[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 18 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E118-E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF STEPHEN VEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. 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

[[Page E119]]

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.

                          ____________________