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

House Resolution No. 350.

            A resolution for the Honorable Doug Hart.

            Whereas, As he concludes his service as a member of this legislative body, it is most appropriate to honor and thank Representative Doug Hart for his excellent efforts over the past six years.  His energy and enthusiasm for public service have strengthened our state and advanced debate on many of the notable issues before us; and

            Whereas, A graduate of Calvin College, Doug Hart worked as a middle school teacher before redirecting his concerns for young people to the legislative arena, first as an aide and, since 1999, as a legislator representing the people of his Kent County district.  He has also expressed his deep interest in encouraging young people through his leadership in community initiatives to provide job training and encouragement to urban youth and his work to establish better civics education resources within the state.  His interest in teaching young people about government has also extended to students in other countries; and

            Whereas, Representative Hart's efforts on behalf of education and young people have been evident in his legislation and his committee responsibilities.  He served as the chair of the House Family and Children Services Committee for two terms.  While on the Family and Children Services Committee, Doug Hart was the "go to" person in the House on welfare, child support, child protection, etc. He played a key role in shepherding through several packages dealing with childcare, welfare reform, child protection, and related issues; and

            Whereas, Doug Hart has been known as a leading advocate for civic education and service learning during his six years in the Michigan House.  He was a member of the House Education Committee for all three of his terms. He chaired the House Education Subcommittee on Service Learning and Civic Education and the Blue Ribbon Panel on the Civic Good of Higher Education, and in 2003 began the Michigan House Civics Commission, an ad hoc committee of 24 state representatives that travel throughout the state and hear legislative ideas from K-12 students.  This diligence has been deeply appreciated by his community and his colleagues in the House; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend the Honorable Doug Hart and thank him for his dedication as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Hart as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.