Senator Bishop offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 198.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Bill Hardiman.

            Whereas, We extend our thanks and gratitude to Bill Hardiman for his outstanding service to the 29th Senate District and the entire state. His integrity, commitment, and leadership will be sorely missed by his Senate colleagues and the Michigan Legislature; and

            Whereas, A Grand Rapids resident almost his entire life and a graduate of Grand Rapids South High School, Bill Hardiman attended Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University, where he obtained a master’s degree in public administration. The hardships he endured and the lessons he learned as a child provided Senator Hardiman with an unwavering faith and strength of character that have guided him throughout his life. He is a Vietnam veteran who has served his community in innumerable ways. For ten years, from 1992 to 2002, he served as the mayor of the city of Kentwood. He has also served on the board of directors for the Grand Rapids Transit Authority, the Gerald R. Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Rapids Housing Center, Michigan Municipal League, United Way of Kent County, and myriad other organizations. He gained national attention as one of the founders of Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids, a program to promote strong marriages and family life; and

            Whereas, Following his election to the Michigan Senate in 2002, Senator Hardiman applied his strong values and leadership skills to help strengthen the state of Michigan. His ability to be fair and yet able to make tough decisions were critical for the operation of several appropriations subcommittees during difficult economic times. As the chair of the Department of Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee and vice chair of the Families and Human Services Committee, Bill Hardiman advocated for Michigan's children and families. His many legislative accomplishments include amendments to the child protection law and the child care licensing act to protect children from abuse and neglect. Senator Hardiman sponsored legislation creating an early intervening model program for children in kindergarten through third grade and making it harder for criminals to use electronic gadgets to stalk their victims; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we commend and thank Bill Hardiman for his dedicated service to the Michigan Senate and the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Hardiman as evidence of our high esteem and our best wishes for his future success.