Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
May 07, 2025
Senator Deborah “Debbie” A. Stabenow has dedicated over five decades to public service, leaving an enduring mark on Michigan and the nation. Throughout her career, Senator Stabenow achieved numerous milestones. She was the first and youngest woman to chair the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, the first woman to preside over the Michigan House of Representatives, and the first woman elected to represent Michigan in the United States Senate, paving the way for future generations of women in leadership.
As a United States Senator, Stabenow consistently championed policies to protect Michigan’s farmers, safeguard its natural resources, expand mental health care, and improve people’s lives. Her landmark achievements include historic, bipartisan farm bills, reforms to lower prescription drug costs, and efforts to rescue Michigan’s auto industry during the global financial crisis.
A tireless advocate for Michigan’s environment, Stabenow authored the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program to ensure the protection of our state’s air, land, and water. Her work on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry strengthened Michigan’s agricultural sector and positioned the state as a leader in clean energy innovation.
Senator Stabenow played a pivotal role in shaping health care policy, too. She helped write the Affordable Care Act, including the crucial provision that ensures maternity care is covered as a basic health benefit. Her leadership in this space led to major reforms that lowered the cost of prescription drugs, and she championed successful, bipartisan efforts to strengthen access to, and coverage of, mental health care.
Senator Stabenow tackled seemingly impossible challenges with unrelenting persistence. Whether it was addressing the Flint water crisis or securing millions in funding to fight blight in Detroit and other cities, her determination delivered real, tangible benefits to communities across Michigan. Time and time again, she brought about lasting change, proving that even the most ambitious goals are within reach when centered around a tireless commitment to service.
Throughout her career, Senator Stabenow demonstrated a rare ability to build bipartisan coalitions and enact lasting, transformative change. Her legacy is one of love for the people of Michigan, a fierce commitment to public service, and an unparalleled work ethic. Senator Stabenow leaves behind a state and a nation that are stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future. To memorialize her achievement and what it means to all Michiganders – and to remind us of the work that remains – this order extends honors similar to those bestowed on Richard H. Austin, Frank J. Kelly, John A. Hannah, Daisy Elliot, and Melvin Larsen, and other extraordinary public servants.
As directed below, this order renames Constitution Hall as the Deborah A. Stabenow Building. The names we elevate express our values to the workers who enter those halls every day and to the public whom those workers serve.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
1. In honor of Senator Stabenow’s exemplary service and commitment to the people of this state, the state-owned office building that is currently known as Constitution Hall and is located at 525 W Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933, will hereafter be named the “Deborah A. Stabenow Building.”
2. This order is effective immediately and the Department of Management, Technology, and Budget will begin efforts to implement this order and update the signage as soon as practicable.
Consistent with section 2 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, this Order is effective immediately.
Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Michigan.
Click to view the full PDF of the executive order.
Author: