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

            House Resolution No. 455.   

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Ellen Cogen Lipton.

            Whereas, It is a privilege to extend the congratulations of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Ellen Cogen Lipton as she concludes her service with this legislative body. For six years, she has ably served the people of the Twenty-seventh District, working tirelessly to make our state a better place to work and live; and

            Whereas, Ellen Cogen Lipton brought to the Legislature a wealth of knowledge and experience to apply to the problems facing our state. With a degree in chemistry from Williams College, she went on to Harvard Law School, earning her degree and becoming a patent attorney. Prior to her election, she served on a number of community boards and on the State Board of Accountancy. In 2008, she was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives; and

            Whereas, For six years, Representative Lipton has championed causes important to her district and the state as a whole, including increased education funding, promoting renewable energy, protecting the state's natural resources, and expanding the stem cell research industry in Michigan. She has served as minority vice-chair of the Education Committee and the Legislative Council as well as a member of the Judiciary and Insurance committees. She has also served on the state's Indigent Defense Commission. In 2010, she was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Probate Judges Association; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Ellen Cogen Lipton for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our entire state; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Lipton as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.