Connie Binsfeld facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Connie Binsfeld
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Binsfeld in 1977
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| 60th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 1999 |
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| Governor | John Engler |
| Preceded by | Martha Griffiths |
| Succeeded by | Dick Posthumus |
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 36th district |
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| In office January 1, 1983 – December 31, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | John Engler |
| Succeeded by | John Pridnia |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 104th district |
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| In office January 1, 1975 – December 31, 1982 |
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| Preceded by | Michael A. Dively |
| Succeeded by | Thomas G. Power |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Connie Berube
April 18, 1924 Munising, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2014 (aged 89) Glen Lake, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | John Binsfeld |
| Children | 5 |
Connie Berube Binsfeld (April 18, 1924 – January 12, 2014) was an American politician from Michigan. She was a member of the Republican Party. Connie Binsfeld served as the 60th lieutenant governor of Michigan. This means she was the second-highest elected official in the state.
She was known for caring about the environment. She also worked hard to protect the rights and interests of women and children. Connie Binsfeld made history as the first woman to hold important leadership jobs in Michigan's government. She served in the state's House of Representatives, the state Senate, and as Lieutenant Governor.
Contents
Who Was Connie Binsfeld?
Early Life and Education
Connie Berube was born in Munising, Michigan, in 1924. She went to local schools and later studied at Siena Heights College. In the 1940s, she got married and started a family near Detroit. Before becoming a politician, she taught history and politics to high school students.
Getting Involved in Politics
In 1968, Connie and her family moved to Glen Lake in Leelanau County, Michigan. Here, she started to get involved in local politics. She led a group of citizens who helped plan for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. This showed her early interest in protecting nature. She also worked for 10 years on the Great Lakes Commission, which helps manage the Great Lakes.
Serving in the Michigan Legislature
Connie Binsfeld was known for her strong speaking skills and leadership. Her first elected job was as a county commissioner for Leelanau County. In 1974, she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. She served four terms there. Later, she served two terms in the Michigan Senate.
While in the state legislature, Connie Binsfeld worked on important laws. She sponsored strong laws to help people dealing with domestic violence. She was a strong supporter for women and children. She also continued her work for the environment. For example, she helped pass the Sand Dunes Protection Act. She also introduced a bill in 1983 to clean up different areas in Michigan.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1990, Connie Binsfeld was chosen to run with John Engler, who was a candidate for governor. They won, and she became Michigan's Lieutenant Governor in 1991. She served in this role until 1999.
As Lieutenant Governor, she led the Binsfeld Children's Commission. This group looked into issues about adoption and the child welfare system. They suggested many changes to help children. The state legislature then passed 20 new laws based on her team's ideas. These laws helped improve how children were cared for in Michigan.
Connie Binsfeld passed away on January 12, 2014, at the age of 89, in Glen Lake, Michigan.
Family Life
Connie Binsfeld was married to John Binsfeld. They had five children together: John, Greg, Susan, Paul, and Mike.
Awards and Recognition
Connie Binsfeld received many honors for her work:
- In 1977, she was named Michigan Mother of the Year.
- In 1990, she received an award from her old college, Siena Heights University.
- In 1998, she was added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.
- She also received special honorary degrees from several universities, including University of Notre Dame, Northern Michigan University, and Grand Valley State University.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
