Committee advances bill to name highway for Specialist Levi K. Hoover

Representative Paul Schuette introduced House Bill 4089 on behalf of Specialist Levi K. Hoover, asking the Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee to designate a stretch of highway in Hoover’s honor.

Schuette summarized Hoover’s background: a 2002 graduate of HH Dow High School in Midland, service with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, prior work in Alaska after studying criminal justice at Delta College, and deployment to Iraq, where Hoover was killed by an IED at age 23. Schuette said the designation would be a way for Midland and Michigan to acknowledge Hoover’s service.

Danielle Hoover, the soldier’s sister, testified in support, describing her brother as “a really good kid” who loved fishing and hunting and saying the highway naming is “a really wonderful opportunity to highlight and honor a veteran.” Representative Wilbrock asked whether private funds for the memorial signage had been raised; Schuette responded that local Gold Star and community supporters have funds and are prepared to cover signage costs if the bill is enacted.

Vice Chair Alexander moved to report the bill with recommendation. The clerk called the roll and the committee approved the motion 16 yeas, 0 nays. The clerk announced: “Mister chair, you have 16 yeas, 0 nays,” and the motion prevailed; House Bill 4089 was reported out of committee with recommendation.

The committee did not vote on final enactment; reporting the bill forward is the procedural step that sends it on for further House consideration.