Public Service
Kevin Hertel has spent three terms representing Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and part of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores in the Michigan State House.
He is a strong believer in the importance and transformative power of public education. That’s why, during his time in the State House, Kevin has advocated for historic investments in students, setting the next generation up for expanded educational opportunities. Kevin is ardently committed to public safety, which is why he fought on a bipartisan basis to keep Michigan’s children safe from abuse and neglect.
Kevin recognizes that some of Michigan’s crucial infrastructure needs help, which is why he supported funding to keep Michigan’s drinking water clean and, as part of a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, reconfigured how Michigan’s road repairs are funded, providing for a first step to fix roads in our community and throughout Metro Detroit.
Kevin proudly advocates for everyday, hardworking Michiganders, which is why he’s fought to maintain Michigan’s prevailing wage law which ensures that those who work on state-funded projects are paid fairly. He continues to advocate for ending the gender wage gap and championed a law to prohibit the taxation of retirement and pension benefits to give Michigan’s retirees a well-deserved break.
Kevin was also a leading voice in holding the Unemployment Insurance Agency to account when it was revealed that they severely mismanaged applicants’ cases. Priding himself on constituent services and vocalizing the concerns of his constituency, Kevin keeps in constant contact with the communities he serves, frequently holding open coffee hours and working hard to communicate the information that our neighbors deserve to know.
Before serving in the House, Hertel worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as a legislative analyst and then as a special assistant in the office of the president.
Background
Kevin grew up in a family that instilled in him the importance of being involved in his community. He attended Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods where he was an active student, never missing an opportunity to take part in athletics, student government, theater, and volunteer opportunities. After graduating from high school, Kevin attended Michigan State University where he studied political science and continued his family’s tradition of civic involvement. Kevin spearheaded an effort to advocate for increased funding for higher education and remained active in political campaigns, interning for former State Senator Deb Cherry.
Kevin is a proud member of his community and is part of the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee, a volunteer for Macomb County Special Olympics and a member of St. Isaac Jogues Parish. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Macomb County Care House.
Kevin lives in St. Clair Shores with his wife Ann and two young children.