As another budget process gets underway, Hertel reaffirms his commitment to using his role on the Appropriations Cmte. to secure critical dollars for the Harrison Twp. base
LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 5, 2025) — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s seventh executive budget recommendation was presented to a joint meeting of the Senate and House Appropriations committees. In response to the governor’s commitment to include in the budget a $26 million investment to upgrade infrastructure at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, and State Police, issued the following statement:
“As we head into another budget process and are presented with opportunities to use state dollars in a meaningful way, securing the future of Selfridge is a top priority of mine. The Harrison Township base is essential to both our national security and our regional economy, supporting more than 600 jobs and generating over $700 million in local economic impact. With the Air Force set to retire the A-10 Warthogs and KC-135 Stratotankers currently housed at Selfridge, it’s critical we invest in infrastructure upgrades to attract a future fighter mission.
“As Chair of the committee that is responsible for the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs’ budget, I’m grateful to have Gov. Whitmer as a strong partner who not only sees the value Selfridge provides our state, but who is also willing to step up and secure the funds the base needs for long-term success. I look forward to working with her and my colleagues in the State House to get this done and ensure Selfridge can continue to serve as a source of community pride and jobs for years to come.”
Sen. Hertel has been a staunch advocate of Selfridge Air Nation Guard Base and the brave men and women who serve there. Last term, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Resolution 9 of 2023, introduced by Sen. Hertel, that urged the United States Air Force to award an advanced generation fighter mission to Selfridge. Through the budget process, Sen. Hertel has also secured $28 million for the base to expand the runway and make other updates necessary to compete for a future mission.
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