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HR 44

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Robert G. Bender, former member of the House of Representatives.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Hall

HR 44 creates a formal House memorial for Robert G. Bender, honoring his military, farming, local/state service, and volunteer work, with copies sent to his family.

adopted by unanimous standing vote
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Bill Summary · HR 44

Summary — HR 44: A resolution of tribute as a memorial for Robert G. Bender

Purpose and intent

HR 44 is a ceremonial House resolution offering a formal tribute and memorial for Robert G. “Bob” Bender, a former member of the Michigan House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes Bender’s public service, military service, civic leadership, and post‑legislative volunteer work, and directs that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to his family as an expression of the chamber’s esteem.

Key provisions / content

  • Recites biographical and service facts about Robert G. Bender, including:
    • Education: Bachelor of Science in agriculture education from Michigan State University.
    • Military service: Entered the U.S. Navy in 1959, completed flight school, served five years on active duty as a pilot, remained in the Reserves until 1990, and later retired as a Navy Captain (retirement year cited as 2001 in the text).
    • Farming and local government: Returned to Middleville to operate a 1,100‑acre dairy farm; served as Chairman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners and helped form the Joint City/County Airport Commission.
    • Legislative service: Elected to the Michigan House in 1982; served 12 years representing the Eighty‑eighth and later the Eighty‑seventh Districts (service cited as 1983–1994). Served on the House Appropriations Committee and was co‑vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.
    • Post‑legislative volunteer work: Served in the Peace Corps in Russia for two years and volunteered with the nonprofit From Houses to Homes in Guatemala.
  • Expresses condolences to Bender’s family and thanks for his contributions to the House and the State of Michigan.
  • Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Bender family as evidence of the legislature’s lasting esteem.

Who is affected

  • Primarily symbolic: the resolution honors Bender and provides an official record of appreciation for his public and volunteer service.
  • The Bender family and constituents in Barry and Ionia counties are named recipients of the resolution copy.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Classified as a House resolution (ceremonial).
  • Introduced (filed) August 18, 2025.
  • Adopted by the House (reported as adopted by unanimous standing vote and subsequently enrolled); legislative records indicate adoption and enrollment actions in late August 2025.
  • No legal or regulatory changes result from the resolution; it is non‑binding and commemorative.

Impact

HR 44 serves as a formal, public recognition of Robert G. Bender’s life and public service. It preserves an official legislative memorial in the House record and provides the family with a copy of the House’s tribute.

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

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