[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/01\/2026-Hertel_Header-scaled.jpg” alt=”2026 Hertel Header Senator Hertel” title_text=”2026 Hertel Header Senator Hertel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! In between the barbecues, lake days, and fireworks, the Fourth of July is\u00a0a great time\u00a0to be thankful for the freedoms and opportunities we hold as Americans, while also reflecting on the work that still lies ahead in building a more perfect union.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While it may feel as if our country is deeply divided in this moment in time, I hope we can use the celebration of 250 years of this great American experiment to find faith, hope, and a common purpose in our future \u2014 for I would like to believe there is far more that unites us than divides us. At the end of the day, we all want our families to be able to secure their version of the American Dream.\u00a0Helping make that dream more attainable for every Michigander is what motivates me every day I go to the Capitol for votes, and\u00a0it’s\u00a0a responsibility I never take for granted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek\u00a0assistance\u00a0with any challenges you may be facing with state departments \u2014 we are here to serve you.\u00a0You can reach my office by emailing\u00a0<\/span>SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a>, calling our Lansing office at (517) 373-7315, or calling our district office at (586) 252-2157.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/03\/hertelsignature.png” alt=”Senator Hertel Signature” title_text=”Senator Hertel Signature” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”30%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Kevin Hertel<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/01\/2026-Hertel_Recent-Highlights-scaled.jpg” alt=”If you’re in a rush \u2013 Recent Highlights Senator Hertel” title_text=”If you’re in a rush \u2013 Recent Highlights Senator Hertel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/01\/2026-Hertel_Legislative-Updates-scaled.jpg” alt=”Legislative Updates Senator Hertel” title_text=”Legislative Updates Senator Hertel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Status:\u00a0Several bills have been passed by the Senate and sent to the House<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been laser focused on finding ways we can lower healthcare costs here\u00a0in Michigan as\u00a0more and more\u00a0<\/span>families are naming healthcare as one of the top burdens on their budget<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0These\u00a0state-level\u00a0solutions are more important than ever as our federal representatives in Washington have been hellbent\u00a0on increasing insurance costs and stripping away folks\u2019 coverage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A key part of this agenda is the\u00a0<\/span>creation of a state-based health insurance exchange<\/span><\/a>, which would transition Michigan away from the federally managed health insurance marketplace and give us the enhanced flexibility to be more creative, more inclusive, and\u00a0ultimately more\u00a0cost-effective in the types of insurance products available to Michiganders.\u00a0Currently, 20 other states currently operate their own exchanges and are seeing great success.\u00a0In Colorado, for example, they were able to\u00a0<\/span>decrease premium prices by a whole 23%<\/span><\/a>\u00a0with their state exchange.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/06\/Hertel-HealthCare-scaled.jpg” alt=”Senator Hertel speaking in committee and at a podium at the Health Care You Can Afford press conference. He is surrounded by other Senators at the podium” title_text=”Hertel-HealthCare” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Another\u00a0component\u00a0of this agenda would\u00a0<\/span>allow for the creation of association health plans for small businesses<\/span><\/a>. For four decades, the\u00a0<\/span>cost of health insurance has remained the number one concern<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for small businesses \u2014 and in a\u00a0<\/span>recent survey conducted by the Small Business Association of Michigan<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0nearly 42%\u00a0of respondents said\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0less than three years away from not being able to offer health insurance at all\u00a0<\/span>if increases continue<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike larger corporations,\u00a0<\/span>small businesses often lack the leverage needed to negotiate lower insurance costs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0frequently\u00a0face higher administrative expenses. However, under my Senate Bill\u00a01011, these businesses would have the ability to band together, pool resources, and put together insurance options that reduce costs for themselves and their staff.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Both of these packages have passed the Senate \u2014 with my association health plan bill getting unanimous support\u00a0\u2014 and have been sent to the House for their consideration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Status:\u00a0Introduced\u00a0and referred to committee<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/03\/KOC-Press-Release.jpg” alt=”Senator Hertel speaking with Senator Camilleri and Polehanki” title_text=”Senator Hertel speaking with Senator Camilleri and Polehanki” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In tandem with my\u00a0<\/span>Healthcare\u00a0You Can Afford<\/span><\/i>\u00a0agenda, my colleagues, Sen.\u00a0Chedrick\u00a0Greene\u00a0and Sen. Darrin Camilleri introduced legislation to\u00a0eliminate\u00a0<\/span>out-of-pocket costs for three of the state\u2019s most high-volume, life-saving medical necessities<\/span>, including Insulin, Epinephrine, and Inhalers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While federal initiatives and other states have historically relied on price caps, this landmark legislation\u00a0establishes\u00a0an aggressive, first-of-its-kind true zero-dollar cost-sharing ($0 out-of-pocket) framework across private health insurance plans. By\u00a0eliminating\u00a0all deductibles and copayments, these bills ensure that families will no longer face financial barriers at the pharmacy counter for the medicines they need to survive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These bills have been referred to the Senate Health Policy\u00a0Committee, and I look forward to holding\u00a0a hearing\u00a0on these soon.\u00a0In the meantime, you can learn more about this legislation\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Status:\u00a0Introduced\u00a0and referred to committee<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/Hertel-DataCenters.jpg” alt=”Recently, my colleagues and I introduced bills to hold these data centers accountable and create the strongest regulation in the country for these projects. ” title_text=”Hertel-DataCenters” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As we see\u00a0more and more\u00a0tech companies trying to build data centers here in Michigan,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0fielding lots of questions from folks in our community. From worries about the negative impact these projects will have on our environment to how\u00a0they\u2019ll\u00a0impact\u00a0families\u2019 utility bills, these concerns are not misplaced\u00a0as\u00a0we see\u00a0<\/span>communities across the country facing the very real consequences of the data center boom<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0The lesson is clear: technological advancement may be inevitable, but whether communities\u00a0benefit\u00a0from that progress \u2014 or bear its costs \u2014 is a choice. And here in Michigan,\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0taking the hard lessons learned from other states and charting a different path.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recently, my colleagues and I introduced bills to hold\u00a0these\u00a0data centers accountable and create the strongest regulation in the country for these projects. This package would:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment for\u00a0consideration. Learn more\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Status:\u00a0Passed by the Senate<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whether it’s a severe storm that floods streets and basements across our lakeshore community or a once-in-a-generation blizzard in the Upper Peninsula, no family facing a disaster should also have to worry about being price-gouged when buying the essentials they need to get by.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To protect consumers against predatory business tactics\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0seen all too\u00a0often,\u00a0the Senate recently passed legislation that would keep<\/span>\u00a0housing, essential goods, and energy affordable during an issued state of emergency.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More specifically, this legislation would:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This package has been sent to the Michigan House for\u00a0their consideration. Learn more\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/07\/Hertel-LegislativeUpdate-scaled.jpg” alt=”Senator Hertel legislative updates” title_text=”Hertel-LegislativeUpdate” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2026\/01\/2026-Hertel_Helpful-News-scaled.jpg” alt=”Helpful News and Resources Senator Hertel” title_text=”Helpful News and Resources Senator Hertel” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This week, temperatures are expected to hit record highs with heat index values forecasted to reach triple digits. When\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0very hot\u00a0and humid,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During this heatwave, please make sure to stay cool. If you, a loved one, or a\u00a0neighbor\u00a0need a place to escape the heat, find a list of cooling center locations in and around our community that are open to the public\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Voting is one of our most fundamental rights in a functioning democracy. From local school board and city council races to state and federal races, your\u00a0voice\u00a0and your vote matter.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That’s\u00a0why\u00a0<\/span>my colleagues and I have been working to\u00a0champion legislation to\u00a0protect your right to vote<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0New changes\u00a0that have been implemented in recent elections\u00a0ultimately allow\u00a0eligible voters to enjoy expanded access to the ballot\u00a0box,\u00a0so they can safely, securely, and conveniently cast their vote without facing unnecessary barriers.\u00a0To learn more about how you can register to vote online, obtain an absentee ballot, or vote early in-person, visit the\u00a0<\/span>Michigan Voter Information Center<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And as we quickly approach this year\u2019s Primary Election in August, keep the following dates in mind:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District\u00a012<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Making Progress\u00a0on\u00a0Our\u00a0Healthcare\u00a0You Can Afford<\/i>\u00a0Agenda\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Eliminating\u00a0Out-of-Pocket Costs for\u00a0Top\u00a0Lifesaving\u00a0Medications\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Holding Large-Scale Data Centers Accountable\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Cracking Down on Greedy Price Gouging Practices\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Other Legislative Updates\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Find a Cooling Center Near You\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Make a Plan\u00a0to Vote in the August Primary Election\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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