Debbie Stabenow | News

Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Hartford Police Department to Buy New Police Vehicle

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:17:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a Rural Development Grant for the City of Hartford. The grant, made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Initiative Community Facilities Grant Program, will be used to help purchase a new police vehicle for the Hartford Police Department to help them serve and protect local residents. 'We depend on our men and women in uniform to be there in times of crisis, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their jobs,' said Stabenow. 'This funding will help the Hartford Police Department perform their duties and protect the community.' The police department will receive $10,500 to help replace a patrol vehicle which is nearing the end of its useful lifespan and in need of costly repairs. Sen. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.

Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Ironwood Public Safety Department to Buy New Police Vehicle

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a Rural Development Grant for the City of Ironwood. The grant, made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Initiative Community Facilities Grant Program, will be used to help purchase a new police vehicle for the Ironwood Public Safety Department to help them serve and protect local residents. 'We depend on our men and women in uniform to be there in times of crisis, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their jobs,' said Stabenow. 'This funding will help the Ironwood Public Safety Department perform their duties and protect the public.' The police department will receive $9,000 to help replace its current vehicle, which is nearing the end of its useful lifespan and in need of costly repairs. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs to Improve Fire Prevention

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:07:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced support for the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs. 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 our communities. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'The Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs is an invaluable resource to fire departments across the state. This grant will help the association as they work to enhance public safety for all Michigan communities.' The department will receive a $95,000 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.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Brighton Area Fire Authority to Improve Fire Prevention

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:56:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced support for the Brighton Area Fire Authority. 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 Brighton. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'When an emergency strikes, the firefighters and EMTs at Brighton Area Fire Authority stand ready to respond. This grant will help these first responders carry out their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their community.' The department will receive a $84,600 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.

Stabenow, Levin Announce Over $4 Million in PILT Payments for Michigan

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:28:00 EST

Twenty-nine Michigan counties will receive a total of more than $4.1 million from the Interior Department as part of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced today. The federal government provides PILT payments to local governments to offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries. 'At a time when local communities across Michigan are hit hard by budget cuts, this support is critical to maintaining infrastructure, public safety and other local services,' Stabenow said. 'This will help ensure the continuing partnership between our local communities and our National Forests and other federal lands that contribute so much to our Michigan way of life.' 'Michigan's National Forests and other federal lands are a huge part of what makes our state special,' Levin said. 'These payments allow us to preserve and protect these resources while reducing the financial burden on local communities that do not receive tax revenue from these lands.' PILT payments are calculated based on a formula that includes the number of acres of federal land within each county and the population of that county. Federal lands include the National Forest and National Park Systems, Bureau of Land Management lands, and areas affected by Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation projects. PILT payments will go to the following Michigan counties: County PILT FY 2013 PaymentAlcona 99,273Alger 302,759Baraga 72,118Benzie 20,133Chippewa 214,251Crawford 54,458Delta 317,360Gogebic 488,396Houghton 281,543Iosco 119,945Iron 329,887Keweenaw 316,511Lake 160,028Leelanau 100,777Mackinac 61,778Manistee 90,129Marquette 36,552Mason 98,779Mecosta 2,756Montcalm 3,107Muskegon 26,315Newaygo 84,099Oceana 69,764Ogemaw 1,971Ontonagon 465,273Oscoda 76,504Schoolcraft 195,336Wayne 2,873Wexford 95,270TOTAL 4,187,945

Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Alpena Police Department to Buy New Police Vehicle

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:12:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a Rural Development Grant for the City of Alpena. The grant, made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Initiative Community Facilities Grant Program, will be used to help purchase a new police vehicle for the Alpena Police Department to help them serve and protect local residents. 'We depend on our men and women in uniform to be there in times of crisis, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their jobs,' said Stabenow. 'This funding will help the Alpena Police Department perform their duties and protect the community.' The police department will receive $13,000 to help replace a patrol vehicle which is run-down and in need of costly repairs. Sen. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.

Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for Village of Decatur Police Department to Buy New Police Vehicle

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:28:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced a Rural Development Grant for the Village of Decatur Police Department. The grant, made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Initiative Community Facilities Grant Program, will be used to help purchase a new police vehicle for the Village of Decatur Police Department to help them serve and protect local residents. 'We depend on our men and women in uniform to be there in times of crisis, and they depend on us for the support they need to do their jobs,' said Stabenow. 'This funding will help the Decatur Police Department perform their duties and protect the public.' The police department will receive $14,000 to help replace its current vehicle, which is run-down and in need of costly repairs. Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Lansing Fire Department to Improve Operations and Safety

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:25:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Lansing Fire Department. 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 Lansing. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'When an emergency strikes, the firefighters and EMTs at Lansing Fire Department stand ready to respond. This grant will help these first responders carry out their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their community.' The department will receive a $234,233 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.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Onaway Area Fire Department to Improve Operations and Safety

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Onaway Area Fire Department. 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 Onaway. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'When an emergency strikes, the firefighters and EMTs at Onaway Area Fire Department stand ready to respond. This grant will help these first responders carry out their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their community.' The department will receive a $130,340 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.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Forest Township Fire Department to Improve Operations and Safety

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:14:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Forest Township Fire Department. 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 Forest Township. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'When an emergency strikes, the firefighters and EMTs at Forest Township Fire Department stand ready to respond. This grant will help these first responders carry out their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their community.' The department will receive a $46,455 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.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Plainfield and Graafschap Fire Departments to Improve Operations and Safety

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:04:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Plainfield and Graafschap Fire Departments. 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 Plainfield, Lakeview and Fillmore Township. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.' Senator Levin said, 'When an emergency strikes, our firefighters and EMTs stand ready to respond. This grant will help the first responders at Plainfield FD and Graafschap FD carry out their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their community.' The Plainfield department will receive a $35,649 grant and the Graafschap department will receive $25,930. Both grants are 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.

Senators Stabenow, Levin Urge Flood Aid for Michigan

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:24:00 EST

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin wrote to President Obama on Monday urging him to approve a disaster designation for 16 Michigan counties affected by severe spring floods. The letter supports a June 7 request by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, the first step in the formal process of seeking federal disaster declaration, which clears the way for enhanced federal aid to individuals, families, businesses and local governments.The text of the senators' letter follows: June 10, 2013The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are writing in support of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's request on June 7, 2013 for a disaster declaration in 16 Michigan counties that were impacted by severe flooding from April 16 through May 14, 2013. The counties included in this request are: Allegan, Barry, Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Ionia, Kent, Keweenaw, Marquette, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Ottawa and Saginaw. For nearly a month, these counties experienced torrential rains and unprecedented flooding, resulting in millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, and public buildings and infrastructure. The conditions were treacherous, with extensive damages. The flooding in western and central Michigan was unlike anything experienced in decades. A prolonged period of heavy rains caused the Grand River to swell to historic levels in mid-April, prompting mass evacuations. Vital highways developed sinkholes, some roads were washed out, and culverts were weakened due to high water volume and sedimentation. Public buildings, including the Grand Rapids City Hall, were damaged. The Saginaw River and Bay suffered increased sedimentation as a result of the flooding, which has severely restricted commercial shipping. The Governor declared a state of emergency on May 7, 2013, allowing state resources to assist with the recovery. However, with the damages so severe, effective recovery is beyond the capacity of state and local governments. The State of Michigan, along with FEMA, estimate that repairs to damaged public infrastructure could cost approximately $18.5 million. We urge you to make the disaster declaration and provide the requested assistance, so that Michigan communities can rebuild. Thank you for your consideration of our request. Sincerely, Debbie Stabenow Carol Levin cc: The Honorable Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan

Senate Passes Chairwoman Stabenow’s 2013 Farm Bill

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:24:00 EST

The U.S. Senate today passed Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow's 2013 Farm Bill by a wide bipartisan margin, 66-27. The bipartisan proposal is one of the most significant reforms in decades. The bill cuts $24 billion dollars in spending 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 we 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 Senate was able to accomplish that with this Farm Bill,' 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, consolidating programs (eliminating over 100 programs and authorizations in all) and cracking down on abuse, the bill reduces the deficit by billions of dollars. 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• 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• The bill includes a landmark agreement making conservation compliance required for crop insurance, keeping crop insurance strong while protecting the natural resources on which farmers rely.• 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 employing a practice that allows some individuals to claim expenses they don't actually have for the sole purpose of garnering extra benefits above what their actual expenses call for • 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

Chairwoman Stabenow Joins Students to Launch New School Garden Collaborative in Detroit

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, joined students to launch a new school garden collaborative at Nichols School in Detroit. The new garden is part of an innovative new education program at Detroit Public Schools called the Garden Collaborative, which will create gardens at 46 schools throughout the district. The new garden will provide Nichols' students with a hands-on agricultural learning experience where they can plant a variety of vegetables that will be used in the cafeteria for school lunches. Each of the gardening locations will feature raised beds, compost bins, rainwater collection equipment, gravel walkways and a Farm to School Learning Center. During the event, Senator Stabenow toured the garden and planted vegetables with students. She also helped announce the winners of the Golden Shovel Awards to honor local organizations for supporting the Garden Collaborative. The winners were the Eastern Market Corporation, Home Depot, and the Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield Greenhouse. Senator Stabenow has been a champion for Eastern Market, securing critical funding to expand the Market and working closely with community leaders to establish a new community kitchen at Shed 5 and improved street signage. Chairwoman Stabenow said: 'All children should have access to healthy fruits and vegetables during the school day. Everyone is a winner with this innovative Garden Collaborative, as cafeterias gain a supply of fresh produce and students have an opportunity to learn about farming by doing it themselves. I will continue leading the effort to increase access to Michigan-grown food choices for children and families, which will support our local farmers and help boost Michigan agriculture.' Betti Wiggins, Executive Director in the Office of School Nutrition, thanking Sen. Stabenow for her visit and support said: 'We are so proud of our efforts to improve the health and well-being of our students by offering every child a free nutritious breakfast and lunch daily so that they can fully concentrate on academics and not on hunger. Our expanding garden program, where students make connections through our science curriculum and their lives through their school gardens, provides an important bridge between learning and health for our students, while also bringing fresh garden foods right to their cafeteria tables.' For years, Senator Stabenow has led the effort to increase access to healthy, Michigan-grown food choices for children in schools. Her 2013 Farm Bill continues the successful Fruits and Vegetables Snack Program to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to children throughout the school day. In addition, the Farm Bill expands support for community gardens, farmers' markets and local food hubs across our state and throughout the country to help family farmers sell more local foods, boosting Michigan agriculture, our state's second largest industry. The bill also strengthens research, marketing, disaster relief and other support for Michigan fruit and vegetable growers. While strengthening key initiatives to help farmers and agriculture businesses create jobs, the Farm Bill also cuts unnecessary programs and streamlines existing ones to reduce the deficit by $24 billion. For more information on the Farm Bill, click here.

Senator Stabenow Introduces Legislation to Help Youth Who Have Dropped Out of High School Earn Their Diploma

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today introduced legislation to help connect young people who have dropped out of school with resources that can help them earn their diploma or GED. The Re-engaging Americans in Serious Education by Uniting Programs Act (RAISE UP) Act would help youth who have dropped out of the system to complete their high school diploma, obtain workforce skills, and secure a career that allows them to support a family.'A good education opens many doors and is crucial in today's economy,' said Senator Stabenow. 'When young people drop out of high school, they are too often cast aside without the support network necessary to help them get back on the right track. This bill will strengthen community coalitions and give these young people a second chance at earning a diploma and the ability to compete for good jobs.'Nearly one third of American students never graduate from high school. Over their lifetime, these individuals are estimated to earn $400,000 less than secondary school graduates. Only 37 percent of secondary school dropouts are steadily employed, and those who dropout are more than twice as likely to live in poverty.The RAISE UP Act strives to maximize current support programs by uniting education, workforce, and youth support services to help students overcome obstacles and succeed once they are back in the classroom. These community partnerships would receive federal funds to unite and strengthen their services and make them more efficient and easier to use.

Senator Stabenow Statement on Congressman John Dingell Becoming Longest-Serving Member of Congress in History

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:40:00 EST

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on Congressman John Dingell becoming the longest-serving member of Congress in history: 'Today we celebrate the remarkable career of Rep. John Dingell as he becomes the longest-serving member of Congress in history. John has been a close personal friend and it has been an honor to work with him to represent Michigan families. His work on important issues like civil rights, protecting our auto industry, and strengthening health care in America has been critical in moving our nation forward. We in Michigan are proud of his service to our country.'

Stabenow, Levin Announce Firefighter Grant for Brownstown Fire Department

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:39:00 EST

Brownstown 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, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today. Brownstown Fire Department will receive $791,340 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Brownstown. This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public,' Stabenow said. 'Brownstown firefighters stand ready to protect lives and property in their community 24/7,' Levin said. 'This grant will support the firefighters and EMS personnel of Brownstown FD and help them in their vital mission of keeping their community safe.' The award announced today are 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. Fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations across the country may apply to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program in different categories, and their applications must meet certain criteria established by the major fire service organizations. Applications are evaluated in a competitive process by a panel of peers from fire and EMS organizations. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.

Stabenow, Levin Announce Firefighter Grants for Attica Fire Department and Ogemaw Fire Department

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:35:00 EST

Attica Fire Department and Ogemaw Fire Department will each receive a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help improve their operations and boost safety for their emergency personnel and the public, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today. Attica Fire Department will receive $49,875 and Ogemaw Fire Department will receive $4,275 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to communities like Attica and Ogemaw. These grants make sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public,' Stabenow said. 'Firefighters stand ready to protect lives and property in their community 24/7,' said Levin. 'These grants will help support the fire departments in Attica and Ogemaw so they can continue their vital mission of keeping their communities safe.' The awards announced today are 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. Fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations across the country may apply to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program in different categories, and their applications must meet certain criteria established by the major fire service organizations. Applications are evaluated in a competitive process by a panel of peers from fire and EMS organizations. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.

Stabenow, Levin Announce Firefighter Grants for Three West Michigan Fire Departments

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:30:00 EST

Three West Michigan fire departments will each receive a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help improve their operations and boost safety for their emergency personnel and the public, Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today. Berrien Springs/Oronoko Fire Department will receive $40,850, Fremont Fire Department will receive $46,347, and Crockery Township Fire Department will receive $117,230 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'Across West Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to our communities. These grants make sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public,' Stabenow said. 'Firefighters stand ready to protect lives and property in their community 24/7,' said Levin. 'These grants will help support the fire departments in Berrien Springs/Oronoko, Fremont and Crockery Township so they can continue their vital mission of keeping their communities safe.' The awards announced today are 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. Fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations across the country may apply to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program in different categories, and their applications must meet certain criteria established by the major fire service organizations. Applications are evaluated in a competitive process by a panel of peers from fire and EMS organizations. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.

Legislation to Stop Student Loan Interest Rates from Doubling Blocked by Republicans

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:08:00 EST

Legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow to keep student loan interest rates low through 2015 was blocked today by a Republican filibuster. The legislation would have maintained 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, not more expensive,' said Stabenow. 'It is outrageous that the actions of a minority of Senators could lead to doubling students' interest rates and put the dream of a college education out of reach for millions of Americans.' 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. For the nearly 300,000 Michigan student borrowers who would see their loan rates go up, that would mean a total increase in cost of over $260 million. The average student debt for Michigan's college graduates is $24,450. 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.