In this e-newsletter:

  • Coffee Hour with Rep. Rogers — Sept. 16
  • Veterans Stand Down Event — Sept. 30
  • Bill Introduction — 12-month Supply of Birth Control
  • Memorial Highway Dedicated in Honor of Sgt. Proxmire
  • Youth Advisory Council Applications Are Open
  • Fall Leaf Pickup Information

September Coffee Hour Discussion

Please join me for an informal in-person discussion of legislative and community issues at my next coffee hour.

Friday, Sept. 16

9-10 a.m.

Five Lakes Coffee, 2026 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo.

While advance registration is not required, anyone who would like to RSVP or submit questions in advance may do so by sending an email to JulieRogers@house.mi.gov.

We will be following all CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you please stay at home.

Coffee Hour

Kalamazoo County Veterans Stand Down 2022

The Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office is hosting the annual Veterans Stand Down event to connect veterans with a variety of services related to employment, housing, dental and health care, food assistance and even free haircuts. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 30

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Salvation Army Center, 1700 S. Burdick St. in Kalamazoo

The event is free, and pre-registration is not required. Kalamazoo Metro will be providing free busing for veterans with ID. Government-issued photo ID is required to attend, and veterans are encouraged to bring a DD-214, VA Healthcare ID or military ID. For more information, please call (269) 373-5361.

Contraceptive Bill

Making Contraceptives Consistently Accessible

Birth control doesn’t work as well if people can’t access it reliably. Administrative hassles such as requiring frequent trips to the pharmacy or the doctor’s office make it harder for patients to take their medication every day without interruption. To address this issue, I have introduced House Bill 6366, which would require insurers to allow patients to fill a prescription for up to a 12-month supply of contraceptives at one time. Patients and prescribers would still be able to request a smaller monthly supply if they prefer.

With recent events risking Michiganders’ access to abortion services, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that reliable contraception is available. House Bill 6366 has been referred to the House Committee on Rules and Competitiveness.
Sgt. Proxmire

Memorial Highway Dedicated to Sgt. Ryan Proxmire

Kalamazoo recently marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Sgt. Ryan Proxmire. He was a Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Deputy who was killed in the line of duty in 2021. In order to recognize his heroic sacrifice and his nine years of service to our community, I introduced a bill to designate a section of U.S. 131 the Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway. The Legislature came together to pass the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Gov. Whitmer signed it into law as Public Act 164 of 2022. Signs designating the highway segment have been placed on U.S. 131 at West U Avenue and mile marker 35, just South of Stadium Drive.

Although nothing can make up for the grief Sgt. Proxmire’s loss has caused his family and community, the memorial highway will be an enduring daily reminder of his legacy for thousands in Kalamazoo County.

Now Accepting Applications for the 60th District Youth Advisory Council
YAC

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will provide a forum for high school students who live in the 60th House District to meet with me to hear updates on what is happening in Lansing, ask questions, and share their own thoughts, ideas or concerns. Participants will also work on legislative special projects. Those who complete the program will earn a certificate of recognition.

The 2022-23 YAC will run from Oct. 2022 through May 2023. To be eligible, students must live in the 60th District (verify address with “Find My Representative”), submit a parental permission slip and be enrolled in grades 9-12. Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 29. Apply online or by emailing JulieRogers@house.mi.gov for a printable pdf.

City of Kalamazoo Fall Leaf Pickup

Fall is on its way, and the trees are already starting to show their colors. It’s a beautiful time in our state, but soon those leaves will be on the ground. The city of Kalamazoo does two scheduled leaf pickups for each household. You can find out when your pickups are scheduled and how to prepare leaves for pickup on the city leaf pickup webpage.