In this e-newsletter:
- Upcoming Coffee Hour
- Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Update
- Federal Action Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel
- Rogers’ Bills Take Effect
- 41st District Service Office Annual Block Party
- Earth Day Cleanup
- Hot Topic: Measles in Michigan
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, April 18, 2025; 9 to 10 a.m.
Where: Milestone Senior Services, 918 Jasper St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Update
Last month, I testified on the bipartisan Occupational Therapy Compact bill package. House Bills 4103–04 would enable Michigan to enter into the interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. This legislation would allow occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who are licensed in any state in the compact to practice as if licensed in every state that is in the compact. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are vital to helping Michiganders develop, regain, and maintain the ability to take care of themselves and do the activities that are meaningful in their lives.
My bill, House Bill 4103, codifies the compact into law for Michigan. It provides for Michigan’s membership in the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission to ensure that Michigan-licensed therapists and therapists licensed in other compact states can practice and have their licenses recognized in other member states. Rep. Douglas Wozniak’s bill, House Bill 4104, provides the authorization for individuals licensed as an occupational therapist to access the privileges of the compact.
The compact will help address shortages of providers and improve accessibility in areas bordering other states. It also supports licensure for relocating military servicemembers and their spouses. These bills are a reintroduction of House Bills 4169-70 of 2023 which passed the House last term with wide bipartisan support and died in “lame duck” in the Senate. I am hopeful we can get it across the finish line this term.
Federal Action Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel
On April 9, my office, in partnership with Attorney General Dana Nessel, held a “Federal Action Town Hall” aimed at addressing pressing federal issues and providing constituents with updates on key legal actions impacting both Michigan and the nation. The event was held in response to growing interest from residents in my district in how federal policies and cuts to federal grants affect communities at the local level.
The town hall drew strong participation, as over 300 community members attended the event, reflecting the deep interest and engagement of residents in the topics discussed. Attorney General Nessel shared updates on recent developments in federal lawsuits she is engaged in and emphasized the importance of civic awareness and participation.
Attorney General Nessel provided an overview of several high-profile cases currently being pursued by her office, underscoring how legal action at the state level can serve as a powerful check on harmful federal overreach. One such case, discussed in detail during the town hall, involves a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in response to an attempt to block nearly $11 billion in federal public health grants across the country. This funding includes $379.3 million designated for Michigan.
U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on April 4 to prevent the proposed block from taking effect. The ruling provides immediate protection for the 23 states, including Michigan, that are party to the lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The TRO ensures that vital federal funding can continue to flow into states as the legal process moves forward.
Earth Day Cleanup
This Earth Day let’s come together to take care of our community and our planning. We will be hosting a cleanup event on Monday, April 21 from noon to 1 p.m. in downtown Kalamazoo, located at 315 S. Burdick.
Whether you have a few minutes or the whole hour, your help will make a difference. Earth Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the environment. All ages are welcome, and let’s show what the 41st District can do when we come together to beautify downtown Kalamazoo.
Rogers’ Bills Take Effect
Last week, four bills that I sponsored during the last legislative term officially went into effect. These bills represent a step forward in our efforts to improve health care access, support small businesses, and reduce unnecessary barriers for Michiganders. The bills are as follows:
- House Bill 4224 repeals the work requirement for the Healthy Michigan Plan. This change helps ensure that our residents can maintain their health care coverage without the burden of meeting employment or reporting requirements.
- House Bill 4728 eliminates costly and redundant HIV testing requirements for breast milk donors. As a part of the Maternal Health Equity package, this bill streamlines the process for donor milk to reach hospitals and families in need quicker while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
- House Bill 5101 provides tax incentives for research and development activities conducted by businesses with fewer than 250 employees. It was a part of a five-bill bipartisan package focused on promoting innovation and economic growth in Michigan.
- House Bill 5825 codified the federal Affordable Care Act medical loss ratio which requires insurance companies to spend a minimum of 80% of their profits on delivering actual health care to patients.
These laws reflect priorities I have heard from residents and businesses, making health care more accessible and affordable, supporting working families, and helping small businesses be successful. I am proud of the work that went into passing these critical pieces of legislation that will make a difference in the lives of Michiganders.
Save the Date – 41st District Service Office’s Annual Block Party
I hope that you will join me and the 41st District Service Office for our annual block party from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on May 9. Seniors, families, children and the entire community are welcome to partake in food trucks, visit vendor tables, and participate in fun arts and crafts activities all along the 300 block of North Burdick. We will be hosting from the 41st District Service Office located at 315 N. Burdick Street and celebrating the community with music and entertainment. I hope you will join me in the fresh air and have a great time!
Measles in Michigan
With the fourth case of measles being reported in Michigan, I wanted to briefly discuss some key facts and best practices to keep you and your families protected.
Measles is a highly contagious, yet vaccine-preventable disease that spreads easily through direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes, making exposure possible even without direct contact.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges all individuals ages 1 and older who have not yet been vaccinated to receive the measles vaccine. This simple step is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your community.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- High fever (often spiking to 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (inner cheeks, gums, and the roof of the mouth,) appearing two to three days after initial symptoms.
- A red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the arms and legs, usually three to five days into being sick.
How to Protect Yourself and Others:
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best defense:
- Two doses are recommended for children and for any adult who is unvaccinated or has only received one dose.
- If you received the MMR vaccine prior to 1989, it is recommended that you speak with your health care provider, as many only received one dose, which may lessen one’s immunity.
Other preventive measures:
- Avoid contact with individuals who have or may have measles.
- Stay home from school or work if you are showing symptoms.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Let’s continue working together to keep our community safe!