Robert Stephens (Arabi)
Robert Stephens | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2021 | |
| 33rd Vice President of Arabi | |
| In office October 1, 2021 – January 10, 2023 | |
| President | Lona Freeman |
| Preceded by | Melissa Hewitt |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Boyle |
| Arabin Senator from New Plymouth | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – October 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Eric Park |
| Succeeded by | Justine Greer |
| Member of the Arabin House of Representatives from New Plymouth | |
| In office January 8, 1999 – January 8, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Randy Jefferson |
| Succeeded by | Cora Hartman |
| Constituency | 3rd District (1999-2003) 5th District (2003-2013) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Stephens April 3, 1964 Plainfield, New Plymouth |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Marianne Hill (m. 1987) |
| Children | 2 |
Robert Stephens (born April 4, 1964) is an Arabinian politician who has served as the 33rd Vice President of Arabi. Stephens was the second person to serve as vice president in the Freeman administration after the former vice president, Melissa Hewitt, resigned on July 29, 2021. Prior to serving as vice president, Stephens was the junior Senator from New Plymouth. He also served as an Arabin Representative from New Plymouth's 3rd and 5th districts.
Life
Stephens married Marianne Hill in 1987 and they have 2 children, Brandon (1997) and Jodi (1999).
Career
House of Representatives
While serving in the House, Stephens advocated for social justice. Stephens introduced a bill in 2004 that would raise taxes on the wealthiest citizens by 10% and lower taxes for the lower and middle class by 15%, the bill failed in the 83rd Arabin Congress. The bill was reintroduced in the 84th Arabin Congress with a major revision, the tax rate for the wealthiest citizens would be raised by 5% while the lower and middle class would see a 10% tax rate decrease. After many weeks of debates, the bill was passed in the House and the Senate.
Senate
Stephens was elected to the Senate in 2012.
Vice President
On September 20, 2021, Lona Freeman nominated Stephens to become the 33rd Vice President. He was confirmed by the Senate on October 1, 2021, and was sworn into office a few hours later. He succeeded Melissa Hewitt, who also served under Freeman, but had resigned on July 29, 2021. Some supporters of Freeman denounced Stephens as the nominee due to a promise made by Freeman during her campaign that she would only nominate women to the highest offices. Freeman defended Stephens by saying, "For over 20 years Robert Stephens has been a pillar within Congress. He is honest, intelligent, and a patriot. These qualities do not belong to any one gender and anyone who possesses these traits along with the experience Mr. Stephens has makes him extremely qualified to serve as Vice President. I know he will make an excellent Vice President and partner."