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Dear Neighbor, In this e-newsletter:
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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. With House Bills 4576 through 4580 having passed the House, I will also be providing a budget update. No pre-registration is needed, and you can email questions in advance to JulieRogers@house.mi.gov. When: Friday, June 20, 2025; 9 to 10 a.m. Where: Milham Park, 607 E. Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 |
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Gun Raffle Legislation Firearms have no place in our schools. Some schools in Michigan have conducted raffles as a fundraising effort on school property that offered a firearm as a prize. This sends the wrong message to our students and could provoke a potentially dangerous situation. On June 4, during Gun Violence Awareness Week, I re-introduced House Bill 4550, which would ban the use of raffles which include firearms as a prize from being conducted on school grounds. Our schools are supposed to be a safe place for our children, free from violent threats. Bringing firearms into the classroom, even to raise money, undermines that message and could cause harm. Regardless of varying perspectives on firearms policy, most Michiganders agree that guns do not belong in schools, and this bill reinforces that position. |
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Occupational Therapy Compact Passes the House I’m pleased to share that both House Bills 4103 and 4104 passed the House with wide bipartisan support. These bills would allow Michigan to join the interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants from member states to practice across state lines more easily. This compact will help address provider shortages, improve access in border regions, and support licensure portability for military families. House Bill 4104, sponsored by state Rep. Douglas Wozniak, authorizes licensed occupational therapists in Michigan to access the benefits of the compact. |
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PFAS Blood Testing On May 15, I introduced House Bill 4499, which would provide coverage for PFAS blood testing for children who were under the age of 11 on January 1, 2012, and who reside in Kent, Ottawa, or Kalamazoo counties. In 2018, it was discovered that Parchment’s municipal water supply had PFAS levels that were 20 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s lifetime health advisory limit. While the Department of Health and Human Services has conducted preliminary testing, additional research is essential to fully understand the long-term health impacts and to develop effective solutions for the families who have been affected. My bill, House Bill 4499 is a part of a bipartisan legislative package, including Senate Bills 298 and 299, sponsored by Senator Mark Huizenga, and House Bill 4500, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Posthumus. Together, this package reflects a shared commitment to the health and safety of our communities. Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation June 7 marked the ninth anniversary of the tragic Kalamazoo bike tragedy, when a driver struck and killed five members of the cycling group known as the “Chain Gang.” As we marked this anniversary, there remains an urgent need to protect those who share the road on foot, bike, or mobility devices. On April 17, I introduced House Bill 4334 alongside Representative Pauline Wendzel, who sponsored House Bill 4335. Together, these bills create the Vulnerable Roadway User package, which builds on the work from last term and mirrors the bipartisan efforts led by Senators McCann and Albert in the Senate. My bill, House Bill 4334, defines “vulnerable transportation device” to include bicycles, skateboards, and personal mobility aids. It also creates a tiered penalty system for drivers who cause injury or death to vulnerable users as a result of moving violations. Representative Wendzel’s bill, House Bill 4335, updates the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure these penalties are fully reflected in our state’s sentencing guidelines. This package represents a critical step toward ensuring everyone’s safety while on the road. |
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Cutting Government Red Tape for Breast Milk Donors This week, I had the privilege of touring Bronson Methodist Hospital’s Breast Milk Bank in my district alongside a very special guest, my mom, a former obstetrics nursing instructor. It was a meaningful visit on both a personal and professional level. During the tour, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of legislation I introduced last term, House Bill 4728, which was signed into law earlier this year. The new law removes the unnecessary requirement that breast milk donors undergo HIV testing every 90 days, replacing it with a one-time test, aligning Michigan’s policy with best practices and making it easier for mothers to donate. The results have been incredible: more women are stepping up to donate, and more medically fragile babies are receiving access to safe, life-sustaining donor milk. It was heartwarming to hear from staff about the difference this change has already made in their ability to serve vulnerable newborns across our state. This visit was a powerful reminder of how common-sense policy changes can remove barriers, improve outcomes, and literally help save lives. I’m grateful to Bronson for their incredible work and proud to have played a part in expanding access to this vital care. |
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In service, |
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Julie Rogers |