http://stabenow.senate.gov Important information from Senator Debbie Stabenow. en-us Copyright 2013 Debbie Stabenow Fri, 24 May 2013 01:29:41 EST Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Sen. Thad Cochran, the Committee's Ranking Member, worked together to secure a strong bipartisan 15-5 vote in Committee for the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 (a.k.a. the new Farm Bill). The bill is now being considered by the full Senate. The 2013 Farm Bill cuts spending by $24 billion while strengthening initiatives that help Michigan farmers and small business owners create agriculture jobs. Statements from Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle follow. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV): 'Democrats and Republicans disagree on many things. So it's really remarkable and encouraging to see how well Senators Stabenow and Senator Cochran - the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee - worked together to bring the agriculture jobs bill to the floor. Their work has been exemplary - some would say old-fashioned - the way things used to be.' Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA): 'Thank you Madam Chair, and first of all let me commend you and the ranking member on working hard once again to produce what we all know from firsthand experience is a very difficult bill to produce. The process is always difficult to do, trying to match up all regions and all crops, so I want to commend you....The biggest issue facing our country now is the growing debt and deficit, and I commend this committee for doing the needed work to find the needed savings...That is remarkable madam Chair that you have been able to craft a bill with that kind of number in there under the conditions we are operating in.' Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): 'It's been 327 days since the Senate passed the last Farm Bill in June of 2012. Since that time farmers, ranchers, rural communities in America have been through a lot. In 2012 we had the worst drought since 1956, costing the country billions of dollars.... I'm so pleased with the work this committee has done, the bipartisan work this committee has done, and I'm also pleased we found a way to do this while still reducing the debt. We've eliminated direct payments and further focused farm programs on our family farmers and I urge this committee to stick with its $23 billion target to ensure we have the strongest bill possible.' Sen. John Boozman (R-AK): 'We appreciate you having the markup today and for all your hard work in bringing forward this bipartisan and reform oriented legislation. Like all of the other members of this committee I recognize that our producers need a strong five year farm bill that ensures our nation will have the world's safest, most affordable and most reliable food supply and fiber. We know that the only way to accomplish this is for this committee to report a bipartisan bill that provides a safety net for all crops and regions, invests in the future of rural America, preserves the safety net for the most vulnerable members of our communities, and finally a bill that includes significant reforms and contributes to reducing our federal deficit.' Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA): 'I thank you Madam Chair for your great leadership of this committee. I always marvel at the fact that our Chair has the unique distinction of having served on the Agriculture Committee in the state legislature, the US House and the US Senate. I don't know that anyone else has ever had that kind of a career. And I thank you for all of your diligence in getting this bill through when there's some really tremendous and terrible hardships in the budget.... hopefully we can get this over the finish line now.' Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE): 'I certainly know that creating a Farm bill is never easy and there's a lot of different philosophies about farm policies and of course we come from lots of different parts of the country with different crops.... The improvements [in this bill] reduce costs as well as make the programs more farmer friendly. This bill also helps farmers produce more food on less land, hope to do more in that area. And includes new avenues to ensure that important work continues despite a tight federal budget.' Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT): 'I think I can speak for all members of the committee in expressing my appreciation for putting this together. It's been a long road. It's also very important that we have a five year bill. Many of us believe these short term extensions just don't make sense and I thank you for a five year bill. Five is a very important number - one in 5 Montana jobs is related to agriculture, it's our number one industry... I must say too, that the bill saves taxpayers a lot of money. With debt reduction that too is a big feather in your cap so there are a lot of reasons why this is good legislation and again I thank you very much for it.' Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND): 'Thank you to both you and the ranking member for getting us into this committee with this markup. I know farmers and ranchers across this great country appreciate it very much as well. I also appreciate the spirit in which you approached this Farm Bill, building on the work from the bill last session and really working to add some things that I hope can ensure that we go to the floor untied with this bill.' Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND): 'I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your leadership and the leadership of the ranking member to bring this bill... the Farm Bill has never been a partisan bill... And so hopefully we'll be able to do this, we'll be able to achieve the compromise that we need to move this forward. But we're extremely hopeful that the House will also do this, and just for once if we can set a goal of getting this done before the expiration of the extension, that would be an amazing feat and one I think we would talk about for a lot years as an example of what we can do.' Sen. Mo Cowan (D-MA): 'I speak not just for the farmers that till the soil and cultivate the land but for those who cultivate the sea. I also want to applaud you and others for the hard fought agreement on conservation compliance as represented in the mark up. I think this a good compromise and everyone will benefit... I want to thank you Madam Chair for doing your best to protect the SNAP benefits in this bill and others. I know it's not been easy, there's more work to be done...I look forward to the conversation today and the amendment process and taking a bipartisan bill to the floor.'     http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1012 Tue, 21 May 2013 12:21:00 EST The Senate's bipartisan 2013 Farm Bill represents the most significant reform of American agriculture policy in decades. With the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, the era of direct payments is over. Instead of subsidies that pay out every year even in good times, the bill creates risk management tools that support farmers when they are negatively impacted by weather disaster or market events beyond their control. By ending unnecessary subsidies, streamlining and consolidating programs and cracking down on abuse, the bill reduces the deficit by billions. Passing the Farm Bill will yield a total of $24 billion in cuts to agriculture programs. $24 billion is over double the amount the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission ($10 billion) and Gang of Six ($11 billion) recommended in total agriculture cuts. Agriculture is a bright spot in America's economy. The Senate's 2013 Farm Bill strengthens top priorities that help farmers, ranchers and small business owners create jobs. The current Farm Bill expires September 30th. A new Farm Bill must be passed this year to provide farmers the certainty they need to keep driving our economic recovery. Sixteen million jobs hang in the balance. Last year's similar Senate Farm Bill passed the Senate with a wide bipartisan vote, 64-35. The Farm Bill is broadly supported by Democrats and Republicans across the country for its major reforms, common sense deficit reduction and strengthened job creation initiatives. Major Reform: Ending Direct Payments; Creating Responsible Risk Management Farmers face unique risks unlike other businesses. Weather and market conditions outside a producer's control can have devastating effects. Responsible risk management tools help ensure that farmers - and farm jobs - are not wiped out by disasters, and protect all American families from sudden spikes in food prices. However, for too long farm programs have existed as subsidies that provide payments even when farmers are already doing well. The 2013 Senate Farm Bill reforms farm programs to save taxpayer dollars, while providing farmers with a responsible risk management system that only helps farmers when they experience substantial losses due to events beyond their control. This proposal: • Eliminates direct payments. Farmers will no longer receive payments when prices are rising and support is not needed. Ending these subsidies and creating responsible risk management is a major shift in American farm policy • Caps remaining risk management support at $50,000 per person • Ends Farm Payments to Non-Farmers. This bill closes the 'management loophole,' through which people who were not actually farming-in many cases not even setting foot on the farm-were designated as farm 'managers' so they could receive farm payments • Requires conservation compliance for crop insurance, which will protect both the farm safety net and the natural resources that our nation's farmers and ranchers will need for generations to come • Strengthens crop insurance and expands access so farmers are not wiped out by bad weather • Includes disaster relief for producers hurt by drought, spring freeze, and other weather disasters • Reforming farm programs, ending direct payments and implementing market-oriented programs to help farmers manage risk saves $16 billion dollars Consolidating and Streamlining Programs By eliminating duplicative programs, funds are concentrated in the areas in which they will have the greatest impact, reducing the deficit while strengthening top priorities. The Senate Farm Bill eliminates over 100 programs and authorizations under the Agriculture Committee's jurisdiction. For example: • The bill consolidates 23 existing conservation programs into 13 programs-while maintaining existing tools to protect and conserve land, water and wildlife • Streamlining programs provides added flexibility and focuses conservation around four primary functions: working lands conservation, the Conservation Reserve Program, regional partnerships, and easements to help prevent sprawl and protect wetlands • These reforms save money while still increasing resources for top priorities • Because we are truly doing more with less, changes to conservation policies are supported by nearly 650 conservation organizations from all 50 states Improving Program Accountability At a time when many out-of-work Americans are in need of food assistance for the first time in their lives, it is more critical than ever that every dollar go to families in need. By closing loopholes, cracking down on abuse and improving program integrity, the Farm Bill reduces the deficit without cutting standard benefits or removing any needy family from the program. The Senate Farm Bill increases accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by: • Stopping lottery winners from continuing to receive assistance • Preventing states from providing $1 per year in home heating assistance to individuals who do not have a heating bill for the sole purpose of providing extra benefits above what they would normally receive • Ending misuse by college students whose families are not truly low-income • Cracking down on retailers and recipients engaged in benefit trafficking • Increasing requirements to prevent liquor and tobacco stores from accepting food assistance benefits • The above savings reduce the deficit while continuing support for food banks, seniors' food programs and healthy school lunch initiatives Continuing Growth in America's Diverse Agricultural Economy The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act increases efficiency and accountability, saving tens of billions of dollars overall, while still strengthening agricultural jobs initiatives through: • Export opportunities to help farmers find new global markets for their goods • Help for family farmers to sell locally, increasing support for farmers' markets and spurring the creation of food hubs to connect farmers to schools and other community-based organizations • Training and access to capital to make it easier for beginning farmers to get off the ground • Initiatives to help American veterans start agriculture businesses • Growth in bio-based manufacturing (businesses producing goods in America from raw agricultural products grown in America) to create rural agriculture and urban manufacturing jobs • Innovation in bio-energy production, supporting non-food based advanced biomass energy production such as cellulosic ethanol and woody biomass power • Research to promote the commercialization of new agricultural innovations • Rural development initiatives to help rural communities upgrade infrastructure, extend broadband internet availability and create a better environment for small businesses http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1011 Tue, 21 May 2013 12:05:00 EST U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced new legislation to keep student loan interest rates low through 2015. The legislation would maintain the current 3.4 percent interest rate on federal student loans through July 1, 2015. If Congress does not act, student loan rate will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2013. '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,' said Stabenow. 'When interest rates for most borrowing are at historic lows, it would be outrageous for Congress to increase interest rates for college students. Congress needs to come together and pass common-sense legislation that will stop student loan interest rates from doubling.' If interest rates double, the average student will have to pay an additional $1,000 in debt over the life of each of their loans. For the over 300,000 Michigan student borrowers who would see their loan rates go up, that would mean a total increase in cost of over $240 million. The average student debt for Michigan students is $25,675. Senator Stabenow championed similar legislation in 2012 to keep the student loan interest rate at 3.4 percent. The President signed that bill to keep interest rates low for one year. The bill Senator Stabenow is cosponsoring today would keep interest rates low at 3.4% for an additional two years. 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. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1010 Thu, 16 May 2013 10:12:00 EST U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin of Michigan welcomed Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act including important provisions they fought for to reduce the backlog of harbor dredging projects in the Great Lakes. 'It is critically important for the health of the Great Lakes and Michigan's economy that our harbors and ports are properly dredged and get the basic maintenance they need to support our shipping, boating and tourism industries,' said Stabenow. 'For too long, Congress has been taking resources from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to use in other areas. This bill helps ensure Michigan gets the resources we need to keep our harbors open and productive so they can continue driving our Great Lakes economy.' 'For too long, harbors in the Great Lakes and across the country have suffered from a maintenance backlog, while at the same time we've been spending only a portion of the available money in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund,' Levin said. 'This bill makes progress toward ensuring that fees collected for harbor maintenance are actually spent for their intended purpose, and that a significant portion of new funding for harbor maintenance will go to the Great Lakes.' Among important provisions in the legislation: • It includes a provision increasing authorized spending for harbor maintenance projects to $1 billion for harbor maintenance in fiscal year 2014, compared to about $850 million in 2012, and raising authorizations by an additional $100 million every year through 2019 (for a total of $1.5 billion per year from 2020 on). The provisions accomplish the goal of Levin's Harbor Maintenance Act, cosponsored by Stabenow, to increase harbor maintenance funding. • The bill sets aside 20 percent of authorized harbor maintenance funds above fiscal 2012 levels for Great Lakes projects. Levin, Stabenow and other Great Lakes senators had fought for the language, which improves provisions include in the bill approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. • It includes a Levin amendment, which Stabenow cosponsored, making clear that maintaining the width and depth of ports is the primary purpose of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and that those projects should receive priority. The Senate passed the bill by an 83-14 vote, and it now goes to the House for action. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1009 Thu, 16 May 2013 09:58:00 EST WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry approved Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow's 2013 Farm Bill by a wide bipartisan margin, 15-5. The bipartisan proposal will yield a total of $24 billion dollars in deficit reduction in agriculture programs by eliminating unnecessary direct payment subsidies, consolidating programs to end duplication, and cracking down on food assistance abuse. These reforms will reduce the deficit while allowing for investment in initiatives that help grow Michigan's agriculture economy. Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry, with nearly one in four jobs supported by agriculture. 'Reforming agriculture programs will save taxpayers billions of dollars while helping Michigan farmers, ranchers and small businesses create jobs,' Stabenow said. 'Because the Agriculture Committee worked across party lines to streamline programs, we were able to save tax dollars while investing in initiatives that help boost exports, help family farmers sell locally and spur innovations in new bio-manufacturing and bio-energy industries.' 'Congress needs to 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 again this year,' Stabenow said. Stabenow was joined by top Agriculture Committee Republican Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi) 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. If a new Farm Bill is not passed by September 30, the U.S. reverts back to 1940s agriculture policy, an antiquated patchwork of costly subsidies and other badly outdated programs. A summary of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act follows. The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 The Senate's bipartisan 2013 Farm Bill represents the most significant reform of American agriculture policy in decades. With the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, the era of direct payments is over. Instead of subsidies that pay out every year even in good times, the bill creates risk management tools that support farmers when they are negatively impacted by weather disaster or market events beyond their control. By ending unnecessary subsidies, streamlining and consolidating programs and cracking down on abuse, the bill reduces the deficit by billions. Passing the Farm Bill will yield a total of $24 billion in cuts to agriculture programs. $24 billion is over double the amount the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission ($10 billion) and Gang of Six ($11 billion) recommended in total agriculture cuts. Agriculture is a bright spot in America's economy. The Senate's 2013 Farm Bill strengthens top priorities that help farmers, ranchers and small business owners create jobs. The current Farm Bill expires September 30th. A new Farm Bill must be passed this year to provide farmers the certainty they need to keep driving our economic recovery. Sixteen million jobs hang in the balance. Last year's similar Senate Farm Bill passed the Senate with a wide bipartisan vote, 64-35. The Farm Bill is broadly supported by Democrats and Republicans across the country for its major reforms, common sense deficit reduction and strengthened job creation initiatives. Major Reform: Ending Direct Payments; Creating Responsible Risk Management Farmers face unique risks unlike other businesses. Weather and market conditions outside a producer's control can have devastating effects. Responsible risk management tools help ensure that farmers - and farm jobs - are not wiped out by disasters, and protect all American families from sudden spikes in food prices. However, for too long farm programs have existed as subsidies that provide payments even when farmers are already doing well. The 2013 Senate Farm Bill reforms farm programs to save taxpayer dollars, while providing farmers with a responsible risk management system that only helps farmers when they experience substantial losses due to events beyond their control. This proposal: • Eliminates direct payments. Farmers will no longer receive payments when prices are rising and support is not needed. Ending these subsidies and creating responsible risk management is a major shift in American farm policy• Caps remaining risk management support at $50,000 per person• Ends Farm Payments to Non-Farmers. This bill closes the 'management loophole,' through which people who were not actually farming-in many cases not even setting foot on the farm-were designated as farm 'managers' so they could receive farm payments• Requires conservation compliance for crop insurance, which will protect both the farm safety net and the natural resources that our nation's farmers and ranchers will need for generations to come• Strengthens crop insurance and expands access so farmers are not wiped out by bad weather• Includes disaster relief for producers hurt by drought, spring freeze, and other weather disasters • Reforming farm programs, ending direct payments and implementing market-oriented programs to help farmers manage risk saves $16 billion dollars Consolidating and Streamlining Programs By eliminating duplicative programs, funds are concentrated in the areas in which they will have the greatest impact, reducing the deficit while strengthening top priorities. The Senate Farm Bill eliminates over 100 programs and authorizations under the Agriculture Committee's jurisdiction. For example: • The bill consolidates 23 existing conservation programs into 13 programs-while maintaining existing tools to protect and conserve land, water and wildlife• Streamlining programs provides added flexibility and focuses conservation around four primary functions: working lands conservation, the Conservation Reserve Program, regional partnerships, and easements to help prevent sprawl and protect wetlands• These reforms save money while still increasing resources for top priorities• Because we are truly doing more with less, changes to conservation policies are supported by nearly 650 conservation organizations from all 50 states Improving Program Accountability At a time when many out-of-work Americans are in need of food assistance for the first time in their lives, it is more critical than ever that every dollar go to families in need. By closing loopholes, cracking down on abuse and improving program integrity, the Farm Bill reduces the deficit without cutting standard benefits or removing any needy family from the program. The Senate Farm Bill increases accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by: • Stopping lottery winners from continuing to receive assistance• Preventing states from providing $1 per year in home heating assistance to individuals who do not have a heating bill for the sole purpose of providing extra benefits above what they would normally receive• Ending misuse by college students whose families are not truly low-income• Cracking down on retailers and recipients engaged in benefit trafficking• Increasing requirements to prevent liquor and tobacco stores from accepting food assistance benefits• The above savings reduce the deficit while continuing support for food banks, seniors' food programs and healthy school lunch initiatives Continuing Growth in America's Diverse Agricultural Economy The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act increases efficiency and accountability, saving tens of billions of dollars overall, while still strengthening agricultural jobs initiatives through: • Export opportunities to help farmers find new global markets for their goods• Help for family farmers to sell locally, increasing support for farmers' markets and spurring the creation of food hubs to connect farmers to schools and other community-based organizations• Training and access to capital to make it easier for beginning farmers to get off the ground• Initiatives to help American veterans start agriculture businesses• Growth in bio-based manufacturing (businesses producing goods in America from raw agricultural products grown in America) to create rural agriculture and urban manufacturing jobs• Innovation in bio-energy production, supporting non-food based advanced biomass energy production such as cellulosic ethanol and woody biomass power• Research to promote the commercialization of new agricultural innovations• Rural development initiatives to help rural communities upgrade infrastructure, extend broadband internet availability and create a better environment for small businesses   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1008 Tue, 14 May 2013 13:20:00 EST Michigan Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced today that Comstock Fire Department will receive a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help improve its operations and boost safety for its emergency personnel and the public. The department will receive a $389,588 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'The firefighters and EMTs of Comstock Fire & Rescue stand ready every day to fulfill their motto of ‘taking care of those who depend on us,'' Sen. Levin said. 'This grant will provide much needed support to the department so they can continue to carry out their vital mission.' Senator Stabenow said, 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Comstock. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program allows fire departments across the country to compete for federal grant money in several categories. The Comstock Fire Department award announced today is for operations and safety improvements, and can fund items such as professional training, wellness and fitness programs and equipment, personal protective gear for firefighters, facilities improvements, and supplies that support firefighting and EMS operations. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1007 Thu, 09 May 2013 14:20:00 EST Michigan Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced today that the Frederic Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help improve its operations and boost safety for its emergency personnel and the public. The department will receive a $91,865 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'The volunteer firefighters and EMTs of the Frederic Township VFD are ready every day to protect lives and property in their community,' Sen. Levin said. 'This grant will provide much needed support to help them carry out their vital mission.' Senator Stabenow said, 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Frederic Township. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program allows fire departments across the country to compete for federal grant money in several categories. The Frederic Township award announced today is for operations and safety improvements, and can fund items such as professional training, wellness and fitness programs and equipment, personal protective gear for firefighters, facilities improvements, and supplies that support firefighting and EMS operations. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1006 Thu, 09 May 2013 14:17:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Escanaba Fire Department to help improve operations and safety. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Senator Stabenow said, 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Escanaba. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'We depend on our first responders to be there when an emergency strikes, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their job. This grant will help provide that support so the Escanaba Fire Department can continue to protect their community.' The Escanaba Fire Department will receive an $8,835 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1005 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:37:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Lilley Township Fire Department to help improve operations and safety. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Senator Stabenow said, 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Lilley Township. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'We depend on our first responders to be there when an emergency strikes, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their job. This grant will help provide that support so the Lilly Township Fire Department can continue to protect their community.' The Lilley Township Fire Department will receive a $39,235 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1004 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:36:00 EST Six fire and emergency service agencies from across Michigan are the state's latest recipients of federal grants to improve operations and safety, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today. Sen. Stabenow said, 'Our firefighters provide brave and crucial services to communities across Michigan. These grants will help fund the resources and equipment they need to perform their duties effectively and keep our families safe.' 'Our emergency first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect communities across the state, and I'm pleased that these grants will help them carry out their vital mission,' Sen. Levin said. The grants were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the competitive grant program. Local fire departments or emergency medical service agencies can apply for grants to help pay for operations and safety needs, such as training or personal protective equipment; to acquire new vehicles; or for regional cooperative efforts. All the grants announced today were sought for operations and safety purposes. The awards are as follows: • Almont Fire Department, $41,173• Huron Valley Ambulance, a nonprofit that provides ambulance service in parts of Calhoun, Genesee, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, $149,424• Leland Township Fire and Rescue Department, $8,550• City of Manistee, $49,590• Raisin Township Fire Department, $39,040• St. Clair Shores Fire Department, $251,213 http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1003 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:04:00 EST Following today's Senate Finance Committee hearing on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Finance Committee Member and Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, called for additional hearings to allow those who have serious concerns about the agreement to express their views. Stabenow said more hearings are needed to get the perspective of the American auto industry, many agriculture leaders, and others who have raised legitimate points about how the inclusion of Japan into the trade agreement could hurt the U.S. economy if Japan does not end anti-competitive barriers to trade.  'I appreciate that today's hearing was held to examine the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations. Now more hearings are needed so that those who have concerns with the agreement can have a voice as well,' Stabenow said. 'The challenges of negotiating a truly fair and effective trade agreement with Japan are immense. Japan systematically blocks American automobiles from its markets with anti-competitive trade barriers, which drives up our trade deficit, increases our budget deficit, and costs us jobs. There are many people who work in the American auto industry, agriculture and other industries who have a different perspective about Japan's entry into the negotiations and they deserve to be heard.' Sen. Stabenow has been in close contact with the U.S. Trade Representative throughout negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership to express her strong concerns about Japan illegally closing their market to American automobiles. Japan's efforts to illegally block American cars have led to Japan exporting 120 automobiles into our country for every one American vehicle they allow into their market. Japan's barriers to American automobiles include currency manipulation, onerous vehicle certification for imported cars that Japanese-made vehicles don't have to undergo, zoning laws that make it difficult to establish new dealerships if they carry foreign-made cars, and government incentives that only benefit Japanese cars. The U.S. trade deficit with Japan is $76 billion, making our trade deficit with the country higher than any other nation except China. Automobile and auto parts manufacturing is critical to America's economic recovery. In the first half of 2012, the industry accounted for 30% of America's total economic growth. U.S. automakers have created a quarter million American jobs since 2009. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1002 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:46:00 EST U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a $2,997,000 Rural Development loan for the YMCA of Marquette. The YMCA will use the loan to double the size of its wellness center, which will include a new health innovation suite with a classroom and fitness room to help individuals manage chronic diseases like diabetes. The YMCA will also use the loan to build two new gymnasiums. The loan is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Senator Stabenow said: 'The YMCA in Marquette is already helping so many families live healthier lifestyles and become involved in the community. This rural development loan will allow the YMCA to help even more individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes improve their health and build two new gymnasiums to support youth sports and activities.' Lisa Coombs-Gerou, CEO of the YMCA of Marquette said: 'Today's announcement is terrific news for the YMCA and all of our members. We'll be able to use this loan to double the size of our wellness center and build two new gymnasiums. We thank Senator Stabenow for her leadership and support.' Sen. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects. Rural development loans and grants help communities across the Upper Peninsula purchase emergency vehicles, build new fire stations, improve water and sewer systems, or renovate community buildings. http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1001 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:50:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Ishpeming and Ironwood Fire Departments to help improve their operations and safety.Senator Stabenow said, 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide brave and crucial services to communities like Ishpeming and Ironwood. This grant will fund the resources and tools they need to perform their duties effectively and keep our families safe.' 'Every day, our first responders stand ready to protect lives and property,' Levin said. 'This grant will help provide the Ispheming and Ironwood Fire Departments with the support they need to protect their communities. ' 'The City of Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department would like to express our thanks to Senators Stabenow and Levin with their continued support for FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program,' said Edward Anderson, Fire Chief, Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department . 'These new air packs will have several new features that will help keep our Firefighters safe for years to come.'The Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $57,958 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, and the Ironwood Public Safety Department will receive a grant of $40,375. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1000 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:04:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Belding and Buchanan Fire Departments to help improve their operations and safety. 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Belding and Buchanan. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties and protect the public,' Stabenow said. 'Every day, our first responders stand ready to protect lives and property,' Levin said. 'This grant will help provide the Belding and Buchanan Fire Departments with the support they need to protect their communities.' The Buchanan Fire Department will receive a grant of $123,158 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The Belding Fire Department will receive a grant of $48,016.The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=999 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:02:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin welcomed the announcement of federal support for the Ann Arbor, New Hudson, and Auburn Hills Fire Departments to continue improving their operations and safety. 'Our firefighters provide brave and crucial services to communities across Southeast Michigan,' said Senator Stabenow. 'This grant will fund the resources and tools they need to perform their duties effectively and keep our families safe.' 'Every day, our first responders stand ready to protect lives and property,' Levin said. 'This grant will help provide the Ann Arbor, New Hudson, and Auburn Hills Fire Departments with the support they need to protect their communities. The New Hudson Public Safety Department will receive a grant of $17,575 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The City of Auburn Hills Fire Department will receive a grant of $43,650 while the Ann Arbor Fire Department will receive $87,876.The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=998 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over international trade agreements, issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's announcement that it is dropping its objection to Japan's inclusion into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): 'The challenges of concluding a truly fair and effective trade agreement with Japan are immense. For decades, Japan has implemented egregious barriers that have blocked the import of American automobiles, drastically increased our trade deficit and cost Americans their jobs. 'I appreciate the Administration's efforts to stand up for our auto industry and get Japan to come to the table to address its anti-competitive practices. 'But if Japan does not ultimately agree to stop blocking American companies from its markets, I will urge the President and the Congress not to ratify this trade agreement. Any agreement that allows Japan's businesses to continue playing by one set of rules while ours are forced to play by another will cost us jobs, and I will do whatever I can to stop it.' Sen. Stabenow has been in close contact with the U.S. Trade Representative throughout negotiations on the TPP to express her strong concerns about Japan illegally closing their market to American automobiles. Japan's efforts to illegally block American cars have led to Japan exporting 120 automobiles into our country for every one American vehicle they allow into their market. Japan's barriers to American automobiles include currency manipulation, onerous vehicle certification for imported cars that Japanese-made vehicles don't have to undergo, zoning laws that make it difficult to establish new dealerships if they carry foreign-made cars, and government incentives that only benefit Japanese cars. The U.S. trade deficit with Japan is $76 billion, making our trade deficit with the country higher than any other nation except China. Automobile and auto parts manufacturing is critical to America's economic recovery. In the first half of 2012, the industry accounted for 30% of America's total economic growth. U.S. automakers have created a quarter million American jobs since 2009.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=997 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:03:00 EST U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bipartisan 'Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act' to help combat Alzheimer's disease and support those suffering or caring for a family member with this devastating illness. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will help doctors detect Alzheimer's disease in their patients earlier, and ensure patients and families are better equipped with knowledge of treatment options and support programs available to them. The bill does this by streamlining the process for accessing and paying for services under Medicare. Stabenow and Collins worked closely with the Alzheimer's Association, the world's leading voluntary health organization for Alzheimer's care, support and research, on the bill. 'Alzheimer's affects a growing number of Americans, including one out of nine seniors,' said Senator Stabenow. 'Too many people suffering with this debilitating illness do not get diagnosed or know all of the treatment options available to them. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act helps ensure earlier diagnosis and helps give Alzheimer's patients and their families the information and support they need to cope with this heartbreaking disease.' 'As many as half of the estimated 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's have never received a formal diagnosis,' Senator Collins said. 'The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will increase the number of people receiving an early diagnosis, which provides the opportunity for individuals and their caregivers to develop a plan of care. It will also increase access to information, care and support for newly- diagnosed individuals and their families, providing essential support for those facing this devastating and debilitating disease.' 'The Alzheimer's Association is grateful to Senator Stabenow for crafting this legislation and Senator Collins and Representatives Markey and Smith for their leadership in re-introducing this important bi-partisan legislation,' said Robert Egge, the Alzheimer's Association's Vice President of Public Policy. 'Their sustained leadership is critical to advancing issues and improving quality of life for the growing Alzheimer's community as we all work to meet the National Alzheimer's Plan's essential timeline to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025.' Right now, many patients with Alzheimer's warning signs do not undergo proper testing. One study indicated only 19 percent of people over age 65 with dementia had a diagnosis recorded in their medical record. The Stabenow-Collins bill would help patients have better access to comprehensive diagnostic testing to increase the likelihood that the disease can be detected early. The diagnostic test includes a full review of an individual's medical history, as well as physical and mental status testing. The bill would also ensure patients and their families had access to a care planning session with their doctor to help them understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and what medical and community services are available. Over the years, studies have shown that providing patients and families with a full range of information and support results in better outcomes for those living with Alzheimer's, including higher quality of care, increased use of needed community services, reduced patient behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, and reduced caregiver stress and depression.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=996 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:26:00 EST U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow praised the groundbreaking of the new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in the Grand Rapids area. The new, expanded clinic will be located at the Metro Health Village in Wyoming, MI and will provide care for a greater number of West Michigan veterans than the current VA clinic. 'Today's groundbreaking is welcome news for West Michigan veterans who have made great sacrifices in defense of our country. With so many service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the need to expand our VA clinics has never been greater. The new VA health clinic in Wyoming will ensure more West Michigan veterans have access to the critical health benefits and services they have earned.' For years, Senator Stabenow has led the effort to make sure that veterans get the care they need and to bring veterans health clinics to Michigan. In the past five years, new clinics have opened in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Cheboygan County, and Grayling.     http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=995 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:07:00 EST Fire departments in eight Michigan communities will receive a total of more than $1.3 million in federal grants to help with vehicle purchases and operations costs, Michigan Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced. The grants are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Eligible fire departments compete for program funding to help acquire vehicles or provide operations and safety improvements such as additional training or fitness programs, firefighter protective gear and supplies. Senator Stabenow said, 'Our firefighters provide critical, courageous service to communities across Michigan. This grant provides the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' 'Our first responders put their lives on the line every day in communities throughout Michigan depend on the protection our firefighters provide, and this funding will help them prepare for the dangers they face and to keep Michigan safe,' Levin said. The departments receiving grants: --Albion Department of Public Safety, $950,000 for vehicle acquisition.--Grayling Fire Department, $38,000 for operations and safety improvements.--Rogers City Area Fire Department Authority, $95,760 for operations and safety improvements.--Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority, $51,194 for operations and safety improvements.--Mellen Township Fire Department, $28,837 for operations and safety improvements.--Melvindale Fire Department, $47,803 for operations and safety improvements.--Grand Haven Township Fire and Rescue, $55,100 for operations and safety improvements.--Marengo Township Fire Department, $52,250 for operations and safety improvements.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=991 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:16:00 EST Veterans and representatives from national veterans' organizations today joined U.S. Senators at the Capitol to call for passage of the Excellence in Mental Health Act as an amendment to gun safety legislation. The bill expands access to treatment and improves the quality of care at Community Mental Health Centers, and puts mental health services on more equal footing with physical health services. One in four veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will need mental health treatment of some kind. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. A bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Excellence in Mental Health Act in February. Cosponsors include Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Begich (D-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE). Sen. Stabenow said: 'With more veterans coming home and living with mental illness, it is more important than ever to make sure they have access to quality mental health care. We need to support our troops and veterans with more than just words-we need to support them with our actions. Now is the time to act to expand access to treatment for our veterans, and for all Americans living with mental illness.' Sen. Tester said: 'As Congress looks to reduce violence in our communities, we have to look first at how we treat those who need our help the most. This bill will increase access to mental health services on the ground so that more folks - including veterans - can get the care they need.' Jennifer Crane, Afghanistan Veteran, said: 'It will be 10 years this October since I came home from overseas but the experiences live inside of me like it was yesterday. I suffer from Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. My life will never be perfect but with the help that has been provided to me, I can truly begin to live life again. The Excellence in Mental Health Act has the ability to open up hope and help to our country, its veterans and civilians alike.' Justin Constantine, Board Member, Wounded Warriors Project and Iraq Veteran, said: 'Within our military and our American society at large, it is critical that we reduce the stigma attached to seeking behavioral health care. Seeking the help you need and deserve is a sign of strength, not weakness, and shows maturity and confidence. Making mental health care options available on a large scale is a huge step in the right direction. The bipartisan Excellence in Medical Health Act does just that by expanding access and improving the quality of care.' Alex Nicholson, Legislative Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said: ''Providing quality care for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan requires an innovative approach that addresses both the physical and the mental health of a veteran. We must continue to expand efforts to connect more veterans to mental health resources, both within the VA system and outside of it. Senator Stabenow's efforts to ensure that veterans who need mental health care, like all Americans who need access to such critical services, can get that care no matter where they are or what their situation is constitutes smart and compassionate public policy, and that's why Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America stands with Senator Stabenow and her colleagues here today to support this legislation.' Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder and President, Give An Hour, said: ''We know that hundreds of thousands of the men and women who have served our country during the past decade of war will come home with invisible injuries such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. We also know that one size doesn't fit all with respect to where those in need choose to seek treatment for these injuries. Some of our veterans will seek care through the Department of Veterans Affairs but others will prefer to see a community provider through organizations like Give an Hour or at their local community mental health center. Through the Excellence in Mental Health Act we will help to ensure that our Community Mental Health Centers are able to meet the needs of those who serve and their families.' Studies show that individuals with a serious mental illness are actually more likely to be a victim of violence than a perpetrator. However, there are too many times when lack of diagnosis and effective treatment has led to horrible tragedies. According to a national survey, one-third of the 4.8 million people suffering from mood disorders do not receive treatment, and fewer than half of the people with severe mental disorders receive treatment of any kind in a given year. The Excellence in Mental Health Act helps up to 1.5 million Americans get the treatment they need. The bill helps ensure community mental health centers provide high quality care, including 24-hour crisis care; increased integration of physical, mental and substance abuse treatment so they are treated simultaneously rather than separately; and expanded support for families of people living with mental health issues. The bill also encourages Community Mental Health Centers to treat veterans that seek services at their locations and to form agreements with VA Centers to better coordinate services.   http://stabenow.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=989 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:40:00 EST