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Former Lt. Governor Connie Binsfeld Dies At 89

Former Lieutenant Governor Connie Binsfeld has died at the age of 89.

As we hear from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta, she was a key member of Governor John Engler’s administration in the 1990s.

Connie Binsfeld was one half of the winning Republican ticket that upsent incumbent Governor James Blanchard in 1990. Binsfeld would serve as lieutenant governor for two of Governor Engler’s three terms. She retired at the end of 1998.

Engler says Binsfeld was very skilled at developing policies on the Great Lakes and families. She chaired the Binsfeld Commission which proposed new laws to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect.

“I think it’s probably not at all inappropriate to say that Connie’s work has saved lives and numerous lives,” he says.

Binsfeld was also the first woman to serve in the Michigan House, Senate, and as the state’s lieutenant governor.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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