In this e-newsletter:
- Upcoming Coffee Hour: January 24th
- R & D Tax Credits Signed into Law
- Swearing In Opening Day of Session
- National Community Surveys
- Reporting on Previous Successes
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Upcoming Legislative Coffee Hour
Please join me for an informal, in-person discussion of legislation, community issues, and constituent needs at my next coffee hour. No pre-registration is needed, and you can email questions in advance to julierogers@house.mi.gov
WHEN: Friday, January 24th, 2025; noon to 1pm.
WHERE: Five Lakes Coffee; 2026 West Main St., Kalamazoo
Lame Duck 2024 and R & D Tax Credits Signed by Governor Whitmer
The 102nd Legislature had a chaotic end to the term. I am proud that eleven of the bills I sponsored were in the Senate chamber for consideration. While I am disappointed that they did not all get a vote by the Senate, I am happy that four of them did pass. On January 13th, 2025, I was proud to join Governor Gretchen Whitmer at NewLab in Detroit as she signed several economic development bills into law, including my bill, HB 5101. This policy is part of a bipartisan package to give Michigan a tool most states in the Midwest already have to encourage cutting edge technology and research projects. Kalamazoo is home to Western Michigan University, a leader in research who regularly partners with innovative companies to invest in a highly skilled workforce and ready to come up with the next “big idea.” My bill is specifically focused on attracting and growing small and medium sized companies with fewer than 250 employees and fosters an environment to drive innovation and economic growth amongst many sectors, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
Such tax credits will uplift Michigan as an economic competitor nationwide and provide opportunities for new job growth.
National Community Survey
Starting this month, the City of Kalamazoo will conduct the National Community Survey (NCS) to gather valuable feedback from residents about their experiences and perceptions of the city. The NCS, a tool used by cities across the country, will evaluate how city government is serving residents and help inform future decisions on policies, programs, and services.
A random sample of 3,000 Kalamazoo households will receive invitations to participate in the survey by mail. An invitation has been sent to sampled households with instructions to complete the survey online. Included is a paper survey with a postage-paid return envelope will be sent to sampled households later this month.
Residents are encouraged to watch their mailboxes and respond to the survey if selected. Responses are critical in shaping the future of Kalamazoo and ensuring that community voices are heard. The survey will cover topics related to community livability, local government services, policies, and management. Responses can be submitted through February 13.
Opening Day of Session
The first day of session for the 103rd Legislature kicked off on January 8th, 2025. I was sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist on the marathon lame duck day in late December, joined by my family. I am excited to serve the people of the 41st House District in my third consecutive House term.
Leadership Updates and Events
I am proud to announce several leadership positions that I will hold during the 103rd Legislature and am eager to continue serving you.
- I was appointed as an Assistant Democratic Caucus Chair, alongside Chair Stephanie Young, to assist leading fellow caucus members during our caucus meetings. I am humbled by this new privilege to serve and hope to ensure all voices are heard in our diverse caucus.
- I was also re-appointed as co-chair for two legislative caucuses: the Biosciences Legislative Caucus (BLC) and the Arts & Culture Legislative Caucus.
The Michigan BLC is a bipartisan, bicameral body for legislators committed to supporting the growth and success of the state’s bioscience industry. Formed in 2007, the BLC recognizes communication, outreach, and education as the tools to promote, discuss, and formulate potential legislative initiatives in a balanced and factual manner. The Arts & Culture Legislative Caucus is also bicameral and bipartisan. Its focus is to expose legislators to the arts in all its varied forms and growing support for policies and investments that impact the arts, culture, arts education and creative industries in Michigan.
- I am one of several representatives who had a 100% voting record last term with perfect attendance and not missing any votes. Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Lansing. I will continue to show up for you rain or shine, through snowstorms and hail to both advocate for your needs and amplify your voices.
4. I co-hosted a Veteran Food Distribution event on Saturday December 14th at the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department. As many as ninety families were in attendance, and one hundred baskets were given away, alongside resource bags, feeding the veterans of our county.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on the 20th of January; we invite the community to participate in one of the annual commemorative events, including the City of Kalamazoo’s Day of Service or the WMU teach-in event, which will run from noon to 3:30 pm at the WMU Student Center Ballroom. This is a free event sponsored by the Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations. Food will be provided by the Office of the Provost.