Lansing, Mich., Jan. 10, 2023 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) was named co-chair of the Biosciences Legislative Caucus for Michigan’s 102nd Legislature today. The Biosciences Legislative Caucus was formed in 2007 to serve as a bipartisan, bicameral body whose membership is open to any legislator committed to education and the advancement of the bioscience industry in Michigan.
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be appointed as a leader of this unique bipartisan, bicameral caucus,” Rogers said. “I am proud that my House District is home to companies like Genemarkers, Forensic Fluids and Kalsec, all innovative leaders in the bioscience industry and a driver of economic activity in the Kalamazoo community and beyond. As one of the few health care professionals serving in the Michigan Legislature, I am truly honored to serve in this leadership role with the goal of educating our colleagues in the Legislature about the biosciences industry and its impact on Michigan patients and the economy. Many of my patients have directly benefited from the advances in research and innovation driven by the life sciences industry.”
Serving alongside Rogers as co-chairs will be state Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Twp.) and state Sens. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Mark Huizenga (R-Walker).
Industry association MichBio’s President and CEO Stephen Rapundalo expressed his group’s support for the incoming co-chairs, stating, “MichBio congratulates these notable members of the state House and Senate. These elected officials, who each represent regions with a strong life science footprint, understand the value of Michigan bioscience to not only their constituents but all Michigan citizens.”
Michigan’s life science industry is one of the oldest in the nation and home to more than 2,400 entities, which include several global brands, and employs more than 44,000 individuals.
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