Debbie Stabenow | News

Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Passed in Senate

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:43:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a member of the President's Export Council under both Presidents Bush and Obama, today issued the following statement following the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States through 2014: 'More Michigan exports mean more Michigan jobs,' said Senator Stabenow. 'This legislation will let the Export-Import Bank continue to help Michigan businesses sell their products to more customers in other countries. The opening of the new export center in Detroit this year will help Michigan small businesses reach new markets, which is absolutely one of the best ways to strengthen our economy. ' The Senate passed the legislation last night with a strong bipartisan vote of 78-20. Last week, the House overwhelmingly voted to approve reauthorization by a vote of 330-93. The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. The Export-Import Bank of the United States is an independent federal agency that helps small businesses gain better access to the private export financing they need to sell their products. The bank helps support nearly 300,000 American jobs and operates at no cost to American taxpayers. For more information, visit www.exim.gov.

Statement on the Passing of Dorothy Gonzales

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:22:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow made the following statement regarding the passing of Dorothy Gonzales. 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dorothy. She was an important education leader in the Hispanic community and a trailblazer for all women. Dorothy was dedicated to public service and was a tireless advocate for Michigan families throughout her career and will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.' - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Over her many years of public service, Dorothy served in a number of leadership roles which included: Michigan State University Trustee, Director of the Wayne County Department of Health and Community Services, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health's Office of Multi-Cultural Services and Chair of the Michigan Association of Governing Boards.

Stabenow Recognized as a Champion for Jobs

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:15:00 EST

Senator Stabenow was awarded with the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation's annual Green Jobs Champion Award for her work to make Michigan a center of new advanced manufacturing. Stabenow has been a leader in boosting Michigan's alternative energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, and has helped create public-private partnerships that are making a real difference throughout Michigan. Senator Stabenow said: 'New clean energy technologies are transforming Michigan's economy, spurring new job growth and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. Michigan businesses and entrepreneurs are leading the nation in clean energy patents and advanced battery research and production. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the highly-skilled, hardworking men and women across our state.' This is the fifth year of the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation's Good Jobs Green Jobs conference. Regional conferences were held in Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. The two-day conference brought together business, environmental, labor, nonprofit and elected leaders from across the Midwest to discuss getting Americans to work in good jobs in the alternative energy sector. Congressman John Dingell also received this year's award.

Stabenow Introduces Bill to Cut Taxes for Companies Who Move Jobs to U.S.

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:45:00 EST

Stabenow Bill to Cut Taxes for Companies Who Move Jobs to U.S. Introduced; President Urges Congress to Pass It Stabenow and Pascrell's Bring Jobs Home Act Would Provide 20 percent Tax Credit to U.S. Companies that Bring Jobs Back to America, End Tax Breaks for Companies that Send Jobs Overseas U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Bill Pascrell today introduced a new initiative in their respective chambers to boost the economy by encouraging businesses to bring jobs to America and discourage companies from shipping jobs overseas. The Bring Jobs Home Act will cut taxes for U.S. companies that move jobs and business operations to America from another country. The initiative will also end tax loopholes that reward companies that ship jobs overseas. Senator Stabenow and Congressman Pascrell announced their plans to introduce the legislation last week in their home states. Today, President Obama called on Congress to pass the lawmakers' tax cut. 'We need to be exporting our products, not our jobs,' Senator Stabenow said. 'Instead of letting companies use tax loopholes that help them ship jobs overseas, we need to be cutting taxes for companies that create jobs in America. It's time to stop rewarding companies that send jobs to other countries and instead support businesses creating jobs here at home.' 'Passing the Bring Jobs Home Act will stop our tax code from providing corporate welfare by closing the loopholes that encourage outsourcing, and give incentives to businesses to reverse the flow of jobs back home,' said Congressman Pascrell, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. 'The light at the end of the economic recovery is powered by manufacturing; we cannot stand around while our manufacturing base continues to erode. Our ability to produce goods here at home is the key to America keeping its competitive edge in the world market.' Senator Stabenow and Congressman Pascrell's Bring Jobs Home Act: Creates a new tax cut to provide an incentive for U.S. companies to move jobs and business activity from another country back to America. Specifically, the initiative will allow companies to qualify for a tax credit equal to 20% of the cost associated with bringing jobs and business activity back to the United States. Ends a tax deduction for companies that outsource jobs and business activity. Right now, the cost of moving personnel and components of a company to a new location is defined as a business expense that qualifies for a tax deduction. Senator Stabenow's legislation will keep this deduction in place for companies that bring jobs and business activity back home but businesses would no longer be able to get this tax benefit for shipping jobs overseas.

Fighting to Stop Student Loan Interest Rates from Doubling

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:25:00 EST

On Tuesday, May 8, Senator Stabenow took to the Senate floor to speak out against letting student loan interest rates double. She read letters sent to her office by some of the 300,000 people in Michigan who would be affected by this interest rate hike, set to take effect on July 1. Read More

Stabenow Applauds McDonald’s Commitment to Michigan Through New ‘From Michigan For Michigan’ Campaign

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:11:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded McDonald's for its commitment to purchasing Michigan-grown agricultural products and supporting Michigan farmers. McDonald's Operators unveiled McDonald's From Michigan For Michigan campaign at an event held at Dietrich Orchards in Conklin with members of the Michigan Apple Association, Michigan Cherry Growers Association, and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. 'It is great that McDonald's is buying Michigan-grown fruits, eggs, and milk-supporting Michigan farmers who are producing quality products,' said Senator Stabenow. 'With its 'From Michigan For Michigan' campaign, McDonald's is continuing its commitment to Michigan and our agricultural industry. When we grow things and make things in Michigan, we create jobs in Michigan.' In 2011, McDonald's and its independent franchises purchased $237 million in ingredients from Michigan farmers and suppliers including more than 20 million pounds of apples, 2 million pounds of blueberries, 77 million dozen eggs, and 5 million gallons of milk.

Legislation to Stop Student Loan Interest Rates from Doubling Blocked as Deadline Looms

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:50:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked legislation that she is co-sponsoring to stop student loan interest rates from doubling. Unless Congress acts by July 1, Stafford student loan interest rates will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, increasing the cost of earning a degree for over 300,000 Michigan students and their families. The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012 would prevent this from happening by keeping the current interest rates for an additional year. The average Michigan student has $25,675 in student debt. 'I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans voted to allow student loan interest rates to double and pile even more higher education costs on middle-class families and students,' said Senator Stabenow. 'At a time when Michigan families are struggling to make ends meet, we need to be making college more affordable for students and their parents. Congress needs to come together and pass common-sense legislation that will stop student loan interest rates from doubling this summer without adding a dime to the deficit.' Senator Stabenow championed legislation in 2007 that cut student loan interest rates to 3.4 percent. If the interest rate doubles, the average student will rack up an additional $1,000 in debt over the life of each of their loans. In 2010, Senator Stabenow led the effort to reform the student loan program and expand college access. These reforms made lending initiatives more efficient, reduced the deficit, and increased Pell Grant funding to make college more affordable for students and middle-class families. To view video of Senator Stabenow speaking out against the interest rate hike, click here.

Army Corps Will Accelerate Efforts to Stop Carp

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:36:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dave Camp, sponsors of legislation to speed up the creation of a plan to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp, today welcomed the Army Corps of Engineers announcement to accelerate its efforts to block the damaging invasive species. Following the introduction of Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp's legislation, the Army Corps has now announced that it will complete a set of options for permanent barriers to stop Asian carp and other invasive species in 2013, years ahead of schedule. 'This is a good step forward in the fight to stop Asian carp,' Senator Stabenow said. 'I am pleased the Army Corps has agreed that efforts to stop Asian carp must be accelerated. There is still much work to do before permanent barriers are completed, but having action moved years ahead of schedule is a very positive development.' 'I am glad we are reaching consensus that the GLMRIS study needs to be concluded. But this is only a first step. Last week's temporary failure of the electric barriers show we need to begin implementing a permanent solution as soon as possible to prevent Asian carp from destroying the Great Lakes ecosystem and the $7 billion dollar economy they support,' said Congressman Camp. The Army Corps is currently charged with creating an action plan to block Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes through a number of rivers and tributaries-but had previously said it would not complete the plan or any portions of it until late 2015 or even beyond. Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp previously introduced identical legislation in their respective chambers of Congress, the Stop Invasive Species Act, to require the plan be completed within 18 months. Today the Army Corps announced it would provide Congress with options for methods of blocking Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes next year. An amendment based on the Stabenow-Camp legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 26. Last week, a power outage and equipment failure rendered the electronic barriers in the Chicago Waterway that currently protect against carp inoperable, leaving the Great Lakes unprotected from an Asian carp infestation-underscoring just how urgent it is that Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp's calls for accelerated action be heard. Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp's legislation is supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) is the leading Republican cosponsor of the bill in the Senate, with Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Carl Levin (D-MI), Robert Casey (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) cosponsoring as well. Congressman Camp is joined by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) as the lead Democratic sponsor in the House. The bill is also supported by the Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Healing our Waters Coalition, National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited.

Stabenow and Camp Call for Action Following Failure of Electronic Asian Carp Barriers

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:53:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) today issued the following statements regarding a power outage and equipment failure that rendered the electronic barriers in the Chicago Waterway inoperable, leaving the Great Lakes unprotected from Asian carp infestation: 'These barriers are the only thing standing between the Asian carp and our Great Lakes,' Stabenow said. 'If carp had been able to get through while the barriers were down, it could have been absolutely devastating to our economy and our way of life. It is now more clear than ever that we need urgent action on a permanent solution that stops the threat of Asian carp once and for all.' 'While the Corps was fortunately able to respond quickly to the barrier losing power, this glitch illustrates what we already know - electric barriers and chain link fences will not hold back Asian carp forever,' Camp said. 'Severing the man-made ties between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes is the only way to ensure Asian carp are not allowed to devastate the Great Lakes and the multi-billion dollar economy they support.' According to the Army Corp of Engineers, on Wednesday, May 2, at 12:58pm (CDT), a power failure and a subsequent failure of the backup generators resulted in a 13 minute lapse during which all of the three electric dispersal barriers were offline. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee are now investigating the cause of the failures and completing an assessment of whether any fish were present near the barriers when they failed. The barriers have been in place since 2002, when the first barrier was installed, to stop Asian carp travelling through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal from reaching Lake Michigan. The barriers are in place to stop the spread of invasive Asian carp, which threaten to irreparably devastate the Great Lakes ecosystem, as well as the $16 billion boating industry, $7 billion fishing industry, and hundreds of thousands of jobs the Great Lakes support. Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Camp have each introduced a bill in the Senate and House, respectively, to speed up the development of a better, permanent solution to stop Asian carp and other invasive species. The Stop Invasive Species Act requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress an expedited action plan for stopping Asian carp from penetrating the Great Lakes within 18 months. News of the electronic barriers' failure further illustrates the need for the legislation. An amendment based on the Stabenow-Camp legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee last week. Stabenow and Camp's legislation is supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) is the leading Republican cosponsor of the bill in the Senate, with Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Carl Levin (D-Royal Oak, MI), Robert Casey (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) cosponsoring as well. Congressman Camp is joined by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) as the lead Democratic sponsor in the House. The bill is also supported by the Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Healing our Waters Coalition, National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited.

Widespread Praise for the 2012 Farm Bill

Thu, 03 May 2012 13:44:00 EST

Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, led the Committee in considering and approving the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 last week with broad bipartisan support. The bill reforms food and agricultural policy by eliminating direct payments, consolidating programs and ending duplication, and cracking down on abuse in food assistance programs. This new Farm Bill saves $23 billion while strengthening crop insurance and other initiatives that help create American agricultural jobs (a summary of the bill can be found here). Following are statements from a wide variety of Michigan-based and national organizations and stakeholders, praising the bill for its major reforms and for the collaborative, inclusive and exceptionally bipartisan process of drafting it: MICHIGAN-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: Michigan Farm Bureau: 'Passing a farm bill is never an easy feat, and Chairwoman Stabenow and her counterpart, Ranking Committee Member Senator Pat Roberts, deserve a lot of credit for moving the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 forward.... Stabenow and her staff have worked hard over the last year in gathering input from Michigan farmers-a gesture not lost on Farm Bureau members.... The Senator reviewed programs with farmers actually impacted by them, made appropriate changes, and put together a sound piece of legislation. At the same time, she managed to save nearly $23 billion relative to current farm bill spending.' -Ryan Findlay, Michigan Farm Bureau National Legislative Counsel Agricultural Leaders of Michigan: 'Agriculture is a major force in Michigan's economy, bringing in nearly $90 billion annually. We thank Senator Stabenow for her hard work on the Farm Bill. This bipartisan effort consolidates programs, makes necessary reforms to agricultural policy and saves taxpayer money all while supporting and strengthening agriculture.' -Jim Byrum, President (also president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association; speaking here on behalf of Agriculture Leaders of Michigan) Michigan Agri-Business Association: 'Sen. Stabenow has fought consistently for reforms that will help Michigan farmers increase production and deal with increasing demand, and this draft Farm Bill deserves Congress' fullest support. Sen. Debbie Stabenow deserves credit for her support of major efforts to modernize and streamline farm policy that will ensure Michigan and U.S. agriculture can continue to grow and feed the world. Michigan agri-businesses view this draft Farm Bill as a blueprint for how U.S. and Michigan agriculture can continue to compete in today's economy. 'Strong infrastructure and reliable access to electricity are essential if Michigan agriculture is going to continue to grow. This Farm Bill will strengthen energy production in rural areas, spurring economic development and ensuring energy security. We appreciate Senator Stabenow's leadership and vision in bringing both parties together to pass these much needed reforms.' -Jim Byrum President (also president of Agriculture Leaders of Michigan; speaking here on behalf of the Michigan Agri-Business Association) Great Lakes Commission: 'We are enthusiastic about the important new opportunities the Farm Bill offers to improve water quality, enhance habitat, and support a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector in the Great Lakes region. We appreciate the critical leadership you have provided.' -Tim Eder, Executive Director Fair Food Network: 'We applaud the Agriculture Committee for including SNAP incentive provisions in the committee bill. Thanks to Senator Stabenow's tireless leadership, these common sense, bipartisan provisions will benefit SNAP recipients, strengthen the program, and provide growth opportunities for American farmers.' -Oran B. Hesterman, President and CEO Michigan Cherry Committee: 'Michigan's cherry farmers continue to grow and compete with farmers nationally and globally. We appreciate the work that Senator Stabenow has done in bringing all sides together and drafting this Farm Bill. Senator Stabenow's efforts are essential to strengthening the diversity of Michigan's agricultural industry.' -Phil Korson, Executive Director GreenStone Farm Credit Services: 'The 2012 Farm Bill passed by the committee positions agriculture in Michigan and across the nation for growth, while taking into account the realities of today's global economy and growing demand for safe, affordable and nutritious food. Sound risk management practices like crop insurance help ensure financial stability for Michigan farmers, especially when weather brings drought, floods, hail and other natural calamities. The Senate Agriculture Committee approved a Farm Bill that can lead to more growth and opportunities for America's agriculture industry. 'Sound risk management practices like crop insurance help ensure financial stability for Michigan farmers, and make sure that farmers are not wiped out by one day of bad weather. This Farm Bill will reduce the deficit while preserving programs that help farmers mitigate risk and manage their resources effectively. We are pleased that the committee came together in a bipartisan manner to adopt these much needed reforms and urge Congress to act quickly on them.' -Dave Armstrong, President and CEO Michigan Milk Producers Association: 'Michigan dairy producers applaud the Senate Agriculture Committee for addressing much needed reforms that can modernize dairy policy, and we urge the full Senate to continue standing up for those reforms pass the Farm Bill quickly. Dairy is Michigan's top agricultural commodity, and U.S. dairy exports have more than doubled in the last seven years. We look forward to a dairy policy that is based on today's market realities and which allows us to continue to grow and meet increasing demands. 'Michigan dairy producers applaud Senator Stabenow for her leadership in reducing the deficit while bringing much needed reforms to government. Dairy is Michigan's top agricultural commodity, and U.S. dairy exports have more than doubled in the last seven years. We look forward to the passage of a Farm Bill that revamps current dairy policy and gives Michigan dairy farmers the tools we need to meet the increasing global demand while at the same time assuring U.S. consumers an abundant supply of milk.' -Ken Nobis, President Michigan Pork Producers Association: 'Michigan's agricultural sector is extremely diverse and is aggressively pursuing new markets and opportunities - opportunities that we can seize with the 2012 Farm Bill the committee passed. Michigan's pork producers applaud the provision in the Farm Bill establishing a feral swine eradication program. Aggressively eliminating this invasive species is critical to protecting our markets, preserving existing jobs and creating new ones. We thank the Senate committee for their hard work in passing the bi-partisan reform that pork producers and the entire agricultural need to compete in a global economy.' - Sam Hines, Executive Vice President Michigan Corn Growers Association: 'We appreciate the work by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow to develop a well-crafted 2012 farm bill and work in a bi-partisan effort to pass the Farm Bill out of committee... While we understand that this is a long process, we commend the work of the entire Senate Ag Committee and industry in the work completed thus far. We look forward to continued work with Senator Stabenow and Congress in passing the farm bill in 2012. 'Michigan's corn growers applaud Senator Stabenow for providing exactly the kind of bipartisan leadership this country needs to move forward.. Michigan and U.S. agriculture continue to be bright spots in our economy, and this Farm Bill gives agriculture the stability it needs to continue to create growth and economic opportunities.' -Jeff Sandborn, President Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy/Leelanau Conservancy: 'We...express our heartfelt appreciation for the development and inclusion of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and associated funding outlined in the Committee Pring of the 2o12 Farm Bill ... Combining the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) with the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) holds great promise for new program efficiencies and for more streamlined services better understood and accessed by our area growers. We commend you and your staff for this innovative effort to simplify the easement programs in the Farm Bill while continuing to leverage partnerships with land trusts such as ours.' -Glen Chown, Executive Director, Regional Land Conservancy; -Brian Price, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy Potato Growers of Michigan: 'Michigan's potato industry is on the rise, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow's commitment to agriculture and specialty crops like potatoes is the key for our farmers and businesses to grow and thrive. We appreciate the work that Sen. Debbie Stabenow has done in bringing all sides together and drafting this Farm Bill. Sen. Stabenow's efforts are essential to strengthening the diversity of Michigan's agricultural industry.' Ben Kudwa, Legislative Director Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, Inc.: 'Agriculture is a major driving force in Michigan's economy, creating jobs, opportunities for economic growth, and continuing to expand exports. Senator Stabenow's leadership and this proposed Farm Bill will give agriculture the tools it needs to continue to be a competitive force globally, while providing a solid safety net for producers. That's why poultry producers and agriculture as a whole stand with her as we work together to grow our agricultural industry and support this 2012 Farm Bill.' -George House, Executive Director Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition: 'Congratulations on developing a bipartisan proposal. We support the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program in subtitle E of the committee's draft bill and look forward to working with you as the process moves forward.' -Chad Lord, Policy Director Michigan Bean Commission: 'Senator Stabenow deserves credit for listening to the concerns of Michigan agricultural leaders and farmers while passing a Farm Bill reduces the deficit and reforms government. This bill cuts billions of dollars in spending while still preserving key programs that Michigan agriculture needs to continue competing globally. We look forward to continuing to work with her to find new ways to strengthen Michigan's agricultural economy.' -Ross Voelker, Commission Chair American Forest Foundation: 'With strong demand for forest products, the 438,000 families who own Michigan's forests will be better able to conserve and manage them. We applaud Senator Stabenow's efforts to increase the use of forest products and jobs in rural communities.' -Tom Martin, President and CEO Hardwood Federation: 'Including forest products in the Biobased Markets Program will create demand for forest products, helping to bring back the 110,000 forestry sector jobs lost across the North since 2005. Under current policy, forest products are excluded from this program, despite their biobased content ... In the last few years, more than 505 predominately hardwood mills across the North have been shuttered. We are thankful that Senator Stabenow recognizes the jobs and economic loss our rural communities have suffered and takes steps to ensure that American-made forest products aren't disadvantaged by biobased procurement requirements.' - Deb Hawkinson, Executive Director NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS American Farm Bureau Federation: 'Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts deserve praise for structuring this legislation with crucial risk management tools for farmers and doing so in a fiscally responsible manner during one of the toughest budget climates our nation has ever faced. The bill also provides a firm foundation for continued cooperative, incentive-based conservation efforts.' The Nature Conservancy: 'The Senate Agriculture Committee proved today that there is strong and bipartisan support for a Farm Bill that contains the kind of solid conservation programs America needs in order to meet our increasing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel. ... This Committee did outstanding work crafting a Conservation Title that keeps intact-and in some cases improves upon-programs that play an essential role in conserving America's soil, water and wildlife habitat. These leaders have our sincerest appreciation for their hard work ... We now ask Senate leaders to ensure that the Farm Bill receives prompt floor action so that their efforts are not lost.' National Farmers Union: 'NFU is pleased to see the 2012 Farm Bill voted out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in a bipartisan vote. This represents progress toward providing a fiscally responsible farm safety net directed to family farmers and ranchers. The bill's investment in rural America will create jobs and opportunities for farmers to continue providing energy and conservations benefits to all Americans.' Oxfam America: 'This proposal takes important steps to cut waste and modernize America's international food aid programs. U.S. food aid programs are absolutely critical to our foreign policy and our moral values. Regulations imposed on the food aid program to protect special interests cost taxpayers up to $500 million per year ... Advocates for effective aid have pushed for nearly a decade to see common sense steps taken to bring our aid programs up to date. Everyone should support the reforms to food aid programs offered in this bill to ensure that our tax dollars are spent as efficiently and effectively as possible to save millions of lives. We urge the Congress to include the long overdue fixes to food aid in the Farm Bill and reject the special interests who seek to undermine life-saving reforms.' Fair Food Network: 'We applaud the Agriculture Committee for including SNAP incentive provisions in the committee bill. Thanks to Senator Stabenow's tireless leadership, these common sense, bipartisan provisions will benefit SNAP recipients, strengthen the program, and provide growth opportunities for American farmers.' Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: 'These are trying times for private lands conservation funding, but thanks to the leadership of Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Pat Roberts, the Senate Farm Bill makes the most of limited dollars. By strengthening programs through sound policy, the Senate Farm Bill makes the conservation title more efficient and more user friendly, a victory for responsible resources management. American sportsmen commend the Senate Agriculture Committee for producing the best possible Farm Bill under circumstances that are challenging at best.' Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance: 'The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) today applauds the leadership shown by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and the entire Senate Agriculture Committee to advance a new Farm Bill. The Committee's proposed Farm Bill supports many of the critical priorities for specialty crops. The SCFBA is pleased to see the proposed Farm Bill continues the important investments made in specialty crop programs through the 2008 Farm Bill. The Alliance urges the Committee to complete its work on the bill and pass this important legislation this week ... The SCFBA applauds the broad, bi-partisan support shown by the Senate for advancing a new Farm Bill that addresses specialty crop needs.' Environmental Defense Fund: 'It's important for Congress to get a farm bill done this year, and the action today by the Senate Agriculture Committee to report a bill represents an important step in the process. More importantly, the work that leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee have done over the past few months demonstrates a continuing, strong commitment to conservation - even in the face of significant budget pressures ... The bill reported by the Senate Agriculture Committee today cuts overall farm bill spending by $23 billion, with $6 billion of the cuts coming from conservation programs. Although any cuts will be painful given the increasing demands on natural resources, members on both sides of the aisle worked to minimize the impact of the cuts by also including policy improvements designed to increase the effectiveness of conservation programs.' National Council of Farmer Cooperatives: 'Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts are to be commended for taking the lead on reauthorization of the farm bill by holding a markup today ... The new policies in the Farm Bill reflect the dairy industry becoming more focused on markets, particularly international markets, and finding those markets for a growing dairy sector in this country. It's exciting to see those kind of things taking place.' National Crop Insurance Services: 'The bill passed out of the Committee today responded to calls from growers of most major crops by keeping crop insurance strong and ensuring that it will remain at the forefront of modern-day farm policy. We appreciate the Committee's efforts to improve the crop insurance title and limit the adverse impacts of other programs on crop insurance.' National Association of Conservation Districts: 'On behalf of the National Association of Conservation Districts and our 3,000 member districts across the country, we applaud the Senate Agriculture Committee for its swift approval of the 2012 Farm Bill. We're especially pleased with a strong Conservation Title that streamlines and consolidates programs for increased efficiency and ease-of-use for producers. We encourage the full Senate to act quickly and vote in favor of this bipartisan, common-sense bill.' U.S. Cattlemen's Association: 'Under the leadership of Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts, the Senate Agriculture Committee has taken the lead in ensuring cattle producers are adequately represented in the 2012 Farm Bill through the inclusion of the Livestock Subtitle. The continued investment in comprehensive animal health initiatives, specifically such provisions as the competitive grant program which targets Tuberculosis/Brucellosis, is paramount and USCA will look to continue their support of the Farm Bill as written as the bill reaches the Senate floor and continues to move through Congress.' Ducks Unlimited: 'DU is pleased that the chairwoman and the committee included key conservation elements such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program and a new regional partnership program that contribute to soil, water and wildlife benefits ... This program will incentivize collaboration among federal, state and private partners to target and focus conservation efforts in watersheds to improve water quality and reduce sediment, giving landowners and the general public a bigger bang for their buck. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers will benefit as well, due to the increased conservation efforts on working lands.' Pheasants Forever: 'We were very pleased to see strong conservation language in the Farm Bill that passed out of the Senate Ag Committee under Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Pat Robert's leadership. The strong, bi-partisan support for a bill that included provisions to help protect critical native prairies, provide access to sportsmen and addresses a strong suite of conservation programs, while reducing the overall federal budget were all positive signs as the 2012 Farm Bill process moves forward.' National Corn Growers Association: 'We greatly appreciate the work by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Pat Roberts to put forth a well-crafted 2012 farm bill. The National Corn Growers Association is pleased to see the committee listened to the concerns of our nation's corn growers and have done a great job keeping our priorities under consideration while drafting the legislation ... While we understand this is the first step in a very long process, we applaud the Senate Ag Committee for holding a markup and hope the House Agriculture Committee will swiftly follow suit. We look forward to our continued work with members and staff on this important piece of legislation and urge Congress to pass a farm bill this year.' National Association of Wheat Growers: 'We appreciate the leadership of Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Roberts and the Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee in pushing forward the 2012 Farm Bill discussions. When they head into the fields to plant the 2013 crop beginning this fall, our wheat farmers need to know they have access to a strong, crop-insurance-based safety net. We look forward to continued progress on the Senate floor and in the House.' American Soybean Association: 'ASA is very pleased with the Senate Agriculture Committee's work today, and throughout the Farm Bill process. As passed by the Committee, this legislation will serve the needs not only of soybean farmers, but of the entire farming community.' National Cotton Council: 'The U.S. cotton industry is grateful to Chairwoman Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator Roberts (R-KS) - along with the solid support of Senators Chambliss (R-GA), Cochran (R-MS) and Boozman (R-AR) - for including the NCC's Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) and modified marketing assistance loan program, both designed to meet budget challenges and the resolving of the Brazil WTO case.' American Veterinary Medical Association: 'AVMA agrees with your decision to maintain the $23 billion in savings that you first suggested to the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction as the Committee's target for this bill. Agriculture has taken disproportionate budget cuts over the past few years and believes that you struck the right balance between doing 'your part' to reduce the deficit while maintaining essential programs ... The importance of completing a farm bill this year cannot be overstated. The AVMA is committed to working with Congress and our stakeholder partners to help pass the bill this year.' Public Health Institute: 'PHI applauds Senators Stabenow and Roberts for their strong leadership in moving forward bipartisan legislation that makes critical investments in nutrition, particularly during this time of significant pressure to find budgetary savings. Protecting programs such as SNAP-Ed is essential to optimizing the nutritional and economic value of SNAP benefits to improve the health and well-being of those who are most in need.' National Telecommunications Cooperative Association: Thank you for undertaking such a major effort to update and modernize the Farm Bill. This process is laborious in the best of times, and as this country faces an increasing deficit and debt, this challenge is significant ... Thank you again for your hard work and effort on this and so many other essential areas for rural America.' Biotechnology Industry Organization: 'The important energy title programs authorized and funded in this bill are just beginning to have a positive impact in revitalizing rural America, fueling economic growth and creating well-paying opportunities where we need it most -- in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and forestry. These programs can also help meet our responsibilities to revitalize rural areas, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and renew economic growth. The Farm Bill's energy title and proposals to support biomanufacturing will help the United States maintain its competitive leadership in biotechnology, manufacturing and agriculture - ensuring that what we grow here in the United States can be used to make new products here and create jobs here.' World Food Program USA: 'The Farm Bill developed by the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee helps alleviate global hunger. It is a testament to the longstanding dedication of Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts who have been steadfast in their commitment to addressing hunger. We strongly support the global hunger provisions in the bill. The bill builds upon the ongoing efforts of Congress and the Administration to transform the U.S. response to global hunger. It increases the sustainability of school feeding programs, improves the nutritional quality of food assistance, fosters integration of US food security programs and increases the cost effectiveness of food aid. This is a good bill for the world's hungry people.' The Biobased Products Coalition: 'The Biobased Products Coalition (BPC) applauded Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Pat Roberts for provisions included in their Farm Bill mark that continue and expand the Section 9002 Biobased Market Program.' Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: 'The Senate Agriculture Committee worked admirably at making the most of a very unfortunate national budget situation. We sincerely appreciate Chairwoman Stabenow's and Senator Roberts' commitment to continue funding for conservation programs at reasonable levels - and their acknowledgement that conservation is a significant component of working agriculture. We applaud both you and your staffs' willingness to collaborate, resolve difficult issues, and put forth changes in farm bill policy that advance our nation's agricultural production and provide invaluable natural resources conservation opportunities while taking steps to help reduce our nation's growing deficit problem.' National Milk Producers Federation: 'We believe the approach the Senate Agriculture Committee is taking will generate broad, bipartisan support for the farm bill. This bill allows dairy farmers to better manage their risks, in a deliberate approach that offers a superior safety net, reduces government involvement in our industry, and positions our entire industry to compete in a global marketplace. It saves money compared to existing programs, and will be affordable and convenient for farmers to use. Critically, it treats all farmers equally, and doesn't produce regional or size-based outcomes that are inherently discriminatory.' American Sugar Alliance: 'The Senate Agriculture Committee should be commended for its hard work and dedication in producing a bipartisan bill that will ensure that one of America's most important industries-agriculture-can thrive. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-KS) deserve particular praise. Producing a bill that saves taxpayers money with support on both sides of the aisle is no small feat given today's political and budget climate. While we know that much work remains to pass a final bill, we are encouraged that today's markup keeps the process moving forward.' National Conference of State Legislatures: 'We applaud your efforts, which will continue to build on the important state federal partnership in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). NCSL looks forward to continuing to work with you throughout the process of reauthorizing vital nutrition assistance programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.' Campaign for a Renewed Rural Development: 'We thank you for working in a bipartisan manner to develop a 2012 Farm Bill and push for its adoption this year. We applaud you for making serious policy changes which will improve the effectiveness of rural development programs.' The Land Trust Alliance: 'The Land Trust Alliance wishes to commend you and your staff for the draft farm bill recently posted on the committee's website. As you know, we have paid special attention to the working land easement programs, including the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) and Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), now combined in your draft bill as Agricultural Land Easements under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. We want to thank you for the thoughtful way this has been done in the draft, and for the funding levels provided for these easements.' First Focus Campaign for Children: 'We are pleased that the proposed legislation protects the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program as this ensures that low-income elementary students have access to a fresh fruit or vegetable snack, every day at school, as well as the investment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) which helps low-income Americans make healthy choices on a limited budget.' Wholesome Wave: 'The Senate Agriculture Committee's work on the 2012 Farm Bill required difficult choices and compromise. Wholesome Wave applauds the bipartisan leadership of the committee, led by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, (D-Michigan) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts, (R-Kansas) ... We are encouraged to see the bipartisan support of this important piece of proposed legislation. We all need to be at the table together so that the voices of the underserved are never forgotten.' A copy of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 is available for download on the Committee's website, as well as a summary of the bill, at http://ag.senate.gov.

Senator Stabenow Unveils New “Bring Jobs Home Act”

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today unveiled a new initiative to boost Michigan's economy by encouraging businesses to bring jobs to America and discourage companies from shipping jobs overseas. Stabenow unveiled her new legislation, the Bring Jobs Home Act, in the Keller Engineering Laboratories Building at Grand Valley State University in downtown Grand Rapids and at GalexE.Solutions in downtown Detroit. Stabenow's Bring Jobs Home Act will cut taxes for companies that move jobs and business activity to America from another country. At the same time, Stabenow's initiative will also end tax loopholes that reward companies that ship jobs overseas. The Keller Engineering Laboratories Building at Grand Valley State University provides engineering students with a 30,000 square foot living laboratory to facilitate student research, projects and experiments. GalaxE.Solutions is a global IT custom systems developer that opened a development center in downtown Detroit in 2010. GalaxE.Solutions is committed to bringing IT jobs back to the U.S. through programs such as 'Outsource to Detroit,' a campaign focused on building a healthcare IT hub in downtown Detroit. The company has already hired more than 150 IT professionals with more than 200 immediate openings. Lansing Community College's West Campus facility houses the Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) and a Technical Training Center to provide advanced manufacturing training and technical education opportunities for students. Completed in 2004, the 290,536 square foot West Campus facility is home to community partnerships with companies such as General Motors, Haas, Lincoln Welding, and Siemens Building Technologies. Mott Community College's Regional Technology Center is home to the FABLAB, or Digital Fabrication Laboratory, which is part of a mid-Michigan initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Using digital technologies and sophisticated equipment, students and entrepreneurs are able to turn ideas into products. An Entrepreneurship Team, managed by the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, is also a partner which offers business counseling and development services. Senator Stabenow said: 'We need to be exporting our products, not our jobs. Instead of letting companies use tax loopholes to ship jobs overseas, we need to be cutting taxes for companies that create jobs in America. Michigan is home to the hardest-working, skilled workforce in the world, and our entrepreneurs are turning innovative ideas into new job-creating businesses. My initiative will help bring new jobs to Michigan by providing an incentive for businesses to bring jobs home, and it will stop rewarding companies that outsource.' Paul Plotkowski, Dean of GVSU's College of Engineering and Programming said: 'At Grand Valley State, we're proud of the fact that the vast majority of our graduates are employed, and choose to be employed right here in Michigan. I commend Senator Stabenow for working to help create jobs at home so more recent graduates and other Michigan residents can continue to find work in our state.' Tim Bryan, Chairman and CEO of GalaxE.Solutions said: 'It is quite rewarding to see our message of job repatriation resonating at the highest levels of business and government in this country. A monumental shift is taking place that needs to be acted upon now. Senator Stabenow's initiative is poised to be a game changer in putting Americans back to work.' George Berghorn, Dean of Technical Careers at Lansing Community College said: 'Our mission in the Technical Careers Division is to provide state-of-the-art education and training programs. The programs at West Campus provide the knowledge and skills essential for transition to employment. With the constantly changing job market and advancements in technology, life-long learning is essential. We would like to thank Senator Debbie Stabenow for being here today. We feel there is no better place than Lansing Community College's West Campus to talk about technology and the initiative to create highly skilled, high paying jobs in Mid-Michigan.' Douglas Stites, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! said: 'The Bring Jobs Home Act has the potential to improve our local economy. Thousands of individuals visit Capital Area Michigan Works! each week and they need to be connected to the right employer. This act could provide more opportunities to not only the job seeker, but the businesses as well.' Dr. Dick Shaink, President of Mott Community College said: 'At Mott Community College, our students are learning the advanced skills and innovative training necessary to prepare them for the jobs of the future. I want to thank Senator Stabenow for choosing Mott College to make this important announcement. We share her interest in seeing that more of our students are able to find good-paying jobs right here in Michigan.' Senator Stabenow's Bring Jobs Home Act: Creates a new tax cut to provide an incentive for companies to move jobs and business activity from another country back to America. Specifically, her initiative will allow companies to qualify for a tax credit equal to 20% of the cost associated with bringing jobs and business activity back to the United States. The company will be able to apply the 20% tax credit against their income tax. Ends a tax deduction for companies that outsource jobs and business activity. Right now, the cost of moving personnel and components of a company to a new location is defined as a business expense that qualifies for a tax deduction. Senator Stabenow's legislation will keep this deduction in place for companies that bring jobs and business activity back home but businesses would no longer be able to get a tax benefit for shipping jobs overseas. Senator Stabenow has long-championed efforts to ensure U.S. businesses and workers can become more globally competitive and create more jobs in America. Last year, Senator Stabenow introduced her American Competitiveness Plan to crack down on other countries' trade violations. One of the main provisions of Stabenow's Plan, which called for a trade enforcement unit to hold countries that violate trade laws accountable, was created by President Obama earlier this year. Other provisions of Stabenow's plan include a bill to crackdown on China's currency manipulation (which passed the Senate last year with overwhelming bipartisan support) and provisions to strengthen penalties for foreign companies who steal American technology and intellectual property.

Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST

Stabenow Joined in Introducing Bipartisan Farm Bill by Senator Pat Roberts, Committee's Top Republican The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today approved Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow's 2012 Farm Bill by a wide bipartisan margin, 16-5. Stabenow was joined by top Agriculture Committee Republican Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) in introducing the bipartisan Farm Bill, entitled the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. A Farm Bill sets the nation's agriculture policy and must be passed every five years. The current Farm Bill is set to expire this year. The Senators' bipartisan proposal will reduce the deficit $23 billion dollars by eliminating unnecessary direct payment subsidies, consolidating programs to end duplication, and cracking down on food assistance abuse. These reforms will allow agriculture initiatives critical for Michigan to be strengthened. 'We examined every agriculture program to see what was working and what wasn't,' said Stabenow. 'This Farm Bill ends unnecessary direct payment subsidies, consolidates programs and cracks down on fraud and abuse. With these reforms we saved billions that allowed us to strengthen initiatives that are effectively helping farmers and businesses create new Michigan agriculture jobs.' 'Congress needs to put down the partisanship and work across the aisle to help spur job creation and reduce the deficit. I'm proud that the Agriculture Committee was able to accomplish that,' Stabenow said. Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry, with nearly one in four jobs supported by agriculture. The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 would reduce the deficit by: Finally ending 'direct payment' farm subsidies, meaning farmers will no longer be paid for crops they are not growing; will not be paid for acres that are not actually planted; and will only receive support in the face of actual price or yield drops-not when they are already doing well. Crop insurance will be strengthened to ensure farmers are protected from being wiped out by a few days of bad weather. Cracking down on fraud and abuse in food assistance programs so resources are used for those who truly need them. For example, the proposal would take lotto winners off of food assistance, stop misuse by college students, and crack down on benefit trafficking. Making agriculture initiatives more cost-effective-eliminating dozens of programs in the agriculture committees' jurisdiction while still largely accomplishing the same goals and making programs easier to use. For example, 23 existing conservation programs are consolidated into 13 while still maintaining the same tools currently available to protect our land and water-even increasing investment in top priorities like Great Lakes Protection. The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 would help farmers, ranchers and small business owners create jobs by: Expanding export opportunities to help farmers sell in new markets Strengthening research and other initiatives to support innovation among American fruit and vegetable growers-particularly important to Michigan as our agriculture sector is based more on fruits and vegetables much more than many other states. Helping new bio-manufacturing businesses start and existing ones expand Spurring advancements in bio-energy production Creating new markets for small family farmers Extending rural development initiatives to help rural communities grow their economies More detailed summaries and the full text of the 2012 Farm Bill is available on the Senate Agriculture Committee's website: http://www.ag.senate.gov/issues/farm-bill.

Senate Committee Passes Key Provision Based on Bipartisan Stabenow, Camp Legislation to Stop Asian Carp

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:53:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today applauded the unanimous, bipartisan committee passage of a key provision based on legislation that she and Congressman Dave Camp introduced last week, the bipartisan Stop Invasive Species Act. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a provision today offered by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that would, like Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp's legislation, require the speedy creation of an action plan to block Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes through a number of rivers and tributaries across the Great Lakes region. The measure passed today requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete the action plan by July 2014- as opposed to late 2015 or 2016 like the Army Corps has suggested (without congressional action, the Corp report could come even later, as there is currently no legal deadline for the Corp to complete its plan). Senator Stabenow said that she would continue to push for even quicker action to stop Asian carp. 'We need action now to stop Asian carp and other invasive species from devastating our Great Lakes ecosystem and our economy,' said Senator Stabenow. 'Committee passage of this provision just a week after we introduced our bill is very promising. I will continue leading the bipartisan effort to require action even more quickly. We cannot afford to wait.' The Stop Invasive Species Act requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress an expedited action plan with options for stopping Asian carp from penetrating the Great Lakes across 18 possible points of entry. The bill requires the Army Corps to submit a progress report to Congress and the President within 90 days of the law's enactment. The full plan would need to be completed within 18 months. Under the Stop Invasive Species Act, the Army Corps would continue to examine modes of transportation across key waterways to ensure shipping could continue while mechanisms for preventing Asian carp from destroying the Great Lakes are implemented. The bill is supported by the Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Healing our Waters Coalition, National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited. Senator Stabenow and Rob Portman (R-OH) are leading the measure in the Senate, and are joined by Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Carl Levin (D-Royal Oak, MI), Robert Casey (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN). Congressman Camp is joined by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) as the lead Democratic sponsor in the House.

Stabenow Receives Annual Alzheimer's Award

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:04:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow was recognized by the Alzheimer's Association last night for her work promoting Alzheimer's research and care. Stabenow received the group's 2012 Humanitarian Award, and is leading the fight in Congress for better diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Senator Stabenow said: 'Those who should be recognized are the real heroes who are living with this disease every day - patients, their families and their doctors. I commend the Alzheimer's Association for being a great advocate as we look for a cure and support patients and their caregivers who are dealing with this devastating disease.' Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns said: 'We applaud Senator Stabenow's continued leadership on Alzheimer's. By authoring and championing the Health, Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S. 738/H.R. 1386), which would improve access to diagnosis and care planning, she demonstrates her sensitivity to the Alzheimer's crisis and much needed support for families.' Legendary women's college basketball coach Pat Summitt was also recognized. Summitt, who recently resigned as coach of the University of Tennessee's women's basketball team because she is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's, was presented with the Alzheimer's Association's Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) also received an award for his work as a leader on Alzheimer's disease in the House of Representatives. Senator Stabenow introduced the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act last year to help doctors detect Alzheimer's disease earlier and ensure patients and families are better equipped to fight the disease. She was a cosponsor of the National Alzheimer's Project Act in 2010, which set into motion the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's disease. She is also an original cosponsor of a new resolution introduced by Senator Warner on Tuesday that supports the National Plan's goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's disease by 2025. There are an estimated 5.4 million people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States, including 800,000 who live alone. One in eight seniors will develop the disease , and 200,000 people under 65 are suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association is a world leader in Alzheimer care, support and research.

Bipartisan Bill to Stop Asian Carp Introduced

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:40:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dave Camp today introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes and destroying the Lakes' ecosystem. The Stop Invasive Species Act would require the speedy creation of an action plan to block Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes through a number of rivers and tributaries across the Great Lakes region. A bipartisan bill Senator Stabenow and Congressman Camp introduced last year, the Stop Asian Carp Act, required the Army Corps of Engineers to develop an action plan to permanently separate Lake Michigan from the Chicago Area Waterway System, long seen as the carp's primary entry point to the Great Lakes. Today's bill goes further to require a plan to stop Asian carp at all potential entry points. 'It has become clear that Asian carp are migrating throughout the Great Lakes region, and efforts to stop the spread of this invasive species must now address every possible point of entry,' said Senator Stabenow. 'Asian carp pose a grave threat to Michigan's $7 billion fishing industry, $16 billion recreational boating industry and the entire Great Lakes ecosystem and we need action now. We can't afford to wait.' 'The threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy is urgent. This measure expedites the necessary hydrological separation study in order to protect the Great Lakes, the hundreds of thousands of jobs, the Great Lakes support,' said Congressman Camp. The Stop Invasive Species Act requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit to Congress an expedited action plan with options for stopping Asian carp from penetrating the Great Lakes across 18 possible points of entry. The bill requires the Army Corps to submit a progress report to Congress and the President within 90 days of the law's enactment. The full plan would need to be completed within 18 months. Under the Stop Invasive Species Act, the Army Corps would continue to examine modes of transportation across key waterways to ensure shipping could continue while mechanisms for preventing Asian carp from destroying the Great Lakes are implemented. The bill is supported by the Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Healing our Waters Coalition, National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited. Congressman Camp is joined by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter as the lead Democratic sponsor in the House. Senator Stabenow and Senator Rob Portman are leading the measure in the Senate, and are joined by Senators Sherrod Brown, Dick Durbin, Carl Levin, Robert Casey, Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken .

Equal Pay Day Recognizes Hard Work of Michigan Women

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:48:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today issued the following statement regarding Equal Pay Day. April 17 marks the point in 2012 at which women need to work to equal the pay of men in 2011. 'Everyone in our great country should have the confidence that they will be paid fairly for a hard day's work. This isn't a trivial issue for working families. In 2012, women had to work more than four extra months to get paid the same as men. Four months' salary makes a tremendous difference when someone is trying to put food on the table and keep a roof over her family's head. It is critical that we continue the important work started in 2009 with the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to make sure every American has the opportunity to earn a paycheck based on the job they do.' In Michigan, women are paid 26 cents less per dollar than men doing similar work - the 10th highest disparity in the nation. Senator Stabenow was a cosponsor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was signed into law in 2009.

Henry Ford Health System Receives Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today congratulated Henry Ford Health System for being named a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient-America's highest honor for innovation and performance excellence. Henry Ford Health System was one of only four 2011 recipients and the only organization in Michigan to receive this award. Henry Ford Health System will be presented the Baldrige Award by Secretary of Commerce John Bryson this Sunday, April 15 in Washington, D.C. 'I congratulate Henry Ford Health System for being awarded this prestigious national honor for quality and excellence. With a strong commitment and dedication to innovation and performance, Henry Ford Health System delivers high-quality patient care that saves lives. Michigan is fortunate to have so many excellent and renowned health care systems, like Henry Ford Health, serving the people of our state,' said Senator Stabenow. The Baldrige Award is America's highest honor for innovation and performance excellence and is presented annually to U.S. organizations by the office of the President of the United States. Awards are given to companies in manufacturing, service, small business, education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. In conjunction with the private sector, the National Institute of Standards and Technology manages the award and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program.

Bio-based Manufacturing, Clean Energy Economy at Midland Area Chamber of Commerce

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:20:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today delivered the keynote address at the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce Issues and Answers Forum. During the address, Stabenow highlighted her new Grow it Here, Make it Here initiative to advance Michigan's emerging bio-based manufacturing industry. Bio-based manufacturing, using agriculture goods to make value-added products, is an industry poised to grow and create jobs in Michigan. Stabenow also discussed efforts she has championed to increase access to capital to Michigan small businesses and initiatives such as her Battery Innovation Act to help our advanced battery industry expand and create new clean energy jobs. Senator Stabenow said: 'When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here in Michigan. That is exactly what is happening across our state as new bio-based manufacturers are making things with Michigan-grown products. At the same time Michigan innovators and entrepreneurs, a majority which are small businesses, are leading the nation in clean energy patents. I am laser-focused on initiatives to help Michigan companies access the capital they need to grow their business as we work together to transform Michigan's economy to create new jobs.' Sid Allen, President/CEO of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce said: 'We were pleased to hear Senator Stabenow's positive comments regarding small business. To enhance business growth and development, and entrepreneurship, there should be a strategy to ensure opportunities exist that will encourage and facilitate future possibilities for small companies. We hope Congress hears that message.' Stabenow's Grow it Here, Make it Here initiative would create a new tax cut for Michigan companies that invest in new facilities or purchase equipment to manufacture bio-based products. Her initiative would also increase access to capital for bio-based manufacturers, improve marketing of bio-based products, and spur the commercialization of new agricultural innovations to create new jobs. Bio-based manufacturing is a key sector of Michigan's agriculture industry, which is the second largest part of Michigan's economy and supports one out of every four Michigan jobs. During the event, Senator Stabenow also discussed initiatives she has championed to cut taxes and red tape for Michigan small businesses, including the elimination of an overly burdensome 1099 IRS paperwork requirement. Stabenow led the effort to pass the Small Business Jobs Act, which has provided small businesses in Midland County with over $5.8 million in financing since October 2010. Stabenow was appointed to the President's Export Council by both President Bush and President Obama, where she helps Michigan companies export their products overseas. On Monday, Senator Stabenow participated in a forum with U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and local businesses, which highlighted resources to increase access to capital for Great Lakes Bay area small businesses, boost exports, and spur job growth. The forum was hosted by the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, which includes the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, and Delta Community College. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus, Senator Stabenow highlighted initiatives she has authored to provide clean energy manufacturing tax cuts for companies like Dow Chemical and support Michigan's new clean energy economy. Stabenow discussed her Battery Innovation Act, which is the first comprehensive plan offering Michigan companies the support they need to expand advanced battery production and job growth and ensure that America wins the race in the development of new advanced energy technologies. The Act incorporates all aspects of advanced battery production, from research and development, to the availability of raw materials, to the manufacturing of these high-tech products.

Boosting Exports, Spurring Job Growth, and Increasing Access to Capital for Michigan Small Businesses

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:46:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills today highlighted resources to help increase access to capital for Southeast Michigan small businesses, boost exports, and spur job growth. Senator Stabenow and Administrator Mills attended a forum with the Detroit Regional Chamber and Southeast Michigan businesses at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak. Paul Glantz, founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment Inc., has grown his business with the help of SBA's 504 loan program. This financing has helped Glantz to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. Senator Stabenow said, 'Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating the majority of new jobs. It is exciting to partner with the Detroit Regional Chamber as we continue to make sure Detroit remains the busiest land border hub for exports and our small businesses have access to the capital they need to grow their companies and hire new workers.' Karen Mills, Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration said, 'Thanks in part to the leadership of Senator Stabenow in passing the Small Business Jobs Act, the SBA was given the flexibility to provide capital to more companies when they needed it most. In fact, in 2011 the SBA had a record year, with Michigan small businesses receiving the second highest number of loans in the country. These small businesses, in Detroit and across the state, are the key to creating jobs and an economy built to last.' Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber said, 'I thank Senator Stabenow for inviting SBA Administrator Mills to Michigan. Events such as these make Federal programs more understandable and accessible to Michigan small businesses and are important to Michigan's continued economic recovery. I encourage small businesses to explore the many programs offered by the SBA that can help them with business growth.' Paul Glantz, Founder and Chairman of Emagine Entertainment Inc. said, 'Our initial entry into the theatre business, going all the way back to 1997, was supported with SBA 504 financing. Most recently, as we expanded our business in both Royal Oak and Rochester Hills, SBA financing played an integral role in allowing us to grow. I doubt that we would even be in business today but for the availability of SBA financing. It has allowed us the privilege of employing almost 500 associates chain-wide and to bring a great entertainment experience to the communities we serve. We thank Senator Stabenow for her diligent efforts to help ensure that small business continues to have access to capital.' Senator Stabenow has long championed initiatives to cut taxes and red tape for Michigan small businesses, including the elimination of an overly burdensome 1099 IRS paperwork requirement. She also led the effort to pass the Small Business Jobs Act, which has provided small businesses in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties with over $395 million in financing since October 2010. Senator Stabenow was appointed to the President's Export Council by both President Bush and President Obama, where she helps Michigan companies export their products overseas. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides small businesses with access to capital through several lending initiatives. The SBA also provides export assistance to small business owners through the Office of International Trade. With over 20,000 members, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the largest chambers of commerce in the country.

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Recognizes Senator Stabenow Across State as Champion for Michigan Seniors

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare today recognized U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow as a champion for protecting Medicare and standing up for Michigan seniors during press conferences at the Burton Senior Center, the Burcham Hills Retirement Community in East Lansing, and the Grand Rapids Senior Neighborhoods Center. Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee, presented Senator Stabenow with boxing gloves so she can continue the fight to preserve Medicare and Social Security for seniors. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare represents millions of members and supporters nationwide and is committed to protecting, the financial security, health, and the well being of current and future generations of maturing Americans. Senator Stabenow said: 'Michigan seniors have paid into Medicare and Social Security their entire lives. They have earned these benefits and should be able to count on them when they retire. I am committed to working with the National Committee as we continue the fight to protect these critical services for current and future retirees. Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare said: 'Senator Stabenow is a true champion for Michigan seniors and is fully committed to preserving Medicare and Social Security. Seniors everywhere can count on her to fight proposals like the Ryan plan that would end Medicare as we know it. Rather than balancing the budget on the backs of seniors, Senator Stabenow is leading the effort to save hundreds of billions of dollars by making Medicare more efficient and holding drug companies accountable.' Jean Johnson, Director of the Burton Senior Center said: 'On behalf of the Burton Senior Center, we are so proud to host the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare as they recognize Senator Stabenow for standing up for Michigan seniors. So many Genesee County seniors rely on Medicare, and it is great to know that they have someone like Senator Stabenow on their side. ' Kay Lennerth, Flint senior said: 'The Ryan plan would force me to pay more for my mammograms and checkups. I'm glad that Senator Stabenow is representing me in Washington, because I can count on her to preserve and protect these important health services.' Bruce Greenman, Burcham Hills resident said: 'I do not support anything that puts the future of Medicare in jeopardy. I'm proud to have Debbie Stabenow as my Senator. I can always count on her to stand up for seniors like me.' Sue Owen, Grand Rapids senior said: 'If it wasn't for Medicare I would not be able to see my doctor or get a checkup. I'm so glad Senator Stabenow is doing everything she can to protect Medicare.' During the events, Richtman praised Senator Stabenow for her long-standing commitment to preserve and protect Medicare and for rejecting efforts to end Medicare as we know it. He recognized the Senator's long history of lowering the cost of medicine for seniors, including cutting prescription drug costs in half for seniors caught in the so-called Medicare 'doughnut hole.' Richtman also recognized her efforts to ensure seniors do not have to pay out-of-pocket for many preventive services under Medicare like wellness visits and cancer screenings. Earlier this year, Stabenow was honored with the American Medical Associations' Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Service for her commitment to a Medicare system that supports physicians and makes sure that seniors can see the doctor of their choice.