Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Paul Clemente

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Paul Clemente

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, May 19 to honor and remember former state Representative Paul Clemente. The flag lowering will coincide with former state Representative Clemente's birthdate.

"State Representative Paul Clemente was dedicated to supporting communities Downriver and across the state," said Governor Whitmer. "As a former small business owner, he worked tirelessly to support small businesses and workers. He cared for Michiganders and worked every day to make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family. My thoughts are with his extended family, wife, and kids."

Former state Representative Clemente was born and raised in the Downriver community where he graduated from Cabrini High School in 1981. Clemente had a deep connection with Cabrini and stayed active as an alumnus, offering support to sports teams, the local boosters club, and alumni association.

He attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn and pursued a career as an accountant. Clemente's background in finance and status as a Certified Public Accountant served him throughout his term in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016, where he worked on the Financial Services, Insurance, and Tax Policy Committee.

In addition to his finance background, Clemente was an advocate for local small business and opening pathways for unemployed workers and continuing education. He was involved with his family's own small business, Clemente's Bar, Restaurant and Bowling Alley, which he co-owned and managed prior to his time in the legislature.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Paul Clemente by lowering flags to half-staff. 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 Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

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