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 JIM STAMAS
WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that we thank Senator Jim Stamas as his tenure with the Michigan Senate comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Senator Stamas for his work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents within the Thirty-sixth District, which includes the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Gladwin, Iosco, Midland, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle; and
WHEREAS, Senator Stamas holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University and an associate’s degree in business management from Delta College. Senator Stamas honorably served his country in both the U.S. Army and the Michigan National Guard where he attained the rank of Specialist E-4. His service to the community started in the family business, Pizza Sam’s, where he worked and eventually became general manager and owner. He also worked in real estate and as a project manager for Case Systems. Senator Stamas used his business acumen to benefit the Midland Downtown Development Authority, Midland Downtown Business Association, Midland County Planning Commission, and the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children, serving as a board member for each. Senator Stamas proudly served as Midland Township Trustee from 1997 to 2004 and on the Midland County Board of Commissioners from 2005 to 2008 before joining the Michigan House of Representatives in 2009. The respect of his caucus colleagues was evidenced when he was twice elected as Majority Floor Leader for the 96th and 97th Legislatures. Senator Stamas is a dedicated husband to his wife of over 35 years, Marsha, and a loving father to their two children, Nickolas and Jessica; and
WHEREAS, Since his election to the Michigan Senate in 2014, Senator Stamas has served the citizens of the Thirty-sixth District with great integrity. Senator Stamas’ work ethic and bipartisan relationships were key in his selection to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee by the Senate Majority Leader. As chair, he was responsible for appropriating an unprecedented amount of federal and state funding during the pandemic. Senator Stamas also served as chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on General Government, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and as vice chair of the Michigan Competitiveness Committee. Senator Stamas served with distinction on the following Senate committees: Economic Development and International Investment, Health Policy, Natural Resources, Oversight, and Legislative Council, and the Appropriation subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Senator Stamas tackled issues of importance to his constituents, such as education funding, infrastructure improvement, and fiscal responsibility. Moreover, he skillfully co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on the Flint Water Public Health Emergency and led state efforts to address the Midland flooding emergencies. His thoughtful yet firm leadership ensured the provision of services to impacted residents in both communities. Not widely known is Senator Stamas’ work to preserve the Michigan State Capitol. During his legislative tenure, he worked to preserve the building and to establish sustainable funding resources. He was instrumental in the funding for Heritage Hall, a premier tourist center for the Capitol; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jim Stamas for his notable contributions to this legislative body; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Stamas as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.
Adopted by the Senate, December 7, 2022.
Secretary of the Senate