Bill Text: MI SCR0034 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Joanne Emmons, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-11-29 - Referred To Secretary For Record [SCR0034 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SCR0034-Engrossed.html
senate concurrent resolution no. 34
Senator Shirkey offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned about the passing of Joanne Emmons. She will be remembered as an exceptional public servant who tirelessly advocated for her constituents in Mecosta County and the surrounding area; and
Whereas, Joanne Emmons was born in 1934 on the family farm. After graduating as valedictorian from Mecosta High School in 1952, she went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Michigan State University in 1956. She married John Emmons that summer and began her lengthy career as a public servant shortly thereafter. After she taught home economics at her high school alma mater for three years, she later became Deputy Treasurer for Big Rapids Township. Joanne Emmons successfully ran for treasurer of Big Rapids Township, where she served for ten years. She volunteered with many organizations including Mecosta Farm Bureau, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board, St. Peter's School Board and Council, Mecosta County Right to Life, Michigan Maple Syrup Association, Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, Christian Women's Club, and the Omicron Nu Honor Society. During that time, she also held leadership positions in several organizations, including Chair of the Mecosta County Republican Party, member of the board of directors of the Michigan Townships Association, member of the Michigan Municipal Treasurer’s Association, Chair of the Big Rapids Township Sesquicentennial, and Secretary of the Central Michigan Mental Health Board. In 1987, she began her first of five terms with the Michigan Legislature; and
Whereas, Joanne Emmons completed two terms in the House of Representatives, followed by three terms in the Senate. During her time in the House, she served as minority vice chair of the House Committee on Colleges and Universities, as well as a member of the House committees on Elections; Senior Citizens and Retirement; Taxation; and Civil Rights. During her time in the Senate, she held leadership positions on many committees, including the Senate committees on Mental Health, Human Resources, and Senior Citizens; Technology and Energy; Finance; Labor; Government Operations; Education; and Financial Services, in addition to serving on the Legislative Retirement Board of Trustees; Legislative Council; Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; and the committees on Reapportionment and Banking and Financial Institutions. Notably, Senator Emmons broke several glass ceilings when she became the first woman to chair the Senate Finance Committee and became the first woman to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader. Senator Emmons also served as Senate Majority Whip; and
Whereas, After retiring from the Senate, Joanne Emmons continued to serve her community in a variety of capacities. She took a prominent role as the chair of the board of directors at the Russell Kirk Center, where she focused on sharing and expanding conservative thought. She also continued her work with Michigan Right to Life, advocating for the rights of the unborn. Joanne Emmons was also able to spend time doing activities she loved: traveling, enjoying her family, and gardening; and
Whereas, Joanne Emmons, described by her former colleagues as a remarkable stateswoman, leaves behind a legacy as a highly respected and effective legislator. Throughout her career, she sponsored bills on a wide variety of topics, and was particularly influential in changing Michigan’s tax law. Though she stayed true to her conservative values, Joanne Emmons was also known for being adept at working with legislators across the political spectrum. Her unwavering dedication to her constituents, fierce work ethic, senses of humor and fairness, and ability to mentor others remain an example of what it takes to be a successful public servant; and
Whereas, Upon her passing, we offer condolences to her family and friends. We hope they take comfort in the knowledge that her contributions will long continue to enrich the people of this state; 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 Joanne Emmons, a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1990 and the Senate from 1991 to 2002; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Emmons family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her memory.
