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

            House Resolution No. 290.  

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Judy Nerat, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, The members of the House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former colleague, Judy Nerat. Firm in her beliefs and a tenacious fighter for them, she will be remembered and missed by the former and current members of this legislative body for her passion, honesty, and integrity; and

            Whereas, Judy Nerat, a lifelong resident of the Upper Peninsula, enjoyed a long and successful career as a private business owner and public servant. A graduate of Stephenson High School in Menominee County and the Milwaukee College of Beauty Culture, she owned and operated her own beauty salon for over 34 years, while raising her family. She began her public service in elective office in 1999, serving on the Menominee County Road Commission for the next 10 years. Her leadership as a commissioner was recognized by her peers with her appointment to the County Road Association of Michigan's Commissioners' Committee--including time as the committee's chair--and her election as a board member to the County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund. Dedicated to helping people, she also was certified as a nursing assistant and worked part-time at a nursing home during this time. In 2008, she was elected to the House of Representatives for the 108th District comprising Delta, Dickinson, and Menominee counties; and

            Whereas, The first female Democrat from the Upper Peninsula to serve in the House of Representatives, Judy Nerat was a strong and caring advocate for Yoopers and the issues important to them. Despite her health challenges, she worked to protect and promote access to Michigan's natural resources, to support small businesses, to encourage economic development, and to meet the state's transportation needs. To the very end, she refused to allow her health to stop her from fighting for what she thought was right; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Judy Nerat, a member of this legislative body from 2009 to 2010; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Nerat family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her memory.