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

            House Resolution No. 442.  

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Fred Durhal, Jr.

            Whereas, We are pleased to pay tribute to the Honorable Fred Durhal, Jr., as he brings to a close his years of service in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Durhal has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for the needs of the poor and oppressed both in his beloved city of Detroit and throughout Michigan; and

            Whereas, A stalwart member of the Detroit community, Fred Durhal attended Detroit Public Schools, Wayne County Community College, Wayne State University, and the University of Phoenix, where he studied public administration.  His distinguished career in public service preceded his election to serve in the Michigan Legislature and includes various professional positions, including serving as: Community Resource Specialist for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Assistant to Mayor Coleman A. Young, and District Director for Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins. Moreover, he has been deeply rooted in the Michigan Democratic Party, including being the first African-American to serve as political organizing director. He also served as an executive and administrative vice-chair of the 13th Congressional District for the District Democratic Party Organization; and

            Whereas, Representative Durhal gained his initial experience as a lawmaker when he was elected to serve out a term in a 2002 special election. With an unwavering commitment to engaging in the legislative process, he returned to the House of Representatives in 2009. In the Legislature, he served on the House Appropriations Committee. He also served as chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and the Detroit Caucus; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby extend this expression of gratitude to the Honorable Fred Durhal, Jr., as he ends his service in the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Durhal as evidence of our esteem.