Gov. Whitmer orders flags lowered to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

LANSING -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Friday, September 18, 2020, until interment, to honor the life and service of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away Friday.

"I am truly heartbroken at the news of Justice Ginsburg’s passing," Whitmer said. "Her intellect, her razor sharp wit, and her lifetime of service to our nation made her an inspiration to millions of Americans.

"I know there are a lot of women who are feeling worried right now about what this means for the future of our country. One thing I learned watching Justice Ginsburg’s fearless battles with cancer and injustice is that you never give up, and you never stop fighting for the values we hold dear as Americans. The best way to honor Justice Ginsburg’s memory is by making our voices heard at the ballot box this November. Register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and return it quickly. Let us turn our grief into action, let us choose hope over fear, and let us find the strength to build a stronger America for everyone."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15, 1933. She graduated from Cornell University before attending both Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School, where she ultimately completed her legal education. 
 
Before she was appointed to the bench, Ginsburg pioneered women’s rights working with the American Civil Liberties Union as founding counsel of the Women’s Rights Project. Her work with the ACLU led to the first U.S. Supreme Court decision in which a gender-based statute was struck down based on equal protection grounds.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.   

In 1993, Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton, becoming the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. While on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was known for her active role in oral arguments and her powerful dissents.

Justice Ginsburg passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, at the age of 87 years old after battling metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should remain lowered until interment.

Senator Debbie Stabenow: Statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday night, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow released the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg:

"Tonight we have lost an incredible voice for justice. As a lawyer and professor, Justice Ginsburg broke barriers for women. As a Justice of the Supreme Court, she helped build a better nation for all Americans. Justice Ginsburg spent her lifetime working to protect our people and our democracy. We must honor her legacy by continuing her fight.

"My heart goes out to Justice Ginsburg’s family and friends. She truly was a national treasure."

Levin, Stabenow, Kildee again call for Hekmati’s release from Iran captivity

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dan Kildee on Monday, May 26, marked the 1,000th day of captivity in Iran for Amir Hekmati, Michigan resident and former Marine, by again calling for his release.

"It has now been 1,000 days since Amir Hekmati was free to see his family -- 1,000 days he has been unable to enjoy the freedom that is the birthright of every American citizen," Levin said. "Calls for his freedom have come from people across Michigan and the nation and around the world; from humanitarian, human rights and religious organizations; from the halls of Congress; and from President Obama. Amir’s imprisonment is unjust; and, though injustice may last for one day or 1,000, history teaches us that ultimately justice is too powerful to deny. We again call upon President Rouhani and the Iranian government to make a powerful statement about their desire to rejoin the community of responsible nations, to end this injustice, and release Amir on humanitarian grounds."

"I met with Amir Hekmati’s family last week, and I stand with them to demand that Iran free Amir immediately," Stabenow said. "It’s absolutely unacceptable that he has been held illegally in Iran for one day, let alone for 1,000 days. My thoughts and prayers are with the family for a quick end to this outrage so Amir can be back with his family and his ailing father."

"We have not forgotten -- nor will we ever forget -- Amir Hekmati, and we won’t stop advocating for his release until he returns home," Kildee said. "Amir fought for our freedoms as a Marine and we must honor his service and sacrifice by fighting for him now. Not a day goes by that I don’t raise Amir’s case with my colleagues in Congress, many of whom have joined me in calling on Iran to do the right thing and release Amir. Amir is innocent, has been imprisoned for too long, and needs to be released so he can return to his family in Michigan."

Editor's Note: To learn more, visit the Free Amir Hekmati Facebook page. You can also donate to help free Amir by clicking here.

Stabenow: Bipartisan legislation to extend middle class tax cut rejected by House as deadline looms

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement after House Republicans rejected Senate legislation, which passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 89-10 over the weekend, to extend a critical tax cut for middle-class families. Unless Congress acts before the end of this month, a two-percent payroll tax cut for middle-class families will expire at the end of the year, and families will see an average tax hike of approximately one thousand dollars.

"I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans have rejected a bipartisan plan to extend a critical tax cut for middle-class families. The vast majority of Americans simply cannot afford to get hit with a tax hike starting January 1st. An overwhelming number of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate came together to prevent this tax hike, but unfortunately House Republicans continue to play politics."

Senate Democrats first proposed a one-year payroll tax cut extension earlier this year -- which also would have expanded the payroll tax to give the average middle class family in Michigan an additional $400 tax cut (for a total of about $1400), and also cut payroll taxes for small businesses -- paid for by a 3.25 percent surtax on income in excess of one million dollars. Republicans rejected that.

Senate Republicans then put forward their own plan paid for by a variety of spending cuts and fees, including increasing Medicare costs for seniors -- BUT A MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS rejected their own party’s plan.

Democrats then offered a compromise one-year extension by dropping a tax cut for businesses, but keeping the expanded payroll tax cut for middle-class families, paid for with a mix of Republican proposals as well as a 1.9 percent millionaire surcharge. Republicans rejected that.

Finally, Senate Democrats agreed to drop any surcharge on millionaires whatsoever, reaching a bipartisan compromise with Republicans on a two-month extension funded by increasing the fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge mortgage lenders. A two-month extension was all that could be negotiated with Senate Republicans, but that extension at least keeps middle-class families from being hit with a tax increase while negotiations continue on a longer term tax cut. That bill passed 89-10.

House Republicans have now rejected the Senate’s bipartisan compromise to extend the payroll tax cut. The House instead voted to create yet another committee to further negotiate this issue while the clock ticks toward a $1,000 tax increase on the middle-class January 1st.

Editor's note: According to an email from U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California), it was Tea Party Republicans who blocked a bipartisan bill to extend President Obama’s payroll tax cut.

"Now, middle class Americans could see their taxes increase by $1,000 on January 1st unless Speaker Boehner, Eric Cantor and House Republicans back down from their extreme stance," Pelosi said.

Click here to see House Floor activities for Dec. 20, 2011 and click on Roll No. 946 to see how your Congressman voted.

President Obama signs battery legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Obama has signed legislation enacting a key part of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow’s Battery Innovation Act to spur the development of new cutting-edge battery technology and create jobs here in America. The provision enacted would create an Energy Innovation Hub for advanced batteries to help continue the expansion of this growing new technology sector.

An Energy Innovation Hub for advanced batteries would bring together businesses, universities, and nonprofits in a central location to work together on new battery technologies. Similar hubs already exist to spur the development of other energy efficient products and to improve nuclear reactor design. Doing the same for advanced batteries will spur innovation in one of Michigan’s key new economic sectors.

"It is essential that Michigan lead in advanced battery research and production," said Sen. Stabenow. "Advanced battery companies are taking root in Michigan and creating jobs, and we must do everything in our power to help Michigan become the advanced battery capital of the world. If leading researchers in business, universities, and other institutions combine forces, we can make Michigan a magnet for investment in these cutting edge technologies."

Stabenow’s Battery Innovation Act is the first comprehensive plan offering Michigan companies the support they need to expand advanced battery production and job growth and ensure that America wins the race in the development of new advanced energy technologies. The Act incorporates all aspects of advanced battery production, from research and development, to the availability of raw materials, to the manufacturing of these high-tech products. The Act builds off initiatives Senator Stabenow championed in 2009, which helped Michigan become a leader in this new and growing industry. It is estimated that initiative has generated over $2 billion in private sector investment and created thousands of Michigan jobs.

The House of Representatives passed the legislation which will create an advanced battery hub, last week. The Senate passed and the president signed the bill on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011.

Sen. Stabenow: Statement on agreement to reduce deficit, avoid default

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Debbie Stabenow issued the following statement Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, after the Senate passed a bipartisan agreement to cut over two trillion dollars in spending, reduce the deficit and avoid a first-in-history American default on the country’s obligations:

"If America had defaulted for the first time in our history, senior citizens and middle class families would have faced higher interest rates, cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits, and reduced retirement accounts. It’s extremely frustrating that some in Congress created so much economic uncertainty for so long by refusing to compromise. I’m glad that cooler heads finally prevailed to pass a bipartisan agreement to significantly reduce the deficit and avoid another blow to our economy.

"It is critical that Congress now focus on the top priority for our families -- strengthening our economy so businesses can create jobs."

Levin, Stabenow announce seven Michigan programs to receive AmeriCorps support

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced on May 26 that seven Michigan organizations will receive support for AmeriCorps projects in communities across the state. More than 500 AmeriCorps members will be able to work on projects ranging from education to environmental maintenance to assistance for the homeless.

"Young people want to serve their communities, their state and the nation, and these AmeriCorps projects will give them resources and opportunities to contribute greatly in Michigan," Levin said. "These projects will put AmeriCorps members to work meeting pressing local needs and strengthening our communities."

Sen. Stabenow added AmeriCorps provides work that benefits many communities and individuals across Michigan.

"These AmeriCorps projects provide a great way to help Michigan communities in need, while also promoting service to our youth," Stabenow said.

The grants are made possible by the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which greatly expanded the AmeriCorps program. In addition to funding for the projects, AmeriCorps members receive stipends and, upon completion of a year of service, an education grant which can be used for college or for payment of student loan debt.

The federal grants cover part of the costs, while the local organizations also provide funding.

Locally the BHK Child Development Board will receive $586,500 to fund 46 AmeriCorps positions. Members will provide academic support services to high-risk preschool through high school students.

Other groups receiving support for AmeriCorps are the following:

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, statewide, will receive $274,721 to fund 23 positions. Members will serve as housing and services liaisons providing outreach and assistance to the homeless.

Huron Pines near Grayling, a not-for-profit conservation organization in Northeast Michigan, will receive $134,192 for 12 positions. AmeriCorps workers will provide conservation efforts and environmental education. Huron Pines works to achieve its mission through projects such as river restoration, watershed management, conservation leadership and land stewardship.

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan will use $272,307 to fund 20 positions statewide. Members will serve at nonprofit foreclosure prevention agencies.

City Year Detroit will fund 71 positions with their grant of $888,069 for AmeriCorps members to provide small group and one-on-one tutoring to students in grades 3-9 at low performing schools.

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids will receive $449,822 for 34 positions. Members will provide disaster training and education to citizens and Red Cross volunteers across Western Michigan.

The Michigan Nonprofit Association will support 300 positions statewide with a grant of $48,000 to help AmeriCorps members provide community service to K-12 schools, community nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

Senator Stabenow applauds GM hiring blitz for advanced vehicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow -- author of legislation to promote domestic advanced vehicle technology research, development and production -- issued the following statement today following General Motors’ announcement it is soon adding over 4,000 jobs, many at the Detroit-Hamtramck facility that builds the Chevrolet Volt:

"Over 4,000 new jobs, half of them expected in our state, is great news for GM and for Michigan," said Senator Stabenow. "These new jobs are in large part the result of the move toward the new advanced technology vehicles of the future. This is precisely why Congress needs to pass legislation to help encourage more production of high-tech, fuel-efficient vehicles to create more jobs like these and save drivers money at the pump."

Senator Stabenow has been a national leader in the effort to encourage more advanced technology vehicle production in the U.S. Sen. Stabenow's Charging America Forward Act would provide consumers with a rebate worth up to $7500 for plug-in electric vehicles at the time of purchase and give businesses a tax credit for purchasing medium or heavy duty plug-in hybrid trucks. The bill also extends a public-private partnership she helped create to increase the production of advanced battery technologies in America. Yesterday, Senator Stabenow and Congressman Gary Peters were joined by sixteen Michigan automakers and suppliers as they announced legislation, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, that will help develop the next generation of high-tech, fuel-efficient vehicles here in the United States.

Levin, Stabenow: High-Speed Rail funds keep Michigan on track for next generation transportation

WASHINGTON -- Michigan will receive more than $199 million in Recovery Act funds for high-speed rail projects, U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced today.

The majority of funding will go to the development of a 135-mile high-speed rail corridor between Dearborn and Kalamazoo, part of the high-speed corridor between Detroit and Chicago. Other funds will go to development of the Ann Arbor station.

"This funding will help move Michigan and the nation forward by making high-speed rail a part of our economic infrastructure," Levin said. "Our economic competitors around the world have long enjoyed the benefits of high-speed rail service between their cities. They have demonstrated that high-speed service can create jobs and promote economic growth, and that it can provide a more energy-efficient alternative."

"Construction of new high-speed lines will create jobs and generate more business activity in Michigan," Stabenow said. "This effort will not only boost our economy, it will provide residents with more transportation options. As gas prices rise, it is critically important that travelers have more choices in addition to driving."

The funds announced today come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The money was previously granted to Florida, but reprogrammed after the Florida governor rejected it. The state of Michigan bid for part of that funding. Michigan previously received more than $161 million in funding for high-speed rail and $40 million for Amtrak stations in Troy, Battle Creek and Dearborn.

The $196.5 million for the Kalamazoo-Dearborn rail project will rehabilitate track and signal systems to allow trains to travel at 110 mph for the 235-mile stretch. The current obsolete signal system will be replaced with a positive train control system, improving safety. The grant fully funds the state’s request.

The Ann Arbor Station’s $2.8 million will be used to complete a preliminary engineering and environmental study required to design and construct a new high-speed rail station in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Station is the busiest Amtrak station in Michigan, but only has single-tracking capacity, forcing intercity trains to block the mainline while serving the station. By constructing a passing track, more than one train will be able to service the station while others can pass unimpeded.

Michigan will also benefit from $268.2 million in funding for the purchase of 48 high-speed passenger rail cars and seven high-speed locomotives for service on eight corridors in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Michigan joined the other states in applying for the funds.