Bill Text: MI SCR0026 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution offered as a memorial for Dale Kildee, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate, and the United States House of Representatives.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-04-28 - Referred To Secretary For Record [SCR0026 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SCR0026-Engrossed.html
senate concurrent resolution no. 26
Senators Shirkey and Ananich offered the following concurrent resolution:
Whereas, It was with deep sadness that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned of the passing of Dale Kildee. Throughout his nearly fifty-year career in public service, Congressman Kildee was a tireless advocate for his constituents in Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Oakland, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties and all of Michigan; and
Whereas, Dale Kildee was born in Flint in 1929. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1947, he considered entering the priesthood. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Sacred Heart Seminary but withdrew before becoming ordained. He then earned his teaching certificate from the University of Detroit and worked as a teacher at the University of Detroit High School and Flint Central High School from 1954 to 1964. During this period, he also earned a master's degree from the University of Michigan, including some graduate studies at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan; and
Whereas, Dale Kildee entered public service when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1964 to represent part of Genesee County in the 81st District. During his tenure in the House, he chaired the committee on Federal Relations; was vice chair of Public Health; and served on the committees of Judiciary, State Fairs, State Library, Appropriations, and Interstate Cooperation Commission. He served in the House until 1974, when he was elected to represent the 29th District in the Michigan Senate. In the Senate he served on the Appropriations Committee. He chaired the subcommittee on School Aid & Department of K-12; and was vice chair of the subcommittees of Joint Subcommittee on Capital Outlay and Subcommittee on Government Computers’ Coordinating Committee. Among his many contributions to Michigan during his time in the Legislature, Representative Kildee was a fierce advocate for Native Americans, playing a key role in creating the Michigan Commission on Indian Affairs; and
Whereas, Dale Kildee was first elected to the United States Congress in 1976 to represent the Flint-based 7th district. He was successfully reelected in each of the next seventeen elections before announcing he would not seek another term in the 2012 General Election. During his time in Congress, Congressman Kildee also represented Michigan's 5th and 9th districts, which were also based around Flint. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Kildee was known for his dedication to his office, missing only 27 votes over his 36 years in Congress; and
Whereas, Congressman Kildee's experience as a teacher influenced his time in the House, as he constantly worked to improve our education system. He was the author of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, which reauthorized and reformed the Head Start early education program. Congressman Kildee also continued his advocacy for Native Americans while in Congress, including forming the bipartisan Native American Caucus; and
Whereas, Dale Kildee dedicated his life to serving his constituents and advocating for those in need. He is remembered for his quiet leadership and tireless efforts to serve others as well as his love for his wife and family. His passion for public service serves as an example for all those that follow in his footsteps; 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 Dale Kildee, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1965 to 1974, the Michigan Senate from 1975 to 1977, and the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 2012; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Kildee family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
