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

            House Resolution No. 399.   

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Alma Wheeler Smith.

            Whereas, It is with great appreciation that we thank Representative Alma Wheeler Smith as she completes her career as a member of this legislative body. Representative Smith has been a pioneer for African Americans and women in state government and vigorous champion for progressive government; and

            Whereas, Alma Wheeler Smith has had a long and distinguished career working in the state capital and Washtenaw County. A graduate of the University of Michigan and longtime resident of Salem Township, she has spent nearly 25 years as legislative staff, State Senator, and State Representative for the residents of Washtenaw County. Prior to her election to the Senate in 1994, she served as a county commissioner, a school board member and president, and a cable commissioner. She was the first woman to lead an appropriations caucus in the Legislature and the first African American to run for governor on the Michigan Democratic ticket; and

            Whereas, Elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 after eight years as a state senator, Representative Smith continued to be a strong independent voice in state government. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has worked for six years on some of the most difficult budgets in Michigan's history and been responsible as chair of the Corrections Subcommittee for one of the larger pieces of Michigan's budget. Representative Smith's dedication, integrity, and intelligence will be missed as she completes her tenure with the House of Representatives; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor and thank Representative Alma Wheeler Smith for her public service to the people of Washtenaw County and the rest of Michigan as she completes her work as a lawmaker; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Smith and her family as evidence of our best wishes for health and happiness in the years to come.