Michigan State University Government Relations

At a recent Rotary Club of Lansing meeting, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, President of the club and MSU Trustee, welcomed Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony for an insightful update on "What's Happening at the Capitol." The discussion showcases connections between community and state leadership, both leaders play pivotal roles in advancing priorities critical to Michigan, the Lansing region, and Michigan State University.

Governor Whitmer has signed bipartisan bills creating the $60M Michigan Innovation Fund, boosting startups statewide. This investment strengthens Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and supports higher education by fostering university-led innovation, research commercialization, and talent retention. https://lnkd.in/gSN6epNJ

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to create the Michigan Innovation Fund, a $60M program designed to support startups, grow the economy, and establish sustainable, long-term funding for Michigan’s innovators. This is a historic investment in early-stage venture capital. By supporting nonprofit and university-backed funds, this initiative will empower startups to thrive here in Michigan instead of seeking funding elsewhere. “This bipartisan achievement is the first step toward establishing sustainable funding pathways for Michigan's most promising startups and innovators," said Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation, which manages Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III. "By leveraging our existing ecosystem and creating new evergreen funds, we're investing in Michigan's long-term economic growth and innovation leadership.” Thank you to Governor Whitmer, Representatives Farhat, Hoskins, and VanWoerkom, and the entire Michigan Legislature for their leadership. Congratulations to all the partners who are helping make this vision a reality! Read the full news release here: https://bit.ly/3WhtpbM

Congratulations, Senator Debbie Stabenow on your retirement from the U.S. Senate! A true Spartan leader and dedicated public servant with nearly five decades of service at every level of government, you have been a champion for the people of Michigan and key priorities for MSU. Thank you for your leadership in everything from agricultural research and child nutrition to our Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and public health work in Flint. We are honored to have such an impactful ally and alum. I’ve appreciated your support and hope we can find ways to continue to partner with you to advance the common good with uncommon will! Go Green! 

Congratulations to Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., on receiving the prestigious National Medal of Science! Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff, former Interim President of Michigan State University, and current MSU Research Foundation Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Biology, and Biomedical Engineering, and is an internationally renowned expert in ovarian biology and reproductive science. Her groundbreaking contributions continue to shape the future of biomedical research and impact lives around the globe. https://lnkd.in/g8-xxfGY

Congratulations to Michigan’s newest members of Congress: Senator Elissa Slotkin, Congressman Tom Barrett, and Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet! We look forward to seeing their leadership in action as they represent the interests of our state and its communities in Washington, D.C. A special shoutout to the amazing Spartan delegation serving in Congress—not only as elected officials but also as part of the hardworking staff who contribute to shaping policy and making a difference. MSU alumni continue to demonstrate their commitment to public service and leadership across the nation.

Rebecca DeVooght, MSU’s Vice President for Government Relations, shares her perspective and vision for advancing MSU’s mission on the latest episode of MSU Today with Russ White. With over 25 years of experience in state government and higher education advocacy, and as a proud MSU alumna, Rebecca’s insights offer a deeper understanding of how MSU is building relationships and creating impact through government partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her vision: https://lnkd.in/gj42hT28

Dr. Mona Hanna, Associate Dean for Public Health in the MSU College of Human Medicine, spent the morning on Capitol Hill meeting with Michigan lawmakers about the successful Rx Kids cash prescription program in Michigan and the CDC-funded Flint Lead Registry, which is hosted by the MSU College of Human Medicine. Thank you to Senator Gary Peters, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Rep Dan Kildee for your time and interest in Rx Kids and to the entire Michigan Delegation who have been champions for our work in Flint and beyond.

Rebecca DeVooght, MSU’s Vice President for Government Relations, shares her perspective and vision for advancing MSU’s mission on the latest episode of MSU Today with Russ White. With over 25 years of experience in state government and higher education advocacy, and as a proud MSU alumna, Rebecca’s insights offer a deeper understanding of how MSU is building relationships and creating impact through government partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her vision: https://lnkd.in/gj42hT28

MSU was well-represented at the Dec. 4 National Science Board and Science & Technology Action Committee event on Capitol Hill, "New Currency of Power: The Future of U.S. Science and Technology." Jeffrey Jothum Smith, Director of Research Parks at the MSU Foundation, and Sarah Walter, Associate Vice President for Federal Relations in MSU’s Washington office, attended the event. Key discussions focused on the critical role of federal research in driving economic development, with insights from the National Science Foundation director and members of Congress. Former MSU President Peter McPherson and MSU alum Bill Ruch also joined the event, showcasing the Spartan community’s ongoing commitment to advancing science and technology for the future.