21st Century GI Bill Signed into Law
The 21st Century GI Bill, which Senator Stabenow cosponsored in the Senate, passed and was signed into law on June 30. This bill will help our new veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to transition back to civilian life, just as veterans of past wars were able to. To find out more about the specifics, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

Stabenow Announces Farm Bill Passage
On May 15, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed the 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (H.R. 2419) by a veto-proof majority of 81-15, which includes funding for nutrition and food stamp programs, makes critical investments in alternative energy, protects Michigan lakes and waterways, and supports growers of specialty crops.

• Visit Senator Stabenow's Farm Bill Resources and Information Center

Stabenow Unveils Democratic Energy Plan to Reduce Pain at the Pump
Recently Senator Stabenow, Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, delivered the Democratic Radio Address unveiling the Democrats’ plan to lower oil and gas prices, which have reached new record highs. The Senator outlined an energy plan that invests in renewable energy and repeals billions of dollars in tax breaks for big oil.

• Click here to listen to her radio address (mp3)
• Click here to read the transcript
• Click here to read more about the Consumer-First Energy Act

Bipartisan Healthy Americans Act Would Provide Affordable Health Insurance Without Breaking the Bank
Health care should be a right not a privilege in the greatest country in the world, and it’s time to make that happen! In Michigan alone, consumer group Families USA estimates that a lack of health insurance costs nearly two lives per day. That’s why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Healthy Americans Act, which is the only truly bi-partisan, cost-effective proposal in Congress offering health insurance to all Americans. The goal of this critical legislation is to ensure that every American gets health insurance that is at least equal to the insurance offered to Members of Congress.

Rising health care prices are costing us jobs here in Michigan and throughout our country. Workers who are able to keep their jobs are facing pay cuts in order to keep health care coverage. One million people in Michigan are uninsured. It’s past time to change the way we provide health care in our country.

Fortunately, a report just released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation finds the Healthy Americans Act covers every American while being cost-neutral. In other words, the Healthy Americans Act provides every American access to safe, affordable health care without breaking the bank. Read more...

Senate Budget Includes Stabenow Green Collar Jobs Initiative
The Senate Budget Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2009 federal budget, which emphasises job creation and protecting the middle class. A major highlight of this budget is Senator Stabenow's $3.5 billion Green Jobs Initiative, which includes:

• Energy efficiency and conservation
• Advanced batteries
• Retooling for old manufacturing plants
• Biofuel production and access
• Green Jobs training program

America Needs Fair Trade
We live in a global economy that continues to grow and expand. And over the last century, we have consistently proven that Michigan businesses and workers can successfully compete with anyone in the world when the playing field is level. Unfortunately, persistent unfair trade practices by other countries are costing us jobs every day. Read more...

Important Information About Tax Rebates
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow joined President Bush at the bill signing of the economic stimulus package, which includes a tax rebate for 4.5 million Michigan families. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, she led the effort to ensure that seniors and disabled veterans would qualify for these rebate checks.

• Senator Stabenow's Fact Sheet on the Stimulus Package and Tax Rebates

Helping Families Facing Foreclosure
The President signed into law U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's mortgage tax bill. Senator Stabenow’s legislation changes current law that forces individuals to pay an income tax when they have had a part of their mortgage loan forgiven or have been forced to foreclose because of their inability to pay their mortgage.

• Read Senator Stabenow's column, Eliminating the Foreclosure Tax
• Read more about Senator Stabenow's bill and how to take advantage of the new tax law.

You can help support our Michigan men and women who are currently serving oversees in the Armed Forces:
          - Michigan National Guard Family Page
          - USO Cares
          - Defend America: Support our Troops
          - Send your Thanks