Bill Text: MI SCR0011 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Stephen V. Monsma, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-03-22 - Referred To Secretary For Record [SCR0011 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SCR0011-Engrossed.html
SCR11, As Adopted by Senate, March 14, 2017
Senator Meekhof offered the following concurrent resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11.
A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Stephen V. Monsma, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.
Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned about the passing of Stephen Monsma. He will be remembered as a statesman who provided a shining example for this body and exemplary service to residents in the Grand Rapids area and across the state of Michigan; and
Whereas, Stephen Monsma was born in Iowa and attained an extensive education focused on political science. He received a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College, a master’s degree from Georgetown University, and a doctorate from Michigan State University. After earning his PhD, he settled in west Michigan as a professor and academic at Calvin College. The son of a reverend, Stephen Monsma was a deeply religious man himself who studied spirituality and politics and sought to bring Christian values into public life and civic affairs; and
Whereas, Stephen Monsma served two terms in the House of Representatives in the mid 1970s and then served one term in the Senate through the early 1980s. In keeping with his scholarly background, his reputation was that of a calm, thoughtful, diligent legislator who was open to compromise. He served on committees that addressed civil rights, economic development, urban affairs, public health, post-secondary education, and appropriations. Advancing ideas and legislation to help disadvantaged members of society was important to Stephen Monsma. He was not shy to deal with controversial issues and his sterling example helped guide debates in a positive manner; and
Whereas, After leaving the Legislature, Stephen Monsma worked in state government for a few years, including as a member of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. Later, he returned to academia, first at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and then back at Calvin College. Over his lifetime, he authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited 18 books and published numerous other articles and papers. Stephen Monsma was also a believer in a robust civic society and belonged to many community and political organizations throughout his life. Outside of career pursuits, he was an avid fan of the outdoors. He hiked, backpacked, camped, skied, and enjoyed other activities with his family; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Stephen V. Monsma, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1975 to 1978 and the Michigan Senate from 1979 to 1982; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Monsma family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
