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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 30, 2020

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Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Senator Art Miller, Jr. 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed U.S. and Michigan flags within the state capitol complex to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 to honor the life and service of former state Senator Art Miller and coincide with his funeral.

 

“Art Miller was truly one of the greatest leaders to serve in the Michigan State Senate because he understood people and knew how to get things done,” Whitmer said. “He worked tirelessly on behalf of Michiganders and his constituents, continuing to earn their trust and respect over the years. My thoughts are with the Miller family — the thing in his remarkable life of which he was most proud.”

 

Art Miller was born in Detroit on July 11, 1946. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University before entering public service as President of the Warren City Council in 1971.

 

In 1977, Art won his campaign to represent Warren in the Michigan State Senate, which he held for 26 years. During his time in the state Senate, he served as Democratic leader for 10 years, championing issues, such as public education and labor rights. After leaving office due to term limits, Art continued to serve Warren residents on behalf of the City of Warren through his consulting firm until his death.

 

Senator Miller passed away on Thursday, June 25 at the age of 73. Miller and his wife, Marsha, would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary next month. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Holly, Nicole, Arthur III, Derek; and several grandchildren.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of Senator Art Miller by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Thursday, July 2, 2020.