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

            House Resolution No. 405.   

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Pam Byrnes.

            Whereas, It is with great appreciation that we honor Representative Pam Byrnes as she completes her final term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representatives Byrnes' strong leadership and clear vision for our state's future will be missed by her colleagues; and

            Whereas, Pam Byrnes came to the House of Representatives after more than 25 years of practicing law in Ypsilanti, Saline, and Ann Arbor. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she has been active in numerous local business groups and served four years as the first woman Washtenaw County road commissioner. Her past experience and knowledge have been an invaluable addition to this legislative body over the last six years; and

            Whereas, First elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, Representative Byrnes has been a leader among her peers, serving her last term as Speaker Pro Tempore. As chair of the Transportation Committee, she sought improvements to Michigan's roads and the development of mass transit systems. As a past member of the Appropriations Committee and chair of the Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee, she tackled some of Michigan's toughest budget issues and potential reforms to state government. Throughout, she has maintained her strong advocacy for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and a solid education system to develop Michigan's future leaders, entrepreneurs, and workers for the 21st century; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to honor and thank Representative Byrnes for her six years of service to the House of Representatives and people of Michigan and wish her well in her future endeavors; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Byrnes and her family as a reflection of our gratitude for her efforts on behalf of her district and the entire state.