Senator Schuitmaker Delivers Goodbye Address

senatorschuitmaker-9
senatorschuitmaker-9

As the lame duck session draws to a close this week, more state lawmakers who are exiting Lansing are saying their goodbyes in floor speeches. Today, Senator Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton was among those who addressed their colleagues for a final time.

“In this profession, I’ve come to realize that after the partisanship and after the votes have been cast, the people in this room have made this experience one full of kindness, humor and friendship that is too often not seen by the public,” Schuitmaker said as her voice broke slightly.

The Republican served three terms in the state House and is wrapping up her second and final term in the Senate serving Allegan and Van Buren counties and a small part of Kent County. She will be succeeded by former Representative and former Michigan Lottery Commissioner Aric Nesbitt in January.