Senate, Michigan

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Debbie Stabenow made history in 2000 when she became the first woman from the State of Michigan elected to the United States Senate.

She has become one of Michigan’s most influential and accomplished leaders. After only four years in the U.S. Senate, she has been elected to the third ranking Democratic leadership position, giving Michigan a stronger voice in Washington.

She is a respected leader in Congress, leading debates on our nation’s budget and manufacturing issues, and becoming the Senate’s “go to” person on the issue of health care and prescription drugs. She was named head of the Senate Health Care Task Force for her Caucus in the last Congress. In her new leadership post, she is a leading voice in the fight to keep Social Security secure and ensure it’s solvency through the 21st century. Michigan’s Macomb Daily said Stabenow “has earned the respect of her colleagues in Washington, both Democrats and Republicans.”

As a State Legislator, Stabenow was acclaimed one of Michigan’s most passionate advocates for children and an expert in family law. Her influence as a State Legislator is evident throughout Michigan law -- from Michigan’s historic property tax cut and small business reforms, to nationally acclaimed legislation to protect children and families.

Senator Stabenow has already achieved important successes in the United States Senate, authoring the first ever federal ban on drilling for oil and gas in our Great Lakes; leading efforts to pass a $2 billion tax cut giving manufacturers incentives for job creation in the U.S., rather than overseas; mobilizing thousands of citizens in the fight to stop the dumping of Canadian trash in Michigan; and authoring anti money-laundering amendments after September 11th to make it difficult for terrorists and drug dealers to hide the money that finances their criminal networks.

Through her leadership, 100% of Michigan’s firefighters are now eligible for reimbursement for homeland security training. Seventy-two percent of firefighters had been denied reimbursement because they were volunteer and part-time fire fighters. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Stabenow has authored and passed laws to stop identity theft, protect consumer privacy, protect corporate whistle blowers and stop unscrupulous lenders from swindling consumers through predatory lending practices.

Through her seven offices, she responds to thousands of citizens each week, solving their problems with the federal government and bringing resources to local communities for critical services such as new hospital emergency rooms and life-saving equipment for local fire departments.

Senator Stabenow’s leadership and experience were rewarded with key Senate committee assignments including the powerful Budget Committee; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

Born on April 29, 1950, Senator Stabenow grew up in the small town of Clare, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University, where she received her Bachelor's (1972) and Masters (1975) degrees. She worked with youth in the public schools before running for public office.

She was first elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners in 1974 and was the youngest person and first woman to chair the Board (1977 78). She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where she served for twelve years (1979 90) and rose in leadership, becoming the first woman to preside over the House. She served in the State Senate for four years (1991 94) and was elected to Congress in 1996 where she served two terms representing Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District. She won election to the U.S. Senate in 2000.

Senator Stabenow’s home is in Lansing where she resides with her husband, Tom Athans. She has two grown children, Todd and Michelle, and one stepdaughter, Gina. She is a lifelong United Methodist and member of Grace United Methodist Church.