News
President Obama Signs Senator Stabenows Excellence in Mental Health Act Into Law
In one of the most significant steps forward in community mental health funding in decades, President Obama today signed into law a demonstration project of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's Excellence in Mental Health Act. Sen. Stabenow's bipartisan legislation, introduced with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), expands access to community mental health services and strengthens the quality of care provided for those living with mental illness. "Today is the last step in enacting this landmark advance in comm… Continue Reading
03.31.14
Congress Passes Landmark Step Forward in Community Mental Health Funding Authored by Senator Stabenow
The Senate today passed a demonstration project of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's Excellence in Mental Health Act, which she introduced last year with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). Stabenow's legislation, one of the most significant steps forward in mental health funding in decades, expands access to community mental health services and strengthens the quality of care provided for those living with mental illness. The version of the legislation, included in the Protecting Access to Medicare Act, es… Continue Reading
03.27.14
House Passes Version of Sen. Stabenows Bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a demonstration project of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act. The legislation expands access to community mental health services and strengthens the quality of care provided for those living with mental illness Sen. Debbie Stabenow, said: "This is a critically important issue that touches all of our families in some way. I'm glad that the House was able to come together and act in a bipartisan way to strengt… Continue Reading
03.27.14
Senate Passes Ukraine Aid Package
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on the Senate vote on an aid package for Ukraine: "I have spoken with leaders of the Ukrainian community in Michigan, and this is personal for them and their families," said Stabenow. "We must stand with the people of Ukraine and our allies in Europe against the outrageous actions of Russia and President Putin. I am hopeful we can get aid to the people of Ukraine as soon as possible."… Continue Reading
03.26.14
World Trade Organization Rules in Favor of U.S. Challenge to China's Illegal Restrictions on Rare Earth Elements
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today applauded U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman for winning a case before the World Trade Organization on China's illegal restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals. Rare earth materials are important components in many U.S. made-products, including hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, energy efficient lighting, and automobiles. Senator Stabenow was among the first to urge the Administration to address this problem and take WTO action against China … Continue Reading
03.26.14
Senator Stabenow Statement on BP Oil Spill in Lake Michigan
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on reports of an oil spill in Lake Michigan. The spill occurred at BP's Whiting, IN refinery. "I am deeply concerned about today's news. This just underscores the critical importance of protecting our Great Lakes and reminds us of the impact a disaster of this nature can have on our State's economy and way-of-life. I will continue to monitor this situation closely, and make sure the company fulfills its responsibility to clean … Continue Reading
03.26.14
Chairwoman Stabenow Receives "Champion of Dairy" Award from Michigan Milk Producers Association
The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) recognized U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, with its "Champion of Dairy" award for her extensive work on behalf of Michigan dairy farmers in the 2014 Farm Bill. MMPA honored Senator Stabenow with the award, which has only been given out once before, at the 98th State Annual Delegate Meeting held in Lansing on March 21. "It was great working with the Michigan Milk Producers to wr… Continue Reading
03.24.14
Senator Stabenow Takes to Senate Floor to Praise Resurgence of American Manufacturing
Today U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow took to the Senate floor to discuss liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, the crisis in Ukraine, and the domestic manufacturing renaissance being fueled by American natural gas. Below are excerpts of her remarks as prepared for delivery: A renaissance in the kind of good-paying, American manufacturing jobs that built our middle class is being powered in a significant way by American natural gas. More than $100 billion in investment - in more than 120 different m… Continue Reading
03.19.14
Chairwoman Stabenow Discusses New Farm Bills Historic Investment in Great Lakes
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today visited Grand Rapids to discuss implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill's historic investment in Great Lakes and private land conservation. The Farm Bill was signed into law just over thirty days ago by President Obama at Michigan State University. Now, the focus shifts to implementing the biggest investment our country makes in private land and water conservation. Sen. Stabenow met with M… Continue Reading
03.18.14
Farm Bill: Investing in the Great Lakes and Land Conservation
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today visited Frankenmuth to discuss implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill's historic investment in Great Lakes and private land conservation. The Farm Bill was signed into law just over thirty days ago by President Obama at Michigan State University. Now, the focus shifts to implementing the biggest investment our country makes in private land and water conservation. Sen. Stabenow met with Mi… Continue Reading
03.17.14
Michigan State Breaks Ground on FRIB Research Facility
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today delivered remarks at Michigan State University's groundbreaking ceremony for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The new state-of-the-art facility, awarded by the Department of Energy in 2008, will cement MSU's role as a world-class leader in cutting-edge research and continue to make Michigan a global hub for scientific breakthroughs in medicine, homeland security, energy, and other critical industry applications. FRIB is expected to create thousands o… Continue Reading
03.13.14
President Obama Signs Bill to Preserve Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow today welcomed President Obama's signature on a bill they introduced to protect more than 30,000 acres of wilderness at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This new law will help protect and conserve Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for future generations. "This legislation is a victory for the people of Michigan and all those, now and for years to come, who will be able to experience this precious natural wonder," Levin said. "Many Michiga… Continue Reading
03.12.14
Range Light Park Receives Support to Increase Accessibility, Expand Facilities
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for Range Light Park in Presque Isle to increase accessibility for activities and expand and improve park facilities. The support comes through the National Park Service. "Families across Northern Michigan visit parks like Range Light Park to enjoy the outdoors and relax," said Sen. Stabenow. "This support will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the boardwalk and pavilion, improve access to Lake Huron fo… Continue Reading
03.12.14
Michigan District Court Judges Confirmed by Senate
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today welcomed Senate votes confirming four judges to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit. The Senate confirmed the nominations of Matthew Frederick Leitman, Judith Ellen Levy, Laurie J. Michelson and Linda Vivienne Parker by 98-0, 97-0, 98-0, and 60-37, respectively. "Today's vote is great news for Michigan," said Stabenow. "These four highly respected jurists have dedicated their careers to our community and to p… Continue Reading
03.12.14
Two West Michigan Parks Receive Support to Increase Accessibility, Expand Facilities
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for Meinert Park in Muskegon and Cutler Park in Byron Center to increase accessibility for people living with disabilities and expand and improve park facilities. The support comes through the National Park Service. "Families across West Michigan visit parks just like Meinert and Cutler to enjoy the outdoors and relax," said Sen. Stabenow. "This support will make it easier for children with disabilities to play at Meinert park… Continue Reading
03.10.14
Senator Stabenow Announces New Communications Director
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today named Josh Dorner as her Communications Director. Dorner replaces Cullen Schwarz, who is now Press Secretary at USDA. Before joining Sen. Stabenow's office, Josh was Director of Communications and Advocacy for the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the Director of Communications for the Center for American Progress. Before joining CAP and CAP Action, he spent four years heading up communications strategy and media for all of the Sierra Club's energy … Continue Reading
03.07.14
Report Shows Michigan Leads the Country in Small Business Initiative Lending
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today applauded a new report by the U.S. Treasury Department that shows Michigan leading the nation in small business lending through the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Michigan has received and distributed more than $69.5 million through this initiative, which leverages private lending to help finance small businesses and manufacturers that are creditworthy but are not getting the loans they need to expand and create jobs. Sen. Stabenow helped lead the effo… Continue Reading
03.06.14
Cooperative Extension System Celebrates 100th Anniversary
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, which established the Cooperative Extension System and directed our country's land grant universities, including Michigan State University, to oversee its work. "Cooperative Extension connects the most current research and resources from our universities to help individuals, families, communities and… Continue Reading
03.06.14
Belle Isle and Detroit Receive Support for Tree Restoraion
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a $300,000 U.S. Forest Service grant to support tree restoration on Belle Isle and across the City of Detroit. The funding will be used to remove dangerous trees along Detroit's city streets and on Belle Isle that were lost to infestations from insects like the emerald ash borer. The grant will also support a tree management, maintenance, and restoration plan, which will … Continue Reading
03.05.14
Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Funding for Great Lakes Dredging
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, both D-Mich., today announced that the Army Corps will distribute $25 million for Great Lakes navigation projects, including funding to help address the backlog of dredging projects in the Great Lakes. Last month, Great Lakes Task Force Co-chairs Levin and Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., led a bipartisan letter from Great Lakes senators, including Stabenow, to leaders of the Army Corps of Engineers. The letter urged the Army Corps to allocate additional fund… Continue Reading