LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address tonight before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes investing in early childhood education, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, bolstering the economy, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education, attracting talent to Michigan, and increasing public safety.

“Kalamazoo County has a long history of investing in the education of our students,” said state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “From the Kalamazoo Promise to KC Ready 4s, which strives to advance fully accessible, high-quality pre-kindergarten education for every 3- and 4-year-old in Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo is the blueprint for prioritizing the education of the young people in our community. I’m proud the governor supports Kalamazoo’s shared vision of expanding access to preschool, so every child is off to an equitable start to their education.”

Rogers was joined by Jeff Patton, the CEO of Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. ISK provides mental health, intellectual and developmental disability, and substance use disorder resources that empower people to succeed.

“I was honored to have CEO of ISK Jeff Patton join me for the governor’s address. Michigan is struggling to meet the demand of people in need of mental health care. Our entire health care system, from the emergency department to outpatient clinics have been affected by bottlenecks and limited access to care.,” Rogers said. “As chair of the Health Policy Committee, I’ll work with the governor and my colleagues to advance legislation and budget recommendations that address the mental health crisis in our state.”

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