ACCESS Announces Making an Impact Awardee: Senator Debbie Stabenow
A native of Michigan, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has kept the state’s best interests firmly at heart throughout her successful career. From the State Legislature to the halls of Congress, she is a respected national leader on health care and manufacturing issues and a champion for the community.
On May 2, 2009 at the ACCESS 38th Anniversary Dinner, ACCESS will honor Senator Stabenow with the prestigious Making an Impact Award for her continued dedication to the people of Michigan.
Her rise in Senate leadership, from Senate Conference Secretary to the incumbent Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, has cemented Senator Stabenow as a key policymaker in our nation. Throughout her tenure, Senator Stabenow has never shied away from fighting for the issues that matter most to the citizens of
Michigan. Perhaps most notably is her ongoing battle to reduce health care costs. For years she has strived to create laws aimed at making prescription drugs more affordable and bringing innovative technology to the health care system. As a State Legislator, Stabenow was acclaimed one of Michigan’s most passionate advocates for children and an expert in family law and small business issues.
Senator Stabenow will become only the second recipient of ACCESS’ Making an Impact Award, which was established to recognize individuals who make a positive impact by raising awareness of issues affecting their communities. Philanthropist Russell Ebeid was its first recipient at ACCESS’ 37th Anniversary Dinner.
Senator Stabenow’s home is in Lansing where she resides with her husband, Tom Athans. She has two children, Todd and Michelle; a daughter-in-law, Sara; new granddaughter, Lily; and a stepdaughter, Gina.