A Tribute In Honor Of Stephen Vear
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Stephen Vear, who has honorably served his community as a State of Michigan Representative from 1998 to 2002. As Representative of Michigan's 58th district, Steve served as Assistant Majority…
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Stephen Vear, who has honorably served his community as a State of Michigan Representative from 1998 to 2002.
As Representative of Michigan's 58th district, Steve served as Assistant Majority Whip, Vice Chair of the Tax Policy Committee, and Chair of the Tax Simplification Subcommittee, and the State Auditor Generals Oversight and Commerce Committee. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, and the Dads of Michigan and Moms for Dads organizations named Steve Legislator of the Year in 2001. Steve's dedication to reducing taxes and encouraging business and economic development were aptly demonstrated when he drafted legislation to eliminate the Single Business Tax in Michigan. While representing the 58th District, Steve introduced
and had 10 bills signed into law by Governor John Engler, and co- sponsored more than 100 bills that were signed into law. Steve prides himself on his advocacy, which helped preserve program funding for the Nursing Homes for Quality Initiative Grants, which were to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.
Steve has worked tirelessly in the local community as well. His willingness to contribute his time and energy to the community is evident through his many activities past and present. He served as an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts, as President and is a current member of the Jonesville Rotary Club, a founding member of the Chief Baw Beese Chapter of the North County Trail Association, and as a Hillsdale County Deputy Volunteer for 10 years. He has been an active member of many other organizations, including Right to Life, Sons of the American Legion, the National Rifle Association, and the Conservation Club. His commitment to furthering the interests of small business owners like himself is evidenced by his service on the Board of Directors of the Small Business Association of Michigan from 1993 to 1999, as a member of Small Business United, and as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business in 1995.
From working his way through his bachelor's degree in Accounting at Hillsdale College to representing 92,000 people in Branch and Hillsdale counties, Steve Vear has proven himself to be a dedicated community leader. It is for these reasons that I am honored to recognize Steve Vear for his selfless commitment to his family, his friends, and his community.