Reps. Nesbitt, Leonard, LaFontaine, VerHeulen and Jacobsen offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 409.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Kevin Cotter, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, It is most appropriate and fitting that the members of this legislative body salute the Honorable Kevin Cotter as he completes his service as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaker Cotter has been a dedicated and principled leader, directing this chamber with a steady hand and striving to make our state a better place to live and work; and

            Whereas, Kevin Cotter brought a wealth of real world experience to the Legislature. He received his bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship and business administration and a master's degree in administration, both from Central Michigan University, before going on to earn a juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has worked in the transportation industry, overseeing safety, human resources, and shipping. Later, he became a partner at the Kerr Law Firm, PLLC, specializing in estate planning, business planning, and elder law. In 2010, he was elected to represent the Ninety-ninth District for the first time; and

            Whereas, Over his six years of legislative service, Speaker Cotter has brought a deliberative and thoughtful approach to the significant issues facing his district and our state. He has served as chair of the Judiciary Committee and vice chair of the Elections and Ethics Committee. He has also been a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Insurance, Tax Policy, and Michigan Competitiveness committees. In 2015, the members of this body entrusted him to be their leader after he had served as Assistant Majority Whip and Associate Speaker Pro Tempore in previous sessions; and

            Whereas, As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin Cotter has sought to improve the lives of Michigan residents and create a government that serves them better. Under his leadership, the House of Representatives has, among other significant accomplishments, developed with the Senate long-term funding solutions for Michigan's infrastructure, saved Detroit schools from bankruptcy, and soundly invested in areas important to all Michigan residents, including roads, schools, and police and fire protection. He has consistently guided this legislative body to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Kevin Cotter, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

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