Michigan

State Senators:

Debbie Stabenow (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2001

Full Name: Deborah Ann Stabenow
Date of Birth: April 29, 1950
Birthplace: Gladwin, Michigan, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Debbie Stabenow was born in Gladwin, Michigan, and grew up in Clare, Michigan. She graduated from Clare High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 and a Master of Social Work degree in 1975, both from Michigan State University.

Personal Life: Debbie Stabenow is married to Tom Athans and has two children. She resides in Lansing, Michigan. Stabenow is known for her dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents through effective legislation and advocacy.

Early Career: Stabenow began her career as a social worker and served on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners from 1975 to 1978. She then served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1979 to 1990 and in the Michigan Senate from 1991 to 1994. During her time in the Michigan Legislature, she focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection

Political Career:

Michigan House of Representatives: Elected in 1978, served until 1990
Michigan State Senate: Elected in 1990, served until 1994
U.S. House of Representatives: In 1996, Stabenow was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. She served two terms from 1997 to 2001. In the House, she worked on healthcare reform, education, and economic development issues.
U.S. Senate: In 2000, Stabenow ran for the U.S. Senate and defeated incumbent Republican Spencer Abraham. She took office on January 3, 2001, becoming the first woman from Michigan elected to the U.S. Senate. She has been re-elected three times, most recently in 2018. As a senator, Stabenow has focused on a wide range of issues, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Chairman)
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Finance
Committee on the Budget
Joint Committee on Taxation

Legislative Achievements:

Agriculture: As Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow has been a key architect of the Farm Bill, which supports farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture. She has worked to expand access to healthy food, support rural development, and promote environmental conservation.
Healthcare: Advocated for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on legislation to expand access to healthcare, reduce prescription drug costs, and improve mental health services. Supports measures to protect Medicare and Medicaid.
Economy and Jobs: Focuses on job creation and economic development, particularly in Michigan. Supports policies to boost manufacturing, protect workers’ rights, and invest in infrastructure.
Environment: Advocates for clean energy and environmental protection. Supports measures to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and protect the Great Lakes.
Education: Supports funding for public education and measures to make higher education more affordable. Advocates for student loan reform and increased access to vocational training.

Senator Debbie Stabenow is recognized for her leadership on agricultural issues, healthcare reform, economic development, environmental protection, and education. Her long tenure in public service, from the Michigan State Legislature to the U.S. Senate, highlights her commitment to her constituents and her ability to navigate complex legislative challenges.

Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Joint Committee on Taxation: The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) is a nonpartisan committee of the United States Congress that plays a role in the legislative process concerning tax legislation.

Voting patterns

Senator Stabenow has voting patterns that align with her progressive and moderate stances.

Key Voting Patterns:

Economic and Fiscal Policies: Senator Debbie Stabenow generally supports progressive economic policies that focus on helping working families and reducing income inequality. She has consistently voted for measures that aim to increase the minimum wage, provide tax relief for the middle class, and expand access to affordable housing. Stabenow also supports strong labor rights and protections, frequently aligning with positions endorsed by labor organizations like the AFL-CIO, which gave her a 100% score for 2023.
Healthcare: Stabenow is a strong advocate for expanding healthcare access and reducing costs. She has been a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has voted for legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug prices and increasing funding for mental health services. Stabenow also supports protecting Medicare and Medicaid and has worked on initiatives to enhance these programs’ services and sustainability.
Defense and National Security: Stabenow supports robust national defense policies and has consistently voted for the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA). She advocates for ensuring that military personnel receive appropriate pay and benefits and supports measures that enhance national security while also emphasizing accountability and oversight in defense spending.
Environment: Stabenow is a strong proponent of environmental protection and clean energy. She has a high lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, reflecting her commitment to combating climate change, protecting natural resources, and promoting renewable energy. Stabenow has supported various environmental regulations and initiatives, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and measures to reduce carbon emissions.
Social Issues: Stabenow holds progressive views on social issues, including women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and voting rights. She has supported legislation to protect reproductive rights, ensure equal pay, and prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Stabenow is also an advocate for expanding voting access and has voted against measures that would restrict voting rights.

Senator Stabenow’s voting record reflects her commitment to progressive policies across various domains, including economic equality, healthcare reform, environmental protection, and social justice. Her legislative efforts focus on supporting working families, protecting the environment, and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.

Full Name: Gary Charles Peters
Date of Birth: December 1, 1958
Birthplace: Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Gary Peters was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and raised in Rochester Hills. He graduated from Rochester High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Alma College in 1980. He then received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1984, a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 1989, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Michigan State University in 2007.

Personal Life: Gary Peters is married to Colleen Ochoa, and they have three children. The family resides in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Peters is known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to represent the interests of his constituents through pragmatic and effective legislation.

Early Career: Before entering politics, Peters worked in various roles, including as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch and Paine Webber. He also served as an investment banker and as vice president at the Michigan Department of Treasury. Additionally, Peters taught at Wayne State University and Oakland University, sharing his expertise in business and finance.

Peters also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1993 to 2000, where he was a Seabee, a member of the Navy’s construction battalion. He continued his military service in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 2008, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Gary Peters (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2015

Political Career:

Michigan State Senate: Peters began his political career in the Michigan Senate, serving from 1995 to 2002. During his tenure, he focused on economic development, education, and environmental protection.
Michigan Lottery Commissioner: Appointed in 2003, served until 2007
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2008, Peters was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s 9th congressional district. He served three terms from 2009 to 2015. In the House, Peters worked on financial regulation, healthcare reform, and consumer protection, playing a significant role in the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
U.S. Senate: In 2014, Peters ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Carl Levin. He won the election and took office on January 3, 2015. Peters was re-elected in 2020. As a senator, Peters has focused on national security, veterans’ affairs, and economic policy. He is known for his work on cybersecurity and infrastructure development.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Chairman)

Legislative Achievements:

Homeland Security: As Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has worked on legislation to enhance national security, improve cybersecurity, and support first responders. He has introduced bills to address cybersecurity threats and modernize the federal government’s information technology systems.
Environment: Advocates for clean energy and environmental protection. Supports measures to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and protect the Great Lakes. Has a high score from the League of Conservation Voters.
Veterans’ Affairs: Strong advocate for veterans, focusing on healthcare, education, and job training. Has worked on legislation to improve services and support for veterans, including efforts to reduce veteran homelessness.
Economic Policy: Supports policies to boost manufacturing, protect workers’ rights, and invest in infrastructure. Has worked on legislation to provide economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports initiatives to promote small business growth.
Healthcare: Supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has voted for measures to expand access to healthcare, lower prescription drug costs, and improve mental health services.

Senator Gary Peters is known for his commitment to national security, environmental protection, veterans’ affairs, economic development, and healthcare reform. His diverse educational background and professional experience in finance, law, and the military inform his legislative priorities and actions. Peters’ leadership in the Senate is marked by his focus on bipartisan solutions to address critical issues facing his constituents and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.

Voting patterns

Senator Peters has a voting record that reflects his commitment to national security, economic development, environmental protection, and healthcare.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security and Cybersecurity: Peters has been actively involved in legislation to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity defenses. As the Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, he has introduced and supported bills aimed at strengthening federal cybersecurity infrastructure and protecting critical assets from cyber threats.
Healthcare: Peters supports expanding access to healthcare and strengthening the healthcare workforce. He has voted for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), mental health research, and initiatives to combat substance use disorders among young people. He has also backed efforts to bolster public health infrastructure and community health centers.
Environmental Protection: Peters is a strong advocate for the Great Lakes and environmental conservation. He has secured funding for the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise and a new Great Lakes icebreaker to support maritime commerce and protect the environment. He has also supported various initiatives to address oil spill impacts and promote renewable energy.
Economic and Community Development: Peters focuses on supporting local economies and businesses. He has championed funding for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide financial services to underserved communities and for the development of advanced manufacturing technologies. He also supports funding for small business programs, including Women’s Business Centers within the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Education and Childcare: Peters advocates for investments in education and affordable childcare. He has supported increased funding for K-12 schools, Head Start programs, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which helps low-income families access quality childcare. He also backs programs to support schools recovering from violent or traumatic events

Senator Gary Peters’ voting record demonstrates his commitment to progressive policies in economic development, healthcare reform, national security, environmental protection, and social justice. His legislative efforts focus on ensuring effective governance, protecting individual rights, and promoting sustainable growth.