September Legislative and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

As we mark 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001, we pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed and the courage and compassion that brought Americans together in its aftermath. I hope we carry that spirit of service and community forward. In this newsletter, I’m also sharing updates on my work to transform primary care in Michigan, my selection for the Milbank Fellowship Program and my upcoming coffee hour.

In service,

In this issue:

• Marking the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
• Introducing the Primary Care Transformation Package
• Selected as a Milbank Fellowship for Health Policy
• Next Coffee and Conversation — Sept. 21

This year marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives that were lost, the families and survivors whose lives were forever changed and the first responders and everyday Americans who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Because my husband was born and raised in the Bronx, we have many family ties to New York and I will never forget where I was the day the towers crumbled.

Twenty-five years later, the legacy of Sept. 11 continues through the service and sacrifice of those who responded that day and in the years that followed. I hope we can honor their memory not only by remembering what happened, but also by carrying forward the spirit of service, compassion and community that brought Americans together during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history.

Recently, I joined state Rep. Matt Longjohn and a bipartisan group of legislators to introduce the Primary Care Transformation Package, House Bills 6288–6295. This legislation is aimed at strengthening Michigan’s primary care system and building the health care workforce our communities need.

Access to primary care remains a challenge across our state. Michigan directs less than 6% of health care spending toward primary care, while primary care shortage areas span 75 of our 83 counties. Nearly one in three Michiganders also lacks regular access to primary care. This package takes a comprehensive approach by investing in the health care workforce, strengthening physician and nursing recruitment efforts, expanding opportunities for young people interested in health careers and addressing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in primary care.

My bill in the package, House Bill 6294, focuses on supporting the health care professionals who train and mentor the next generation of providers. These professionals, known as preceptors, provide students with the hands-on clinical experience, supervision and mentorship they need to become confident and capable health care professionals. However, many preceptors take on this additional responsibility without compensation while continuing to care for their own patients.

As a practicing physical therapist, I know firsthand how important clinical education is in preparing students for a career caring for patients. Under my bill, eligible preceptors could receive a $1,000 state income tax credit for every 250 hours spent supervising and training students completing required clinical rotations in accredited health profession programs, up to $3,000 per year.

If we want to build and retain a strong health care workforce in Michigan, we need to support the professionals who are helping train it. This legislation recognizes the time these providers invest in their students and will help make it easier for more health care professionals to say yes to training the next generation.

I’m honored to share that I have been selected for the Milbank Memorial Fund’s 2026-27 Milbank Fellows Program, a national leadership program for senior state leaders working to improve population health and health outcomes.

The program brings together policymakers and health officials from across the country and across the political spectrum to learn from health policy experts, exchange ideas and share successful approaches being used in other states. This year’s Milbank Fellows and Emerging Leaders cohorts include 50 leaders representing 28 states.

As the former chair of the Health Policy Committee in the House, I have had the opportunity to work on issues ranging from primary care and Michigan’s healthcare workforce to childhood immunizations and maternal health policies.

I have spent 27 years practicing as a physical therapist, and improving access to high-quality healthcare has remained one of my highest priorities throughout my time in Legislature. I look forward to learning from leaders and experts across the country and bringing new ideas and evidence-based solutions back home to Kalamazoo County and communities across Michigan.

I’m hosting my next legislative coffee hour on Monday, Sept. 21 from 9-10 a.m. at The Colonel’s Kitchen (330 N. Drake Road, 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].