The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 493.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Neal Nitz.

            Whereas, It is with deep respect and admiration for his service on behalf of the Seventy-eighth District that we offer this tribute to Representative Neal Nitz as he completes his tenure of service to this legislative body. His dedication to his constituents, expertise in agricultural issues, and ability to quickly identify the core of an issue and ask tough questions have served the Michigan Legislature, his district, and the entire state over the past 6 years;

            Whereas, Neal Nitz, a graduate of Lakeshore Public Schools and Southwestern Michigan College, has been involved with agriculture his entire life. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he has been a farmer and a steward of the land.  His dedication to agricultural issues is exemplified by his service to the  Berrien County Board of Commissioners, the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, the Berrien County 4-H Foundation, and the Berrien County Farm Bureau; and

            Whereas, Beginning with his first day of service to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2003, Representative Nitz has served his constituents with a level of commitment and dedication that is held in great esteem by his colleagues. He served on the Agriculture Committee in each of his 3 terms in office, and chaired the committee during the Ninety-third Legislature. He worked to stimulate rural economic development, authoring legislation to facilitate the development of a vibrant ethanol industry within the state. His legislative colleagues have benefited from his thoughtful consideration and ability to drill down to the essence of important issues; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved, That by the House of Representatives, That we honor Representative Neal Nitz as he concludes his excellent service to the Michigan Legislature; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Nitz as a tribute to his dedication to public service.