NOVEMBER 1, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today applauded the passage of legislation that renames a prominent government office building in downtown Lansing after former Secretary of State Richard H. Austin.

Senate Bill 365 was introduced at Land’s request. It is sponsored by Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood. SB 365 changes the name of the Treasury building at 430 W. Allegan St. to the Richard H. Austin building. The facility houses the departments of State and Treasury.

"Mr. Austin was a man of dedication, integrity and civility who left an indelible mark on Michigan," Land said. "His pioneering work in the areas of traffic safety and voter registration gave us solid platforms on which we continue to build. Respected by political allies and opponents alike, Mr. Austin’s gracious conduct set the standard for all public servants. I am proud to follow in his footsteps.

"This legislation is a fitting tribute to an honorable man and his remarkable legacy. I appreciate the Legislature’s recognition of Mr. Austin’s achievements and look forward to the governor signing this bill."

"Richard Austin was a unique public servant in our state’s history," Hardiman said. "He was the longest-serving Secretary of State. He was a gentleman and was always dedicated to the citizens of Michigan. The renaming of this building in his honor is a testament to his distinguished career."

Austin is regarded as a Michigan political legend and trailblazer. He was Michigan’s first black statewide officeholder and the nation’s first black elected Secretary of State. Austin was elected to that post in 1970 and served for a record 24 years.

He became known as "Mr. Traffic Safety" for his role in defining the office of Secretary of State as a lead advocate in traffic safety matters. In recognition of Austin’s successes in these areas, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Commission renamed its annual award after him.

Austin’s pioneering spirit extended to Michigan’s election process as well. Under his leadership, Michigan was the first state to implement a "motor voter" law that expanded the voter registration system. It lets people register to vote when renewing their driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Michigan’s law served as a model for the nation and led to the enactment of the National Voter Registration Act.

An Alabama native, Austin began his political career as a delegate to Michigan’s Constitutional Convention in 1961-62. He was the first black certified public accountant in Michigan history, serving as Wayne County auditor prior to being elected Michigan’s 39th Secretary of State.

Austin died in April 2001. He is survived by his wife Ida and their daughter Hazel.