senate concurrent resolution no. 13

Senator Shirkey offered the following concurrent resolution:

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Bill S. Huffman, 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 Billy Huffman. He was a thoughtful and devoted advocate for his constituents in southeastern Oakland County and the people of the entire state during six terms in the House and two terms in the Senate; and

Whereas, Billy Huffman had a distinguished record of public service long before he arrived in Lansing. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was involved in local government, first as a member of the Madison Heights city council and then as the city's mayor. The people of Madison Heights and the surrounding areas appreciated his contributions to the community and elected him to be their representative in the House for the first time in 1962, where he served until he was elected to the Senate in 1974; and

Whereas, During his time in the Legislature, Billy Huffman was known both for his ability to forge relationships with his colleagues and skill in mastering policy. He put those talents to work serving as one of the Capitol's key powerbrokers on a wide range of issues. He did extensive work on the appropriations committees in both the House and the Senate, taking a particular interest in higher education. It was especially important to him that people from all walks of life were able to attend college and that a university education would not be out of reach for people simply because of the cost; and

Whereas, After leaving the Senate in 1982, Billy Huffman continued his efforts to improve the educational opportunities for the people of Michigan through his work with the Michigan Higher Education Association. Retirement also gave him plenty of time with his family and friends whose company he greatly cherished; and

Whereas, Billy Huffman was a consummate legislative dealmaker, tremendous colleague, and tireless public advocate. 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 Billy Huffman'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 Bill S. Huffman, a member of the House of Representatives from 1963 to 1974 and a member of the Senate from 1975 to 1982; and be it further

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