Rebekah Warren
Encyclopedia
Rebekah Lynn Warren is an American
Democratic
politician from Ann Arbor, Michigan
, representing the 18th District of the Michigan Senate
since January 1, 2011. She was elected to this position on November 2, 2010, beating Republican opponent John Hochstetler, 65.5% to 34.5%. Previously, she served two-terms as State Representative for Michigan's 53rd District, from 2007 to 2010.
, and attended the University of Michigan
, majoring in political science. In 1993 she joined the staff of State Representative Mary Schroer of Ann Arbor, Michigan and later that of State Representative Hubert Price of Pontiac, Michigan
. From 1999 to 2006 she was the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Michigan, the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America
.
.
Democrat, subscribing to tenets of social equity, environmental conservation and liberal fiscal policies.
of Michigan with their annual Millie Award. NOW of Michigan named her "Legislator of the Year" in 2009.
She has sponsored or cosponsored legislation to prevent pay discrimination, provide emergency contraception, extend family medical leave to adopting parents, and provide support and protections for sexual assault survivors.http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(nwevbe55br2loy5515vxc445))/mileg.aspx?page=SponsorSearch
and associated legislation to govern withdrawals of the state's groundwater. The Center for Michigan touted the package as "the most important accomplishment to come out of the Michigan legislature this year."
introduced legislation in 2009 to provide free college tuition for Michigan residents by raising the state income tax.
for the Democratic nomination for the 18th Michigan Senate
seat to succeed Liz Brater. Five days before the primary election, an article in a Michigan newspaper revealed that ads for Byrnes and attacking Warren were financed by a disguised right-wing Political Action Committee
funded by Republican leaders including Richard (Dick) DeVos
. The Great Lakes Education Project PAC promotes the privatization of schools and lobbies for the reduction of funding to public education.
Commissioner Conan Smith and is the daughter-in-law of Alma Wheeler Smith
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
politician from Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. The 2010 census places the population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 344,791 as of 2010...
, representing the 18th District of the Michigan Senate
Michigan Senate
The Michigan Senate is the upper house of the Michigan Legislature. The Senate consists of 38 members, who are elected from constituencies having approximately 212,400 to 263,500 residents....
since January 1, 2011. She was elected to this position on November 2, 2010, beating Republican opponent John Hochstetler, 65.5% to 34.5%. Previously, she served two-terms as State Representative for Michigan's 53rd District, from 2007 to 2010.
Background
Warren was raised in Owosso, MichiganOwosso, Michigan
Owosso is a city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 15,713 at the 2000 census. The city is located on the eastern side of Owosso Township, but is politically independent...
, and attended the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
, majoring in political science. In 1993 she joined the staff of State Representative Mary Schroer of Ann Arbor, Michigan and later that of State Representative Hubert Price of Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan named after the Ottawa Chief Pontiac, located within the Detroit metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 59,515. It is the county seat of Oakland County...
. From 1999 to 2006 she was the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Michigan, the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America
NARAL Pro-Choice America
NARAL Pro-Choice America , formerly the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, then National Abortion Rights Action League, and later National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, is an organization in the United States that engages in political action to oppose...
.
House of Representatives
She was first elected to a two-year term in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006 and subsequently reelected in 2008. Warren chaired the House Great Lakes and Environment Committee since and sat on the Judiciary Committee, the Tax Policy Committee, and the Oversight and Investigations Committee. She also co-chaired the Michigan BioTech Caucus with Republican Senator Randy RichardvilleRandy Richardville
Randy Richardville is a Michigan Republican, who is the current state senator for the , which consists of all of Monroe, southern Washtenaw, and eastern Jackson counties. He took office on January 1, 2007. Previously, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the from 1998 to 2004...
.
Political views
Warren is a progressiveProgressivism in the United States
Progressivism in the United States is a broadly based reform movement that reached its height early in the 20th century and is generally considered to be middle class and reformist in nature. It arose as a response to the vast changes brought by modernization, such as the growth of large...
Democrat, subscribing to tenets of social equity, environmental conservation and liberal fiscal policies.
Women's rights
Warren is an ardent supporter of gender equity and has championed abortion rights. In 2005 she was recognized for her leadership by the National Women's Political CaucusNational Women's Political Caucus
The National Women's Political Caucus is a national bipartisan grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting women who seek elected and appointed offices....
of Michigan with their annual Millie Award. NOW of Michigan named her "Legislator of the Year" in 2009.
She has sponsored or cosponsored legislation to prevent pay discrimination, provide emergency contraception, extend family medical leave to adopting parents, and provide support and protections for sexual assault survivors.http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(nwevbe55br2loy5515vxc445))/mileg.aspx?page=SponsorSearch
Environmental protection
Environmental issues topped Warren's agenda in the state legislature in 2007-2008. She championed the passage of the Great Lakes CompactGreat Lakes Compact
The Great Lakes--St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact is a legally binding interstate compact among the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The compact details how the states manage the use of the Great Lakes Basin's water...
and associated legislation to govern withdrawals of the state's groundwater. The Center for Michigan touted the package as "the most important accomplishment to come out of the Michigan legislature this year."
Education
Warren and mother-in-law Alma Wheeler SmithAlma Wheeler Smith
Alma Wheeler Smith is a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. She was most recently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 54th District, which includes the city of Ypsilanti, Augusta Township, Salem Township, Superior Township, and Ypsilanti Township in...
introduced legislation in 2009 to provide free college tuition for Michigan residents by raising the state income tax.
2010 state senate race
In 2010, Warren competed with fellow Democrat Pam ByrnesPam Byrnes
Pam Byrnes is the former Democratic State Representative in the Michigan State House of Representatives, representing the 52nd District which covers parts of Washtenaw County.- 2004 election :...
for the Democratic nomination for the 18th Michigan Senate
Michigan Senate
The Michigan Senate is the upper house of the Michigan Legislature. The Senate consists of 38 members, who are elected from constituencies having approximately 212,400 to 263,500 residents....
seat to succeed Liz Brater. Five days before the primary election, an article in a Michigan newspaper revealed that ads for Byrnes and attacking Warren were financed by a disguised right-wing Political Action Committee
Political action committee
In the United States, a political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect political candidates or to advance the outcome of a political issue or legislation. Legally, what constitutes a "PAC" for purposes of regulation is a...
funded by Republican leaders including Richard (Dick) DeVos
Richard DeVos
Richard DeVos, Sr. is an American businessman, co-founder of Amway along with Jay Van Andel , and owner of the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team...
. The Great Lakes Education Project PAC promotes the privatization of schools and lobbies for the reduction of funding to public education.
Personal life
Warren is married to Washtenaw CountyWashtenaw County, Michigan
Washtenaw County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. Its county seat is Ann Arbor. The United States Office of Management and Budget defines the county as part of the Detroit–Warren–Flint Combined Statistical Area...
Commissioner Conan Smith and is the daughter-in-law of Alma Wheeler Smith
Alma Wheeler Smith
Alma Wheeler Smith is a politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. She was most recently a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 54th District, which includes the city of Ypsilanti, Augusta Township, Salem Township, Superior Township, and Ypsilanti Township in...
.
External links
- Michigan Senate - Rebekah Warren Official Michigan Senate Site
- Rebekah Warren for State Representative, Official Campaign Site
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Rebekah Warren (MI) profile
- Michigan Liberal - HD053
- Michigan Democratic Party