LANSING – House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) led the first House session of the 95th Legislature today after participating in a ceremonial swearing-in that marks the beginning of her third term.
"It was truly an honor to preside over this new beginning for our Legislature," said Byrnes, who was chosen as Speaker Pro Tempore by her colleagues. "I will work to create an environment of mutual respect and bipartisan cooperation so we can create positive change in Michigan. Most of all, I will keep working hard on behalf of the residents of Washtenaw County."
Byrnes featured an assortment of Michigan-made foods and beverages at her reception outside her office at the Capitol prior to the event. They included Jiffy Mix brownies from the Chelsea Milling Co.; apple cider and apple pie from Grand Traverse Pie Co.; ice cream cups and cheese from Michigan State University's Dairy Store; sugar cookies from Michigan Sugar Co.; beef pinwheels provided by the Michigan Cattlemen's Association; Hormel pork barbeque and smoked pork loin from the Michigan Pork Producers; potato martinis from the Michigan Potato Industry Commission; bottled water from Absopure; coffee from Paramount Coffee; and items from the Michigan Farm Marketing and Agritourism Association.
"I want to thank everyone who helped me show off some of the delicious Michigan-made products that make our state so special and help create jobs for so many of our residents," Byrnes said. "We can all do our part to turn our economy around by supporting Michigan's farmers and buying products from the businesses that provide jobs in our communities."