Senator Valde Garcia
R-Howell (1/1/2007)

State Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, stood at attention while Ms. Cynthia Joy Levi sang the National Anthem before the Michigan Senate's 15th Annual Memorial Day service. Garcia presided over the ceremony honoring the servicemen and women that fought with bravery to defend our nation's freedom. (5/21/2009)

Mr. Michael Kilpela, of Fowlerville, addressed the Michigan Senate during its 15th Annual Memorial Day Service. Kilpela spoke about his son, Andy, a Lance Corporal in the Marines, who was killed in Iraq in 2005. (5/21/2009)

LANSING – State Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, joined Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm at a special ceremony Thursday as she signed Senate Bill 606 into law. Garcia’s bill, now Public Act 309 of 2008, allows members of the military that are mobilized for duty an expanded exemption from paying the state’s occupational code renewal license fee, from continuing education requirements, and from any other related requirements.  (3/12/2009)

LANSING – State Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, and Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm are shown here during a bill signing ceremony in the governor's office Thursday. Senate Bill 897, now Public Act 394 of 2008, requires manufacturers of consumer computer electronics to implement a take-back program for the free return of computers and video display devices that they produce. Manufacturers must first register with the state to participate.  (2/26/2009)

State Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, left, proudly welcomed Richard Bishop, associate pastor of the First Baptist Church of Laingsburg, and Pastor Bishop’s wife Rita to the Michigan Capitol. Pastor Bishop gave the invocation before the start of the Senate session.  (6/18/2008)

Commanders from the Brighton VFW Post 4357 march in the retirement of colors ceremony at the Michigan Senate’s 14th Annual Memorial Day Service in the Senate chambers. The Senate honored Michigan soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country during the last 12 months. (5/22/2008)

Michigan National Guard Sgt. Michelle Rudzitis addresses the Michigan Senate at its 14th Annual Memorial Day Service in the Senate chambers. Rudzitis received a purple heart in an attack in Baghdad in which other members of the 46th Military Police Company lost their lives. She gave a moving address recounting her experiences. (5/22/2008)

State Sen. Valde Garcia, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs, speaks at a news conference announcing an agreement to help make college more affordable for military families. An agreement among all 15 public universities in Michigan will grant resident tuition rates to military personnel and their children, even if the servicemembers move out of state. Joining Garcia are, from left, state Reps. Gino Polidori and Rick Jones, Sen. Jason Allen, and Reps. Paul Opsommer and Pam Byrnes. (4/16/2008)

State Sen. Valde Garcia, far right, stands in the Capitol rotunda with the 2008 Michigan Class D state champion New Lothrop High School girls basketball team and coaches. Also pictured are state Rep. Richard Ball (far left) and Sen. Roger Kahn (next to Garcia). (4/16/2008)

State Sen. Valde Garcia, second from left, presents Tom Kohlmann II with a Senate tribute honoring the 2008 Michigan Class D state champion New Lothrop High School girls basketball team. Kohlmann is the team’s coach. Standing with Garcia and Kohlmann in the Senate chamber are, from left, state Rep. Richard Ball, New Lothrop Athletic Director Craig Atkins, and Sen. Roger Kahn.  (4/16/2008)