senate resolution no.188

Senators Ananich and Shirkey offered the following resolution:

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Mike Shirkey.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Senator Mike Shirkey as his tenure with the Michigan Senate comes to a close.  As Majority Leader of the Senate, he has worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Sixteenth District, which includes Branch, Hillsdale, and Jackson counties; and

Whereas, Senator Shirkey was born and raised in Jackson County, Michigan, the birthplace of the Republican Party. Now residing in Liberty Township on Patriot Lane, Senator Shirkey is the proud father of three children, David, Marilyn, and Daniel, loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren, and a devoted husband of 47 years to his wife, Sue. Senator Shirkey earned a bachelor’s degree from General Motors Institute before going on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After working for 13 years as an engineer and manager at General Motors, he founded his own engineering company, Orbitform. His experience as a business owner and his heart to serve his community and state motivated him to affect change in public policy. Senator Shirkey served on the Columbia Central School Board prior to joining the legislature and was a board chair of the Allegiance Health System. In 2010, Senator Shirkey successfully ran for and was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in a special election, where he served honorably through 2014. As a State Representative he had the unique opportunity to form and chair the Competitiveness Committee, which greatly impacted the oversight of economic issues in Michigan; and

Whereas, Senator Shirkey was first elected to the Michigan Senate in 2014, joining one of the smallest classes in the Senate, forming the Republican group of “Freshman 8”. His dedication and leadership displayed within this chamber led to him being elected to serve as the Senate Majority Leader by his Republican colleagues during his second term. Known for his focus and passion for complicated policy issues, Senator Shirkey served as chair of the Senate’s Government Operations, Health Policy, and Michigan Competitiveness committees. He also served with distinction as a member of the committees on Elections and Government Reform; Energy and Technology; and Appropriations, including its subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Senator Shirkey worked tirelessly on legislation to empower Michigan workers and citizens. During his legislative tenure, one of his most notable accomplishments was successfully leading the passage of Right to Work legislation, better known as the Freedom to Work laws. Senator Shirkey was also a champion of increasing access and improving care in the state’s mental health system, passing the Advanced Practice Nurse legislation, and was the driving force behind many health policy, energy, and economic reforms throughout his service. Most importantly, Senator Shirkey enjoyed serving others and working with his colleagues towards common goals. Known for his love of music, he could be found singing with the informal singing caucus in the Capitol Rotunda during late nights and the holidays; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Mike Shirkey 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 Shirkey as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as he leaves the Michigan Senate.