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

House Resolution No. 342.

            A resolution for the Honorable Gary Newell.

            Whereas, As he brings his esteemed tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives to a close, we would like to express our gratitude, appreciation, and admiration to Gary Newell for his valuable contributions to the Michigan Legislature and his tireless work on behalf of the Eighty-seventh District and our entire state; and

            Whereas, Gary Newell's service in the Michigan Legislature is just another example of his dedication and commitment to his fellowman, having honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967 and having served the residents of the state of Michigan for more than 26 years as a Michigan State Police officer. Mr. Newell, who earned a bachelor's degree in business from Siena Heights University, has always been actively involved in the communities in which he has lived. He served on the executive board of the Capital Area Traffic Safety Committee; was a board member of the Silent Observer for Barry County; was chairman of the Barry County 9-1-1; and was a member of Kiwanis International and American Legion Post 175 in Saranac; and

            Whereas, Representative Newell served on several high profile committees such as Agriculture, Judiciary, Tax Policy, and Health Policy, where he was the majority vice-chair. His committee assignments also included the chairmanship of the Appropriations subcommittee on Community Health. Among his notable achievements was his leadership in the creation of the new Health Information Technology Commission for Michigan. It should be duly noted that Representative Newell's work in the House over the past six years is deeply appreciated by his colleagues, staff members, the people of his district, and the entire state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to thank and commend the Honorable Gary Newell for his valuable and worthy contributions to this legislative body and to our entire state; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Newell as evidence of our sincere appreciation for his service to this state and our best wishes for his future endeavors.