Press Releases
Peters Cosponsors Bill to Improve Access to Mental Health Care within Criminal Justice System
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored the bipartisan Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act to improve access to mental health services for people within the criminal justice system in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment. The legislation increases resources for correctional facilities, law enforcement and courts to help address the increasing number of mental health and substance abuse issues they encounter. "Our criminal jus… Continue Reading
08.26.15
Peters Cosponsors Bill Researching Effects of Toxic Exposure to Children and Grandchildren of Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored The Toxic Exposure Research Act, bipartisan legislation that would support research into health conditions faced by the children and grandchildren of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service, including Agent Orange. Michigan is home to over 650,000 veterans, including more than 50,000 Post-9/11 veterans, and approximately 240,000 from the Vietnam War - more than any other era… Continue Reading
08.25.15
Peters Introduces Legislation to Help Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced today that he joined 12 of his colleagues to introduce a bill to reauthorize and fund the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for six years, permanently reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and permanently fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. Peters joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tom Udall (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (… Continue Reading
08.24.15
Peters Joins Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters today announced that he has joined the Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, a bipartisan caucus that aims to investigate and better understand how to best serve the 21st century veteran, specifically those that served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, which includes historically large numbers of women, National Guardsmen and Reservists The caucus will raise awareness on important issues facing new veterans such as e… Continue Reading
08.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Announce $765,000 for Detroit River and Rouge River Habitat Restoration
WASHINGTON, DC - Michigan’s U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, both members of the Great Lakes Task Force, today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is awarding $765,605 to fund habitat restoration projects for the Detroit River and Rouge River Areas of Concern (AOC). “Michigan’s economic strength depends on the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, including our multi-billion dollar fishing, boating and outdoor recreation industries,” said Sen… Continue Reading
08.21.15
Peters Cosponsors Bill Closing Tax Loopholes for Large Oil Companies
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored the Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act, which repeals tax subsidies for the “Big 5” oil companies and raises $22 billion in savings towards deficit reduction over 10 years. The nation's five largest oil companies - BP, Exxon, Shell, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips - took home nearly $1 trillion in profits over the past decade, including $90 billion in 2014, with only a small percentage of those earnings going toward … Continue Reading
08.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Announce Nearly $140,000 for Firefighters in Allen Township
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Allen Township Fire Department will receive $139,224 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support local operations and safety improvements. Grant projects will help fund training programs, update equipment and facilities and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. “When they enter emergency situatio… Continue Reading
08.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Announce Nearly $18,000 for Firefighters in Oceana County
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue will receive $17,953 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support local operations and safety improvements. Grant projects will help fund training programs, update equipment and facilities and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. “When they enter emergency sit… Continue Reading
08.21.15
Peters, Stabenow Applaud Assistance for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded that the City of Dearborn, the Waterford Regional Fire Department and the Lincoln Park Fire Department will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support local operations and safety improvements. The City of Dearborn will receive $995,572; the Waterford Regional Fire Department will receive $199,114; and the Lincoln Park Fire Department wil… Continue Reading
08.20.15
Peters Cosponsors Bill Supporting Michigan Craft Beverage Industries
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, a bipartisan bill that would support craft beverage makers by reducing excise taxes, compliance burdens and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers. This legislation includes measures from a bill Senator Peters introduced earlier this year reducing excise taxes on small distilleries. “Michigan is home to some of the best brews, win… Continue Reading
08.19.15
Peters Tours Cherry Capital Foods as Part of “Startup Week Across America”
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, toured Cherry Capital Foods in Traverse City today and met with entrepreneurs as part of “Startup Week Across America.” While there, Peters highlighted the importance of supporting startup small businesses and joined Northern Michigan entrepreneurs for a roundtable discussion on how to best foster innovation and entrepreneurship. “Startup companies are taking root in commun… Continue Reading
08.18.15
Peters, Stabenow Announce Nearly $4 Million Grant for University of Michigan
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor will receive $3,978,545 for research into the conservation of estuaries and the potential impacts water quality degradation, habitat loss, and climate change may have on estuary ecosystems. The funding comes from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “The University of Michigan has been a worldwide leader in research and development, pioneering innova… Continue Reading
08.17.15
Peters Joins Congressional Financial Security and Life Insurance Caucus
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has joined the Congressional Financial Security and Life Insurance Caucus, a bicameral and bipartisan caucus that encourages Americans to increase their savings, plan ahead for retirement and protect their financial and retirement security. "Americans of all ages need the knowledge and tools to make smart financial decisions that will ensure their future economic success and security," said Senator Peters. "Whether it is op… Continue Reading
08.14.15
Peters, Stabenow Celebrate 80th Anniversary of Social Security
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced today that they have cosponsored a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Social Security Act, which established the Social Security program that provides elderly and disabled Americans, and their spouses and children, with a financial safety net. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935. “Social Security has helped reduce poverty and provide financial secur… Continue Reading
08.13.15
Peters Cosponsors CECIL Animal Trophies Act
WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced that he has cosponsored legislation to prevent increased sport hunting of animals that may already be in danger of becoming extinct but not already granted protection by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), such as the African lion. The Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large (CECIL) Animal Trophies Act, would extend the import and export protections of the ESA to those animals that are proposed to be ESA-listed. “Th… Continue Reading
08.13.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce More than $1.1 Million for Three Southeast Michigan Fire Departments
WASHINGTON, DC - Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced $1,106,116 for three fire departments in Southeast Michigan. This support, which is awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Fire Prevention and Safety programs, will go to the Detroit Fire Department, Dearborn Fire Department, and Lyon Township Fire Department. “When emergencies strike, it is our first responders that are on the front lines protecti… Continue Reading
08.13.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Investment in MBS International Airport
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced a $748,175 grant for MBS International Airport in Bay County from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant will help the airport rehabilitate the concrete of its apron, the area of the airport where planes are parked. “Ensuring that Michigan airports have updated infrastructure is important for securing safe air travel,” Senator Peters said. “I am pleased to announce this investment in MBS International Air… Continue Reading
08.13.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Investment in Delta County Airport
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced a $476,900 grant for Delta County Airport in Escanaba from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant will help the airport rehabilitate its runway, acquire a handicap passenger lift device, and update markings on two taxiways. “Many travelers rely on Delta County Airport for safe travel to and from the Upper Peninsula,” Senator Peters said. “I am pleased to announce this funding, which will make important in… Continue Reading
08.13.15
Senators Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Battle Creek Fire Department
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced $96,330 for the Battle Creek Fire Department in Calhoun County. This grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. “It is vital that first responders have the necessary equipment to protect themselves when responding to emergency situations,” Senator Peters said. “I applaud this funding, which will help ensure that Battle Creek firefighters have the re… Continue Reading
08.12.15
Peters Cosponsors Legislation to Reform Application Process for Student Aid
WASHINGTON DC— U.S. Senator Gary Peters today announced that he has cosponsored the Simplifying Financial Aid for Students Act of 2015 to streamline the federal financial aid application process and reform the eligibility requirements for federal student loans to ensure more students have the opportunity to attend college. “Higher education increases economic opportunity and provides a pathway to the middle class for young people across Michigan and the nation,” said Senator Peters. “I am pr… Continue Reading
