Michigan National Guard updates facilities for gender equity

Step one in a multi-million-dollar effort to modernize Michigan’s Nationwide Guard buildings is now full.

The work on the Grand Ledge Armory concerned increasing girls’s services like showers and offering a lactation room.

Employees Sgt. Chandra Taylor is a brand new mom. She mentioned the upgrades, like a lactation room, assist together with her productiveness.

“There was nowhere for me to pump earlier than. Now I’ve a room that I can go into, take my laptop computer, work, pump, I can nonetheless present for my son, and I can nonetheless do my job as a soldier,” Taylor at an occasion marking the completed renovations Monday.

Some lawmakers and state officers, together with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, toured the area in the course of the occasion. She mentioned there are over 1,500 girls within the Michigan Military Nationwide Guard.

“Nonetheless, the very harsh actuality is that only a few of the services that guard members have used have been up to date to mirror the rising variety of girls who serve our state and our nation. So, we’re taking motion,” Whitmer mentioned.

She mentioned the Grand Ledge Amory is one among 33 throughout the state focused for upgrades.

The newest state finances units apart $100 million for these gender inclusive fixes, amongst different modernization efforts.

State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) serves on the Appropriations and Home Navy, Veterans and Homeland Safety committees. She joined for the tour Monday.

“Even in our personal state capitol, girls legislators battle as a result of there’s not lactation services in our capitol. So, I’m very sympathetic to this and I’m thrilled that we have been capable of get each a state and federal match within the 2023 finances,” Rogers mentioned.

The U.S. Military beforehand required commanders to designate a particular area for lactation.