January Legislative and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

The start of 2026 brings both reflection and responsibility. In this edition, I’m sharing updates on the Attorney General’s recent opinion affirming that the law still matters, community events that make Kalamazoo special, and the priorities I’m working on to deliver stability, accountability and real results for our district.

In service,

In this issue . . .

• Attorney General Opinion on $645 Million Work Project Claw back
• 40th Anniversary of Kalamazoo New Years Fest
• Veterans Holiday Food Basket Recap
• Michigan Minimum Wage Increase Jan. 1
• Jan. 16 Coffee Hour End of the Year Recap
• What’s Next in 2026
• New Year, New You

This week, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a legal opinion stating that the House Republicans’ recent action to rescind more than $645 million in work projects was unconstitutional. These dollars were lawfully appropriated with support in both chambers, signed by the governor, and promised to communities and organizations that were counting on them.

These funds were intended to support priorities like Rx Kids, maternal and infant health initiatives, public safety, veterans, and survivors of sexual assault. This created uncertainty and disrupted planning for many groups.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and minority vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on Medicaid and Behavioral Health and on Veterans and Military Affairs, I will remain focused on delivering the resources our communities need as we begin crafting the next state budget.

PHOTO: Rep. Rogers presents a tribute honoring the 40th anniversary of New Year’s Fest of Kalamazoo, a longtime tradition bringing families and neighbors together downtown each New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year, Kalamazoo. I was proud to present a tribute recognizing the 40th anniversary of New Year’s Fest of Kalamazoo, a beloved performing arts festival that has brought our community together for 40 continuous years. Through snowstorms, Y2K, COVID, and bitter windchills, the organizers and volunteers have never missed a single New Year’s Eve celebration, staying committed to creating a welcoming “first-night” tradition built around music, comedy, dance, family activities, a midnight ball drop, and fireworks.

New Year’s Fest also reflects the best of Kalamazoo’s community spirit. The festival has remained affordable and family-focused so residents of all backgrounds can celebrate together, while also creating a platform that supports local and regional artists. Congratulations to everyone who has kept this tradition going and made downtown Kalamazoo a vibrant place to ring in the new year.

PHOTO: Rep. Rogers stands with volunteers at the Veterans’ Holiday Food Basket distribution in Kalamazoo.

We had a great turnout for our annual holiday Veterans’ food basket distribution in Kalamazoo. Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers who made it possible, and especially to the Douglass Community Association and Veteran 1st for partnering with us to support veterans and their families.

As we move past the holidays, it’s a good reminder that supporting veterans can’t be seasonal. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make sure families had what they needed, and I encourage anyone who is able to keep supporting local organizations that serve veterans year-round.

On Jan. 1, 2026, Michigan’s minimum wage increased from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour under the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act. The 85% rate for 16- and 17-year-olds increased from $10.60 to $11.67 per hour. Additionally, the tipped employee minimum wage increased to $5.49 per hour (40% of the full minimum wage), as long as the employee earns at least $8.24 per hour in tips.

Last year, I voted yes on Senate Bill 8, which set Michigan on a schedule of increases that reaches $15.00 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027. If you have questions about whether you are being paid correctly, or you want to learn more about Michigan’s minimum wage and overtime rules, the state has clear resources, including FAQs and the required employer poster. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MinimumWage.

I’m hosting my next legislative coffee hour on Friday, Jan. 16, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Shibam Coffee, located at 2632 W. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo. These coffee hours are a great opportunity to connect informally, ask questions and share what’s on your mind. I look forward to seeing you there! While registration is not required, if you have a specific question in mind, you can email it to us in advance at [email protected].

In 2026, I am focused on getting the bipartisan Health Data Utility bills (House Bills 4037 and 4038) across the finish line so Michigan families and providers have better tools to access the right health information at the right time. This effort would modernize how health data is securely shared by creating an on-demand pipeline that allows providers to request and receive medical records more efficiently, improving care coordination, reducing medical errors that happen when critical information is missing, and strengthening Michigan’s ability to identify and respond to public health threats while protecting patient privacy.

I am also continuing work on consumer protections to address predatory towing practices. Too many residents have experienced surprise fees, inconsistent rules, and a lack of clear disclosure when their vehicle is towed or stored. The towing reform package I helped introduced (House Bills 5146, 5147, 5148 and, 5179) aims to create clear statewide procedures, require transparent and publicly posted rates, cap certain towing and storage fees, strengthen notice requirements, and crack down on “patrol-style” towing and kickbacks that can lead to unfair, pay-to-play practices.

Finally, I’m exploring legislation to better support veterans and service members transitioning into civilian employment by connecting them and their families to mental health and substance use resources through the workplace. The goal is to help connect veterans and families to available services, while also protecting individual privacy.

PHOTO: Rep. Rogers joins community members at the annual One One Run at Spring Valley Park on Jan. 1, supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo.

New Year often brings a reset for a lot of us, and it does not have to mean a dramatic overhaul. Small, realistic habits can add up over time, like taking a short walk each day, aiming for a few more steps than you did last week, drinking more water, and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your routine. If you are setting goals, consider choosing one or two changes you can actually sustain, then building from there.

As a practicing physical therapist, I have seen how consistent movement and prevention-focused habits can improve quality of life at every age. The best plan is the one you can stick with, so start where you are and make it manageable. If you have a health condition or concerns about what is safe for you, check in with your health care provider and build a routine that supports your long-term well-being.