seeing younger generations opting to settle in walkable, semi-urban communities where they have places to go and things to do within a compact radius. With this project, we are building upon our city’s unique design to provide these options for folks and secure a brighter future for Mount Clemens.”

— Laura Kropp, Mount Clemens Mayor

Public Safety Academy

“Funding for the Public Safety Academy program is essential for communities like ours who are struggling to find people interested in pursuing a career in public safety. By the state providing scholarships for the recruitment of local police officers to attend a basic training academy, we’re able to put more officers on the roads and ensure residents can feel safe in their homes, at work, and everywhere in between. Grosse Pointe Woods has already used the program to help train several officers and will continue to do so as long as the funding is available. Chiefs, Directors and Sheriffs appreciate Michigan’s commitment to safety!”

— John G. Kosanke, Director of Public Safety, Grosse Pointe Woods 

Community Pool, Algonac

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without Senator Hertel’s shared vision for the city of Algonac. The funds he secured will help transform and improve the quality of life of our residents, leaving a lasting imprint on generations to come.”

— Rocky Gillis, Algonac Mayor

Regional Water Monitoring Program

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without Senator Hertel’s shared vision for the city of Algonac. The funds he secured will help transform and improve the quality of life of our residents, leaving a lasting imprint on generations to come.”

— Candice Miller, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner

Regional Water Monitoring Program

“The value of monitoring, rapid response, and communication in the event of a major spill or discharge cannot be overstated. About half of Michigan’s population relies on drinking water from the Huron-to-Erie Corridor, and we are extremely pleased to work with Southeast Michigan’s water providers to continue this critical public health protection.”

— Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG 

Roscommon Park, Harper Woods

“This is more than just a park. It’s a testament to what happens when the voices of our residents are heard and resources are invested equitably in our neighborhoods.”

— Valerie Kindle, Harper Woods Mayor

Community Newsroom

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants for Before- and After- School Programs 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants for Before- and After- School Programs 

Dec 19, 2023

$50M in grants expands access to affordable, engaging before, after, and summer school opportunities for over 67,000 students at 780 locations across the state    LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education,...