Rogers Named Michigan Works! Association 2026 Legislator of the Year

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 16, 2026 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) was recognized Tuesday as the Michigan Works! Association’s 2026 Legislator of the Year during the association’s annual conference in Mount Pleasant. The statewide award recognizes lawmakers who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy for workforce development and worked to expand opportunities for Michigan workers and employers.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Michigan Works! organizations across our state,” Rogers said. “From my time serving on the Michigan Works! Southwest board as a county commissioner to my work in the Legislature, I’ve seen firsthand how transportation, childcare and unnecessary licensing barriers can stand between people and good-paying jobs. Whether it’s expanding access to Tri-Share childcare, cutting red tape through the Occupational Therapy Interstate Compact or securing resources to help Michigan Works! support people navigating new Medicaid work requirements, I’ll continue working alongside our local workforce partners to remove those barriers and connect more Michiganders with opportunity.”

Rogers has been a longtime advocate for workforce development and previously served for six years on the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board as a Kalamazoo County commissioner. In the Legislature, she has continued working to address barriers that can prevent Michiganders from entering, remaining in or advancing in the workforce.

Her recent work includes efforts to expand access to affordable childcare through Michigan’s Tri-Share program and enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which allows eligible occupational therapists licensed in participating states to practice across state lines while helping strengthen Michigan’s health care workforce. Rogers has also advocated for resources to help Michigan Works! organizations support residents as new federal Medicaid work requirements take effect.

The award was presented during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference, held Sept. 14-16 in Mount Pleasant. The annual conference brings together workforce professionals, employers, educators and policymakers from across Michigan to share strategies and strengthen the state’s workforce development system.

Michigan Works! Southwest, part of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research’s Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions, serves Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. The organization connects job seekers and employers with workforce development services, training opportunities and other resources that support economic growth and career advancement.

###