Bill Text: MI SR0155 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Arthur Miller, Jr., former member of the Senate.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-12-09 - Entire Membership Of The Senate And Lieutenant Governor Named Co-sponsors [SR0155 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SR0155-Enrolled.html
As adopted by senate, December 9, 2020
senate Resolution No.155
Senators Shirkey offered the following resolution:
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Arthur Miller, Jr., former member of the Senate.
Whereas, It is with deep sadness that the members of this legislative body learned of the passing of Arthur "Art" Miller, Jr. He had an enduring commitment to serve his constituents in Macomb County and his hometown of Warren during his tenure in the Senate and career as a public servant; and
Whereas, Art Miller was a lifelong resident of Warren, the son of the city's first mayor and the first woman elected Macomb County Clerk. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University before marrying his wife, Marsha, and raising their four children. Not long after college, Art Miller followed his parents into public service and was elected in 1971 to the first of three terms on the Warren City Council, which prepared him for his time in the Senate; and
Whereas, Art Miller was first elected to the state Senate in 1977, overcoming long odds to emerge victorious in a special election. During his tenure in the Senate, he worked on many issues, serving as the chair or vice chair of the Commerce; Government Operations; Environmental and Agricultural Affairs; Financial Services; Local, Urban, and State Affairs; and Banking and Financial Institutions committees. He was known for his willingness to fight to secure funding for the city of Warren and Macomb County and as a champion for public education, public safety, and labor rights. In 1985, he was elected to serve as the Senate Minority Leader by his colleagues in the Democratic Caucus, a role he held for ten years until stepping down at the end of 1995. He would go on to serve another seven years before his retirement in 2002; and
Whereas, Art Miller was known for his bipartisan approach to policymaking. He was willing to work with anyone who wanted to be part of efforts to improve the lives of his constituents or people throughout the state. As Senate Minority Leader, he took pride in his role in bringing people together to find solutions. While known for his easygoing and collaborative style, he fought hard for his district, when necessary; and
Whereas, Art Miller's time in the Senate was also defined by the friendships he formed with those he worked with. His colleagues appreciated his generosity and willingness to take time to help those around him. Like his approach to policymaking, these friendships extended to both sides of the aisle; and
Whereas, Sometimes referred to as "Mr. Warren," Art Miller's commitment to serving his hometown continued after retiring from public service. His consulting firm was hired by Warren to advocate for the community's interests, and he remained a presence in Lansing; and
Whereas, Art Miller was a consummate public servant who spent more than three decades serving his community. He was a leader who worked to bring people together in addressing the issues facing Michigan. His legacy of professionalism and dedication to his constituents provides an example for other legislators to follow and a source of pride for his family; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Arthur Miller, Jr., a member of this legislative body from 1977 to 2002; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Miller family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
