The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 502.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Virgil Smith.
Whereas, The members of the House of Representatives extend our thanks and best wishes to Representative Virgil Smith as he completes his tenure with this legislative body. Representative Smith has been a valuable colleague and a champion for his constituents, and we wish him well in his future endeavors; and
Whereas, Elected to 3 consecutive terms as the representative from the Seventh District, Virgil Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to the fight for affordable health care, lower insurance rates, and lower property taxes in Detroit. This dedication has been of great value and benefit to his district and this state. As chair of the House Committee on Insurance, he has called upon insurance companies to be accountable for excessive rates. His leadership on this challenging issue and as a member of the Legislative Black Caucus has been deeply appreciated by colleagues and staff alike; and
Whereas, Virgil Smith has demonstrated leadership through his efforts promoting Michigan youth and the foundations of our democracy. He has been instrumental in registering over 1,500 Detroit public school students to vote since 2002 as part of Project VoteSmart, a nationwide grassroots voter education initiative. He has also served throughout the last 3 sessions with dedication and distinction on standing committees charged with directing state policy on education, judiciary, regulatory reform, and banking and financial services matters; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we honor Representative Virgil Smith as he concludes his service to the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Smith as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.