Hillegonds, Paul C., 1949-

Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives (1979-1996); Co-Speaker of the House (1993-1994); Speaker of the House (1995-1996).

From the description of Paul C. Hillegonds papers, 1964-1996 (bulk 1978-1996). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 80292547

Born and raised in Holland, Michigan, Paul C. Hillegonds graduated from the University of Michigan in 1971 with a degree in political science. He subsequently earned a law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1986. Commencing immediately in 1971 upon a career in politics and public service, Hillegonds worked as administrative aide to Congressman Philip Ruppe who represented Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In addition, Hillegonds managed Ruppe's reelection campaigns in 1974 and 1976 as well as his unsuccessful bids to obtain the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate in 1978 and 1982.

In 1978, Hillegonds was himself elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 54th District, which then included Allegan and part of Barry counties and which was subsequently redrawn as the 88th District to include Allegan County only. Hillegonds would serve in the legislature for the next 18 years until 1996 at which time he left office and assumed the position of president of New Detroit, Inc.

While in the legislature, Hillegonds assumed a series of increasingly responsible positions. When he first came to the House in 1978, Hillegonds was appointed to chair the House Republican Campaign Committee, a position he held from 1979 to 1982. In 1983, he was elected by his Republican colleagues to be Assistant Minority Floor Leader and in 1987 he was elected House Minority Floor Leader (or Republican Leader). In 1993, with the House split evenly between the two parties, Hillegonds was elected co-speaker along with his Democratic colleague Curtis Hertel; and in 1995, with a Republican majority, he was elected to the post of speaker.

As a lawmaker, Hillegonds was especially involved in legislation to reform the state's workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws. In addition, Hillegonds helped to draft property tax relief legislation and was a persistent advocate of "sunset" legislation and school finance reform.

From the guide to the Paul C. Hillegonds Papers, 1964-1996, 1978-1996, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)