senate resolution no.175

Senators Shirkey and Ananich offered the following resolution:

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Betty Jean Alexander.

Whereas, It is an honor to recognize Senator Betty Jean Alexander as she concludes her service in the Senate. Since her election in 2018, Senator Alexander has been a champion of the people of the Fifth District, which includes the cities of Detroit, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and Inkster, and Redford Township, and she has worked to improve the lives of all residents of this great state; and

Whereas, Senator Alexander's life experiences have made her a true representative of the hardworking people of Michigan. Born in Arkansas, her family moved to New Mexico, where she attended Rio Grande High School and the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute. Prior to her service in the Michigan Senate, she showed her devotion to public service and to her community through her work as a clerical specialist for the Wayne County Clerk's Office and an administrative assistant for two foster care agencies, Starr Commonwealth and Holy Cross Children's Services. Senator Alexander is also the proud mother of two daughters; and

Whereas, During her four years in the Senate, Senator Alexander drew on her personal experiences to be an advocate for the hardworking people of her district. She successfully sponsored a bill in a legislative package that allowed Michigan to receive the full amount of settlement proceeds related to lawsuits stemming from the opioid epidemic. This legislation expanded the state's efforts to combat opioid addiction and formally recognized the severity of the crisis. Representing all parents and workers, Senator Alexander advocated for safe and affordable drinking water, improved infrastructure, women's rights and access to health care, and an increase in the minimum wage. Senator Alexander served as minority vice chair of the Committee on Local Government and a member of the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans and the Committee on Finance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Betty Jean Alexander for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

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