Michigan Senate Bill SR0102

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/26
• Passed: 3/18/26

Caption

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Joel Gougeon, former member of the Michigan Senate.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 102 is a memorial tribute honoring the life and public service of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan senator who served from 1993 to 2002. The resolution recounts his upbringing in Bay City, education in mechanical engineering, military service as a Vietnam War fighter pilot, business leadership at Gougeon Brothers, Inc., and extensive civic involvement in Bay County and surrounding communities. The resolution highlights Gougeon’s legislative career and his reputation as an effective, well-liked lawmaker. It specifically notes his committee leadership and his work on rewriting the Mental Health Code, as well as his efforts to direct funding to health clinics, women’s shelters, cancer centers, schools, and community organizations. The Senate adopts the resolution as an expression of respect and sends copies to the Gougeon family.

Impact

This resolution does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds; it is a ceremonial measure only. Its practical effect is to place an official tribute in the Senate record honoring Joel Gougeon and to transmit that tribute to his family. The only policy-related references are historical, describing Gougeon’s past legislative work on mental health and appropriations, but the resolution itself has no legal or regulatory impact.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the resolution is uniformly positive and respectful. The bill is framed as a bipartisan or broadly supported expression of gratitude for Gougeon’s military service, business success, civic leadership, and legislative accomplishments. The absence of committee debate or recorded votes suggests no controversy and a consensus to honor his memory.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention in the available record. Because the resolution is commemorative, it does not present competing policy positions, fiscal disputes, or stakeholder opposition. The only substantive references are descriptive acknowledgments of Gougeon’s service and his work on mental health policy, but these are presented as achievements rather than disputed issues.