Debbie Stabenow

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Debbie Stabenow is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from Michigan since 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the first woman to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2001.
In November of 2024, Stabenow was inducted into the Futures Industry Association's Futures Hall of Fame, which was established in 2005 to commemorate outstanding contributions to the global futures and options community. She is a member of the class of 2025.
== Background ==
Stabenow was born on April 29, 1950, in Gladwin, Michigan. She was raised in Clare, where her family ran the local Oldsmobile dealership and her mother worked as a nurse. Growing up, Stabenow was active in her community and the Clare United Methodist Church, learning the importance of faith, family, and hard work from an early age. 
=== Political Career ===
Stabenow's political career began in 1975 when she was elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, where she served until 1978. She then served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1979 to 1990 and in the state Senate from 1991 to 1994.
In 1996, Stabenow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Michigan's 8th Congressional District. She served in this role until 2000 when she successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman to represent Michigan in that chamber. 
=== Senate Career ===
As a senator, Stabenow has focused on a wide range of issues important to Michigan and the nation:
==== Agriculture and Rural Development ====
Stabenow serves as the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. She played a key role in authoring the 2014 Farm Bill and co-authoring the 2018 Farm Bill, which provided support for beginning farmers, veterans, and urban agriculture.
==== Health Care ====
She has been a strong advocate for health care reform, helping to write the Affordable Care Act and passing major reforms to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. Stabenow has also been recognized as a national leader in mental health, authoring the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act. 
==== Great Lakes and Environment ====
Stabenow has been a champion for the Great Lakes, authoring two landmark programs to protect and restore these vital resources. She has also worked to protect Michigan's natural resources and outdoor heritage. 
==== Manufacturing and Jobs ====
Stabenow has focused on supporting Michigan's manufacturing sector and creating jobs. She authored the Bring Jobs Home Act and the Make It in America Act to support American manufacturing and workers. 
==== Awards and Recognition ====
Stabenow has received numerous awards for her work, including the Open Country Award from Outdoor Life for her efforts to protect the Great Lakes and improve wildlife habitats. She has also been recognized for her leadership in mental health policy and Alzheimer's research.
==== Personal Life ====
Stabenow is married to Tom Athans and has two children and three grandchildren. She continues to be an active member of her community and church.
== Education ==
Stabenow completed her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Michigan State University in 1972 and 1975, respectively. Before entering politics, she worked with youth in the public schools.
== References ==	
Category:Politicians
Category:U.S. Senators
Category:Michigan
Category:Democratic Party
Category:Agriculture
Category:Health Care
Category:Environment
Category:Futures Hall of Fame Members