Photo: State Reps. Julie M. Rogers (right) and Dr. Matt Longjohn (left) advocate for affordable childcare as an important part of healthy, thriving families and communities.

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 28, 2026 — State Reps. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Dr. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) have been selected to participate in the prestigious Milbank Memorial Fund’s 2026-27 state leadership program, joining health policy leaders from across the country focused on improving population health through evidence-based policy and bipartisan collaboration.

Rogers was selected for the Milbank Fellows Program, a national leadership program for senior state leaders focused on advancing population health and improving health outcomes. Longjohn was selected for the Emerging Leaders Program, which supports state and local government officials in developing their leadership and health policy skills. According to a Milbank spokesperson, this year’s cohort reflects the expertise and growth mindset needed to advance health policy in today’s polarized environment. The 2026-27 cohorts include 50 leaders from 28 states representing diverse political perspectives and areas of health policy expertise.

“As a practicing healthcare provider, I am thrilled and honored to be named as a Milbank Fellow,” Rogers said. “I look forward to learning and sharing innovative health policy solutions alongside my friend and colleague Representative Longjohn to help improve the quality of life for all Michiganders.”

The Milbank Memorial Fund’s leadership programs connect policymakers and health officials from across the political and geographic spectrum to develop leadership skills, learn from health policy experts and exchange successful approaches being used in other states. More than 350 participants have taken part in the Milbank Fellows and Emerging Leaders programs to date.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my first term in Lansing has been developing a close working relationship with Representative Rogers,” Longjohn said. “We are both 100% committed to improving the health and lives of the people of Kalamazoo County, and I am excited our work at the national level with Milbank will provide us with even more ways to collaborate and bring expertise and policy innovations back home.”

Founded in 1905, the Milbank Memorial Fund is a leading nonpartisan foundation dedicated to improving population health through evidence-based research, collaboration and state health policy. Its leadership programs bring together policymakers and health leaders from across the country to develop practical skills, share best practices and advance effective health policies across states and political parties.

Rogers and Longjohn have worked together on a range of health policy initiatives in the Michigan Legislature, including efforts to expand access to primary care, bolster Michigan’s healthcare workforce and protect parents’ access to immunization information.

Rogers, a practicing physical therapist for 27 years, led efforts to advance a Maternal and Infant Health Equity package that improved protections and support for pregnant individuals and families, and helped codify key provisions of the Affordable Care Act into Michigan law. She also worked to repeal Michigan’s Medicaid work requirements in 2024 and has continued defending Medicaid and behavioral health funding amid federal cuts. Rogers has championed policies to protect children and seniors, prevent lead and toxic chemical exposure and improve Medicaid and behavioral health services.

Longjohn, the only physician in the Michigan Legislature, has championed legislation to lower prescription drug costs, expand access to critical breast cancer screenings and treatments, expand mental health services for veterans, improve working conditions for healthcare workers and address the needs of rural and underserved communities.

Together, their work reflects a shared commitment to making health care more accessible, high-quality, affordable and equitable for Michiganders. Through the Milbank programs, they will bring national expertise and new policy ideas back to Kalamazoo County and Michigan.

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