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

            House Resolution No. 342.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Mary Ann Middaugh.

            Whereas, The members of the Michigan House of Representatives are indeed honored to salute one of their own, the Honorable Mary Ann Middaugh, upon the occasion of her retirement from the House.  It is a special pleasure for the members of this legislative body to join in paying tribute to our friend and colleague, Representative Mary Ann Middaugh, for her outstanding contributions to the people of the Eightieth District and the state of Michigan during her six-year tenure in the House; and

            Whereas, Representative Middaugh grew up on her family farm and was educated at Muskegon Community College and Muskegon Business College.  She served as a legal assistant before she began her legislative career.  She started working for the Michigan Senate in 1973, and from 1983-1998 she served as an administrative assistant to the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders of the House; and

            Whereas, With these many experiences, it is not surprising that she was elected to represent Michigan citizens in the House of Representatives in 1998.  Her leadership skills were soon recognized.  Representative Middaugh was chosen to serve as Assistant Majority Floor Leader her first two terms.  She also utilized her leadership skills in assisting interstate legislative organizations, and she was appointed to serve as state chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council and elected to the National Council of Insurance Legislators Executive Committee; and

            Whereas, Representative Middaugh has had a diverse legislative career.  During her years as a lawmaker, she served as chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee and vice chair of the House Employment Relations, Training and Safety Committee.  She sponsored legislation in a host of areas, including telecommunications, child abuse, local government, watercraft, and highways; and

            Whereas, Her dedication to the public interest and her leadership have been impressive, and we are grateful for her valuable contributions.  In all areas of her life, her commitment, enthusiasm, gracefulness, and effectiveness have been commendable.  She will be missed by her colleagues, for she has provided a blend of institutional knowledge, parliamentary skills, and substantive knowledge; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the highest  tribute be accorded to the Honorable Mary Ann Middaugh, a respected colleague and fine public servant; and  be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to her as a reflection of our esteem.