September 15, 2026
A longtime advocate for workforce development and former Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board member, State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo County), received the 2026 Michigan Works! Association Legislator of the Year Award today during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference in Mount Pleasant.
The Michigan Works! Association Legislator of the Year Award recognizes lawmakers who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy for workforce development and have worked to advance opportunities for Michigan workers and employers.
Rep. Rogers has been a longtime champion of workforce issues, focusing on policies that help remove barriers to employment and strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline. Throughout her career in public service, she has supported initiatives related to child care access, transportation, occupational licensing reform, and workforce participation.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Michigan Works! organizations across our state,” said Rogers. “From my time serving on the Southwest Michigan Works! board as a county commissioner to my work in the Legislature, I’ve seen firsthand how transportation, child care, and unnecessary licensing barriers can stand between people and good-paying jobs. Whether it’s expanding access to Tri-Share child care, 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.”
“Representative Rogers has been a steadfast champion for the workers and employers of Southwest Michigan,” said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. “Her leadership on workforce policy translates directly into real opportunities for our residents, and we're proud to recognize her with this year's Legislator of the Year award.”
The award was presented during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference in Mount Pleasant, where workforce professionals, employers, educators, and policymakers from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence and innovation in workforce development.
Michigan Works! Southwest is part of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research's Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions (CWIS), which advances workforce development, employer engagement and economic opportunity throughout Southwest Michigan. Michigan Works! Southwest serves Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties by connecting job seekers and employers with workforce development services, training opportunities, and resources that support economic growth and career advancement.