To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Julie Rogers.

Running with a focus on low-cost/high-quality healthcare, Julie Rogers is seeking the position of State Representative for the 60^th District. As a healthcare provider herself, Julie said she is “uniquely positioned to represent the needs of our community. Michiganders deserve leaders who will work to unify our state rather than divide it.” As State Representative, Julie’s top priorities would include improving healthcare, protecting our environment, reforming our criminal justice system, and expanding human rights protections. In addition to the policy-focused questions, Julie also shared with us that her favorite movie is “Love Actually,” and her go-to artists to listen to on the campaign trail include the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga. Meet Julie Rogers.

NAME
Julie Rogers

AFFILIATION
Democrat

POSITION SEEKING
State Representative

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
60^th House District

EMAIL
julie@juliemrogers.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I first ran for office while advocating for low-cost/high-quality health care for my patients. As the only health care provider in my race, I’m uniquely positioned to represent the needs of our community. Michiganders deserve leaders who will work to unify our state rather than divide it.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

Improve health care, protect our environment, reform our criminal justice system, and expand human rights protections. As County Board Chair and Michigan Association of Counties Board member, I’m ready to hit the ground running in Lansing and work with colleagues from across the state to help move Kalamazoo and Michigan forward.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTION OF THE OFFICE?

I will fight for improved mental health care coverage, public health resources, and investment in preparedness; clean up blighted land and champion renewable energy; support equitable policies that keep non-violent offenders out of the prison system, and expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for all LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

As we reopen our economy, it’s not enough to create jobs—we need to protect our workforce too. Michigan needs to expand Work Share eligibility which brings in federal dollars and helps avoid a larger unemployment insurance debt so that our businesses can maintain as much of their payroll as possible.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

Anything by the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga.

FAVORITE MOVIE

I love all genres and movies are a great escape. A favorite is “Love Actually.”

FAVORITE BOOK

“For the Love of Cities” by Peter Kageyama.

FAVORITE FOOD

Breakfast tacos!

The Primary will be held on August 4. The general Election will be held on November 3. Julie Rogers is seeking this seat as a Democrat.