East Lansing Democratic state Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. is seven weeks into his legislative career at the state Capitol. He represents the 23rd district, which covers almost all of Ingham County. Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee began discussing a bill sponsored by the former Ingham County official. Hertel wants to offer recent Michigan college graduates tax credits in exchange for a pledge to stay in Michigan.He suggests the measure would address two challenges facing the state: oppressive levels of student loan debt, and the tendency of college graduates to leave the state after graduation.
Current State speaks with Hertel about the measures and his start in the Michigan Senate.