MICHIGAN SENATE
Offered by Senators Shirkey, Ananich, Alexander, Barrett, Bayer, Bizon, Brinks, Bullock, Bumstead, Chang, Daley, Geiss, Hertel, Hollier, Horn, Huizenga, Irwin, Johnson, LaSata, Lauwers,
MacDonald, McBroom, McCann, McMorrow, Moss, Nesbitt, Outman, Polehanki, Runestad, Santana, Schmidt, Stamas, Theis, VanderWall, Victory, Wojno, Wozniak, Zorn and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II
A RESOLUTION OF TRIBUTE FOR THE HONORABLE WAYNE SCHMIDT
WHEREAS, It is a great honor to recognize Senator Wayne Schmidt as his time in the Michigan Legislature comes to a close. Senator Schmidt has proven to be a dedicated and passionate leader for his constituents in the Thirty-seventh District which includes both the Upper and Lower Peninsula counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Luce, and Mackinac, as well as all of Michigan’s citizens; and
WHEREAS, Senator Schmidt is a lifelong resident of Traverse City where he currently resides with his wife, Kathleen, and their two sons, Ryan and Danny. He graduated from Traverse City Central High School and studied economics and public policy at the University of Chicago. Senator Schmidt is also a graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University. Senator Schmidt has had an impressive career as a public servant. Prior to this service in the Michigan Legislature, he was elected five times to the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners and served terms as vice chair and chair. He served on many boards including the Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Bay Area Transit Authority, the National Cherry Festival, and the Great Lakes Community Mental Health Authority. His vast knowledge and experience led him to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2014; and
WHEREAS, Senator Schmidt was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2014. He earned the respect of his colleagues when they elected him to serve as Assistant Majority Leader. During his tenure, he served on the Legislative Council, as chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on K-12 and Michigan Department of Education and Transportation, and as vice chair on the Appropriations subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity/MEDC. Senator Schmidt also served as chair on the Commerce Committee and as vice chair on the Economic Development and International Investment Committee. He served dutifully as a member of the committees on Agriculture, Insurance, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Natural Resources, Economic and Small Business Development, Energy and Technology, and the Appropriations subcommittees on Capital Outlay and Community Health/Human Services. Senator Schmidt had a prolific career in the Senate, as evidenced by his successful sponsorship of legislation to improve affordable housing, redevelop brownfield sites, promote responsible government spending, and protect the rights of all Michiganders. He also was an avid supporter of outdoor recreation, tourism, and the railroad industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Wayne Schmidt for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Schmidt as a token of our gratitude and well wishes.
Adopted by the Senate, December 7, 2022.
Secretary of the Senate