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SCR 13

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for R. Robert Geake, former member of the Senate and House of Representatives.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Albert and 37 co-sponsors

The bill memorializes and honors the life and decades of public service of R. Robert Geake, highlighting his leadership and impact in Michigan government and education.

returned to Senate
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Bill Summary · SCR 13

Summary of Bill: SCR 13 (Session 2025-2026, Michigan)

Purpose and Intent

  • This is a concurrent resolution offering a memorial tribute to R. Robert Geake, a long-serving Michigan legislator who served in the Michigan House (1973–1977) and Senate (1977–1998).
  • The resolution recognizes Geake’s contributions, leadership, and public service as a model for current and future policymakers.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Note

  • Expresses the Legislature’s tribute to R. Robert Geake upon his passing.
  • Offers a narrative of Geake’s life, including:
    • Birth and early life: Born October 26, 1936, in Detroit; raised in Ferndale.
    • Education: University of Michigan degrees — bachelor’s in special education, master’s in guidance and counseling, and a doctoral degree in education and psychology.
    • Early career: Roles in child development, psychology, education; involvement with Schoolcraft Community College (trustee and chair).
    • Legislative service:
    • House of Representatives (1973–1977): Served on Civil Rights, Education, Elections, Mental Health, Youth Care; minority vice chair of Public Health.
    • Senate (1977–1998): Represented multiple districts; served on numerous committees including Education, Health, Mental Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Labor, Public Health, School Finance Reform, and more; chaired the Senior Citizens and Social Services and the Legislative Retirement Board; held leadership roles in Appropriations (majority vice chair from 1984 onward) and other subcommittees.
    • Post-legislative and public service roles: Office of the Children’s Ombudsman (investigator, later Ombudsman); chair of the Child Support Leadership Council; Racing Commissioner; long-time chair of the Legislative Retirement System Board of Trustees.
    • Personal life and affiliations: Involved with various professional and civic organizations; taught Sunday school; family and personal interests (birdwatching, genealogy, Michigan history).
  • Concludes with a formal declaration: The Senate and House “offer this expression of our highest tribute” and request copies be transmitted to Geake’s family.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • The primary effect is ceremonial and symbolic: a formal joint expression of tribute by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.
  • There are no new programs, funding provisions, or regulatory changes proposed. The resolution serves to memorialize Geake’s public service.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced as Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsor Senator Winnie Brinks; co-sponsors Senator Aric Nesbitt and Senator Winnie Brinks (in the text both listed as sponsors and co-sponsors).
  • Action History: Introduced on 2026-06-24.
  • Legislative vehicle: Concurrent resolution (requires endorsement by both Senate and House).
  • Effective date: The resolution becomes operative upon adoption by both chambers; it does not enact law or create new obligations.

Notable Details

  • The memorial provides a comprehensive biographical sketch, highlighting Geake’s impact on education, child welfare (Office of the Children's Ombudsman/Child Advocate), and state governance.
  • Emphasizes Geake’s leadership roles and dedication to public service, including his advocacy for children’s protections and reforms to the Friend of the Court system.

Overall, SCR 13 functions as a formal, commemorative tribute honoring the life, career, and contributions of R. Robert Geake to the State of Michigan.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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