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

            House Resolution No. 302.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Maxine L. Berman, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, The members of this legislative body were saddened to learn of the passing of former Representative Maxine L. Berman. A fierce advocate for women's rights and other social justice issues, she represented the people of Southfield and Lathrup Village with intelligence and integrity for fourteen years in the Michigan House of Representatives; and

            Whereas, A native of the Detroit area, Maxine Berman began her career as a high school English teacher following her graduation from the University of Michigan. She became active in local political groups, working on a number of campaigns, before she ran for state office herself. In 1982, she was elected for the first time to the Michigan House of Representatives; and

            Whereas, Over the next fourteen years, Maxine Berman was a strong and respected leader for what she believed was best for the people of Michigan. Outspoken, compassionate, and witty, she proudly fought for women's health rights, ensuring women with breast cancer were informed of their treatment options and received appropriate care. Early in her legislative career, she served as chair of the Elections Committee and on numerous other committees before moving to the Appropriations Committee. As a member of that committee and the Michigan House Bipartisan Team, she helped craft Michigan's current educational funding system; and

            Whereas, Maxine Berman remained an active force in Michigan politics and women's issues after her retirement from the House of Representatives. She founded her own political consulting firm, Capitol Strategies, Inc., and the Women's Health Network of Michigan. She served as Director of Special Projects under former Governor Jennifer Granholm and would become the first woman selected as the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University. In 2015, she was inducted to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame; and

            Whereas, Maxine Berman will be remembered as a woman who made a difference. Whether within the walls of this chamber, the sanctuary of her synagogue, or the classrooms in which she taught, Maxine Berman touched the lives of many for the better; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Maxine L. Berman, a member of this legislative body from 1983 to 1996; and be it further

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