Dear Neighbor,

There’s a lot happening both in Lansing and here at home. This month, I’m sharing an update on my bipartisan road safety legislation, lessons from a national mental health policy conference, important flu vaccine and Medicaid information and details about my next coffee hour. As always, I hope these updates help keep you informed, connected and prepared for what’s ahead.

In service,

In this issue:

• Road Safety Bills Advance with Bipartisan Support
• Learning What Works in Mental and Behavioral Healthcare
• Flu Season Is Here: Get Vaccinated
• What to Know About Upcoming Medicaid Changes
• My Next Coffee Hour – Oct. 16

Photo: Rep. Rogers testifies in support of legislation to better protect vulnerable roadway users, including bicyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users, from serious injury and death (2025).

Last week, bipartisan legislation I have been working on to strengthen protections for vulnerable roadway users passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 4334 (Rogers) and Senate Bill 217 (Albert) work together to enhance penalties when a moving violation causes serious injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user and update penalties, respectively. The legislation applies to people sharing the road outside the protection of a motor vehicle, including pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, postal workers and others.

As a runner, cyclist, and physical therapist who has rehabilitated survivors of serious crashes, this issue is deeply important to me. I look forward to continuing to champion these policies as the bills advance to the House floor. This package will give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to address gaps in current law when a vulnerable roadway user is seriously injured or killed, and I am grateful to Sen. Thomas Albert, Sen. Sean McCann, Rep. Pauline Wendzel, advocates and families for helping move this important issue forward.

I recently attended a nonpartisan mental health policy conference with several of my colleagues from the Michigan Legislature. We heard from experts and leaders from across the country about best practices in behavioral health policy, including how other states are working to streamline the credentialing process for health care providers — an issue I have introduced legislation to address here in Michigan.

We also had the opportunity to tour a behavioral health facility that serves as an alternative to the Nashville jail for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders. It was a meaningful opportunity to learn more about approaches that focus on treatment, stability and support, and I appreciated the chance to think more deeply about how Michigan can better serve people in crisis.

As a champion of public health, I would like to share that I just received my COVID vaccination this past week. Additionally, as we head into flu season, I want to share information from the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department about flu vaccine walk-in hours. No appointment is necessary, and no one will be turned away.

Flu vaccines are available at 311 E. Alcott St. in Kalamazoo during the following walk-in hours every week: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Please bring a photo ID. For more information, residents can call 269-373-5203.

Changes to Medicaid are coming in January, and I want to make sure residents have clear, reliable information about what to expect and where to go for help. Most changes will not begin until Jan. 1, 2027, though some changes for certain immigrant groups began Oct. 1. Right now, residents can still apply for Medicaid, renew their coverage through MI Bridges and get help from local community partners.

The most important thing people can do now is stay connected. Make sure your address, phone number and email are up to date in MI Bridges, and if you receive a notice from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, read it carefully and respond by the deadline. Kalamazoo residents can visit Stay Covered Kalamazoo for local resources, upcoming community events, FAQs and help understanding how these changes may affect them.

I’m hosting my next legislative coffee hour on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9-10 a.m. at Midtown Fresh Café, located at 1693 South Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo. These coffee hours are a great opportunity to connect informally, ask questions and share what’s on your mind. I look forward to seeing you there! While registration is not required, if you have a specific question in mind, you can email it to us in advance at [email protected].