house resolution no.402

The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Padma Kuppa.

Whereas, It is a privilege to recognize Representative Padma Kuppa as she departs from the House after four years of service. As a dedicated member of her community, she has been a powerful champion for the Forty-first District, which includes the cities of Troy and Clawson, and for all the people of Michigan; and

Whereas, Representative Kuppa is a proud Indian immigrant and career woman. She earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Warangal, India, then had a varied career in higher education, marketing, the automotive and financial industries, and information technology. In her over two decades in Michigan, she has built a loving family and strong ties to the city of Troy, where she co-founded the Troy-area Interfaith Group, previously worked as a planning commissioner and on the zoning board of appeals for the city, and currently serves as president of the Troy Historical Society. In 2015, she was inducted into the MI-India Hall of Fame. The first Hindu to serve in the Michigan Legislature, Representative Kuppa is a member of the Bharatiya Temple of Metropolitan Detroit, a former board member of the Hindu American Foundation, and a current board member of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion; and

Whereas, Since her election in 2018, Representative Kuppa has worked tirelessly to improve the everyday lives of Michigan's citizens. During her first term, she was awarded a fellowship to attend the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development, where she demonstrated her commitment to being the best possible representative for her constituents. Representative Kuppa was a member of leadership as the Assistant Democratic Whip, and she served on the committees on Energy, Local Government and Municipal Finance, Rules and Competitiveness, and Tax Policy. Additionally, Representative Kuppa was appointed to the Prescription Drug Task Force, and she drew on her education and technical career on the MiSTEM Council. Representative Kuppa supported legislation to facilitate broader participation in the democratic process and improve the health of the people of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Padma Kuppa for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Kuppa as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.