SCR32, As Adopted by Senate, April 11, 2018

            Senator Meekhof offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 32.

            A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Burton Leland, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

            Whereas, It is with great sadness that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned of the passing of Burton Leland. He was a vocal and passionate advocate for his constituents in Detroit and Wayne County for 26 years while serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and

            Whereas, A native Detroiter, Burton Leland earned a bachelor's degree in business from Wayne State University and then a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan. He pursued a career helping those in need in his community as a social worker before deciding to seek election to the House of Representatives in 1980, where he served until his election to the Senate in 1998; and

            Whereas, During more than two decades in Lansing, Burton Leland was known as someone unafraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo. Despite his sometimes combative approach to legislating, he made personal connections with everyone, even those with whom he disagreed. He sponsored dozens of public acts, including the state's Lemon Law for automobiles in 1986. Burton Leland chaired the City Government, Colleges and Universities, and Transportation committees in the House, as well as the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. He also served on numerous other committees during his time in both chambers, covering issues such as public health, social services, consumer protection, financial institutions, energy and technology, elections, and economic development to name a few; and

            Whereas, Burton Leland remained in public service after leaving the Legislature, serving 11 years on the Wayne County Commission before retiring in 2018, concluding more than 37 years working on behalf of the people of Detroit and Wayne County. His passion for higher education never wavered, as he routinely donated to a scholarship fund at Wayne State University that bears his name; and

            Whereas, Burton Leland was an energetic and caring leader who went to bat for his constituents and people in need during his entire career. Upon his passing, we offer our condolences to his family and friends. We hope that they may find comfort in the knowledge that the community as a whole shares in their bereavement and that the legacy of Burton Leland's contributions will long continue to enrich our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Burton Leland, member of the House of Representatives from 1981 to 1998 and the Senate from 1999 to 2006; and be it further

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