Dear Friend,
Happy New Year! As we move into 2020, I am excited to see what’s in store both at the Capitol and in our community. In this e-newsletter, I wanted to give you all some information about staying warm, the I-696 green ooze, and how to get involved in the redistricting commission put into place by 2018’s Proposal 2, as well as our upcoming community listening hours.
I also wanted to take a moment to talk to you about an issue that has always been one of my main priorities in office—our environment. For longtime readers of this newsletter, you will know that I have continuously fought for money for the Chapaton Retention Basin project, and successfully secured over $3 million in funding for it. The project is currently going through the permitting process at EGLE, and I will be sure to keep you updated as it moves through the process.
As always, my door is always open, and I am happy to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Please feel free to reach out about any of the information below—we are here to serve you.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Best,
Kevin Hertel
Heating Assistance
The next few months are the prime time for home heating needs in Michigan. Did you know that Michigan law provides utility shut-off protection, and in some cases payment assistance for qualifying customers? The Michigan Public Service Commission has information available for residents in need of home heating help and any customer struggling with their energy bills should contact 2-1-1 (via either www.mi211.org or by dialing 2-1-1) for assistance in finding programs for which they may qualify and determining assistance eligibility. Military customers, senior citizens, those facing a medical emergency, and customers for whom a shut-off of power would be immediately life-threatening may be eligible for shut-off protection.
Please follow the links or contact your utility provider if you are struggling this winter—no one should go without heat.
I-696 “Green Ooze”
Many of you have read or seen stories lately regarding the “green ooze” on I-696. I want to tell you how much I have appreciated the concerned outreach I have received from you, and I share your thoughts that we need to prioritize solving this issue. I have been a co-sponsor and strong advocate of polluter pay laws, and I want to make sure all of our thousands of contaminated sites get cleaned, not just those that have a visibly shocking appearance. We need to stop these pollutants before they begin. At this time, EGLE is reporting that there are no hazards to the air or drinking water as a result of this incident, but I will continue to keep you posted on the site and its cleanup efforts. If you are interested in the history of the site and this incident, please follow this link. You can also find FAQs on the incident here.
Joining the Redistricting Commission
In 2018, Michigan voters soundly decided to reject partisan gerrymandering and bring the power to draw legislative maps back to the people. I want to make sure the people of the 18th District have the full information on who is qualified to join the commission, what the requirements for serving will be, and how to apply. This information can be found on the Community Outreach page of the Secretary of State website. You can also visit RedistrictingMichigan.org until June 1, 2020, to apply.
Conversation Hours
Coffee Hours:
Saturday, Jan. 18, 10-11 a.m. at Coffee Break Café, 19156 E. 10 Mile Road in Eastpointe. **Please Note Corrected Location: an earlier reminder inadvertently listed the address as 19 Mile**
Saturday, Feb. 1, 10-11 a.m. at EOS Café & Coffee House, 30625 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores.
Monday, Feb. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the St. Clair Shores Senior Activity Center, 20000 Stephens St in St Clair Shores.
Happy Hour:
Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. at Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant, 24443 Gratiot Ave in Eastpointe.