2025 House Resolution 13

Whereas, With the passing of James Earl Carter, Jr. the thirty-ninth President of the United States, our state, and nation unites to salute the memory of a beloved leader and celebrate the life of an American who embodied the spirit of humanitarianism. President Carter left his mark on history as a leader who championed peaceful solutions, innovation, and a desire to instill competency and compassion in governance; and

Whereas, Throughout his life leading up to his tenure as President, Jimmy Carter’s actions exemplified a commitment to serving causes greater than himself. Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter spent his upbringing devoting time to his faith and famously farming peanuts. By 1946, the future President would graduate from the United States Naval Academy and marry his lifelong sweetheart Rosalynn Smith. Following his return to Georgia in 1962 after serving in the United States Navy, President Carter entered into state politics as a state senator and eventually was elected as the seventy-sixth Governor of Georgia in 1971. During his time as Governor, Carter used his gift of communication to emphasize efficiency in government, promote environmental policies, and break down racial barriers; and

Whereas, Jimmy Carter’s presidency reflected a continuation of the values that shaped his upbringing, embodying the spirit of what it means to be an American. He was nominated for the presidency at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, campaigning on the ideals of decency, equality, and freedom. During his tenure as President, Carter worked to combat inflation and unemployment and was able to claim an increase of nearly eight million jobs by the end of his term. President Carter was also a champion of environmental policy and education. He was responsible for doubling the size of the national park system through signing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act as well as creating the Department of Education; and

Whereas, Perhaps what most defines President Carter’s spirit and character are the actions taken after his service as President. Immediately after his presidency, Carter served as a diplomatic envoy for the United States to a variety of countries. It was during this time he founded the Carter Center which remains in operation with the goal of alleviating human suffering worldwide. President Carter inspired untold millions of people with his efforts to resolve global conflicts, promote freedom and democracy, and improve the general health and welfare of humanity worldwide. These efforts, collectively, led President Carter to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Where others viewed the world with cynicism and despair, President Carter inspired hope and envisioned a brighter future for humanity. For all of his efforts during the century he shared with us, we are forever thankful; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That that the members of this legislative body offer our highest expression of tribute to honor the memory of President Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth President of the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Carter family as evidence of the lasting esteem that the people of Michigan will always hold for the memory of President Carter.