Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-18

RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT

TaxesHousingCrime & Justice

Context

On 2024-12-18, Representative Hillary J. Scholten (D-MI-3) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered housing, crime and justice.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [House] [Page H7324] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten) for 5 minutes. Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the extraordinary career of Mayor Rosalynn Bliss of Grand Rapids, Michigan, my mayor and my friend. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Mayor Bliss moved to Grand Rapids after graduating from the University of South Alabama. She then attended Michigan State University--go green--where she earned a master's in social work and then set forth on a career characterized by compassion and service. In 2005, Mayor Bliss was first elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission, where she displayed her passion for improving Grand Rapids' beautiful parks and public spaces. She had a vision for Grand Rapids and the experience and willingness to act. After laying out her ambitious plans for the city, then-City Commissioner Bliss was elected by her friends and neighbors to become the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, which is Michigan's second largest city, and the youngest mayor in over 130 years. Mayor Bliss' tenure in Grand Rapids was defined by bold, compassionate leadership. She strengthened community-police relations through community-centric law enforcement initiatives, mental health response teams, and a first-of-its-kind crisis stabilization unit. Amidst a nationwide housing shortage, she expanded affordable housing opportunities and prioritized sustainable development through projects like the Grand River Greenway and an ambitious carbon-neutrality goal. She also shepherded the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing our west Michigan community to bounce back even stronger. Thanks to Mayor Bliss, our economy is booming with over $11 billion in private investments, a new soccer stadium, many new sports teams, and 9 million annual visitors. Our limitless growth potential is, in large part, due to her forward-thinking vision and her bold action. After two incredible terms in our city's highest office, I am confident that Mayor Bliss will leave an impactful legacy that sets a high bar for public service in west Michigan and across America's great cities. Mr. Speaker, once more, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mayor Bliss for her decades of service to the great city of Grand Rapids. I wish my dear friend the greatest happiness in her retirement. ____________________

View original source →

RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [House] [Page H7324] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GRAND RAPIDS MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS ON HER RETIREMENT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten) for 5 minutes. Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the extraordinary career of Mayor Rosalynn Bliss of Grand Rapids, Michigan, my mayor and my friend. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Mayor Bliss moved to Grand Rapids after graduating from the University of South Alabama. She then attended Michigan State University--go green--where she earned a master's in social work and then set forth on a career characterized by compassion and service. In 2005, Mayor Bliss was first elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission, where she displayed her passion for improving Grand Rapids' beautiful parks and public spaces. She had a vision for Grand Rapids and the experience and willingness to act. After laying out her ambitious plans for the city, then-City Commissioner Bliss was elected by her friends and neighbors to become the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, which is Michigan's second largest city, and the youngest mayor in over 130 years. Mayor Bliss' tenure in Grand Rapids was defined by bold, compassionate leadership. She strengthened community-police relations through community-centric law enforcement initiatives, mental health response teams, and a first-of-its-kind crisis stabilization unit. Amidst a nationwide housing shortage, she expanded affordable housing opportunities and prioritized sustainable development through projects like the Grand River Greenway and an ambitious carbon-neutrality goal. She also shepherded the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing our west Michigan community to bounce back even stronger. Thanks to Mayor Bliss, our economy is booming with over $11 billion in private investments, a new soccer stadium, many new sports teams, and 9 million annual visitors. Our limitless growth potential is, in large part, due to her forward-thinking vision and her bold action. After two incredible terms in our city's highest office, I am confident that Mayor Bliss will leave an impactful legacy that sets a high bar for public service in west Michigan and across America's great cities. Mr. Speaker, once more, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mayor Bliss for her decades of service to the great city of Grand Rapids. I wish my dear friend the greatest happiness in her retirement. ____________________