No. 12
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
95th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2009
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, February 18, 2009.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Randy Richardville.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Allen—present Garcia—present Olshove—present
Anderson—present George—present Pappageorge—present
Barcia—present Gilbert—present Patterson—present
Basham—present Gleason—present Prusi—present
Birkholz—present Hardiman—present Richardville—present
Bishop—present Hunter—present Sanborn—present
Brater—present Jacobs—present Scott—present
Brown—present Jansen—present Stamas—present
Cassis—present Jelinek—present Switalski—present
Cherry—present Kahn—present Thomas—excused
Clark-Coleman—present Kuipers—present Van Woerkom—present
Clarke—present McManus—present Whitmer—present
Cropsey—present
Reverend R. Scott Greenway of Caledonia Christian Reformed Church of Caledonia offered the following invocation:
Almighty God, we give You thanks for our great nation and for the state of Michigan, which the members of this Senate represent. Accept our thanks for daily provision, schools for our children, and protection from our enemies. We thank You for our freedoms—the freedom of speech and of religion and the benefits of a political system that remains—despite its imperfections—of, by, and for the people. Lord, make us in our day responsible stewards of these blessings.
We recognize that freedom comes with a cost, and we acknowledge the debt we owe to the men and women serving in our nation’s armed forces and in our National Guard. Protect them, O merciful Father, as they take risks on land, sea, and air to protect the rest of us. Bless also our State Police and all the officers and firefighters who serve our communities.
Holy God, we cannot escape acknowledging our sins and failures, and we ask for Your forgiveness. Cause us to abhor all that is self-serving and dishonest. Make us sensitive to the needs of the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable; make us defenders of human life itself. May we pursue with passion things that are right, true, and wise, and by so doing, serve responsibly the citizens we represent.
Lord, these are challenging times for Michigan and our nation. Give wisdom, integrity, and courage to leaders of industry and business and to men and women in public office. Guide each member of this State Senate. Place Your guiding hand upon Governor Granholm here in Lansing and upon President Obama in Washington, D.C.
We humbly ask this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Cropsey moved that Senators Garcia and Kuipers be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Kuipers and Garcia entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Anderson moved that Senator Barcia be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Anderson moved that Senator Thomas be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The following communication was received and read:
Office of the Auditor General
February 13, 2009
Enclosed is a copy of the following audit report:
Performance audit of Vehicle and Travel Services, Department of Management and Budget.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A.
Auditor General
The audit report was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
General Orders
Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.
The motion prevailed, and the President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, designated Senator Jacobs as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and, the President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 134, entitled
A bill to amend 2000 PA 322, entitled “Julian-Stille value-added act,” by amending the title and sections 2, 2a, and 3 (MCL 285.302, 285.302a, and 285.303), the title and section 2 as amended by 2006 PA 423 and section 2a as added by 2006 PA 424.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
During the Committee of the Whole, Senator Barcia entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Cropsey moved that consideration of the following bill be postponed for today:
Senate Bill No. 126
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 202, entitled
A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending section 603 (MCL 436.1603), as amended by 2008 PA 218.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 25 Yeas—36
Allen Cherry Hunter Patterson
Anderson Clark-Coleman Jacobs Prusi
Barcia Clarke Jansen Richardville
Basham Cropsey Jelinek Sanborn
Birkholz Garcia Kahn Scott
Bishop George Kuipers Stamas
Brater Gilbert McManus Switalski
Brown Gleason Olshove Van Woerkom
Cassis Hardiman Pappageorge Whitmer
Nays—0
Excused—1
Thomas
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Richardville
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Brown introduced
Senate Bill No. 237, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator McManus introduced
Senate Bill No. 238, entitled
A bill to provide for a capital outlay program; to set forth the provisions for its implementation within the budgetary process; to make appropriations for planning and construction at state institutions and the acquisition of land; to provide for the elimination of fire hazards at the institutions; to provide for certain special maintenance, remodeling, alteration, renovation, or demolition of and additions to projects at state institutions; to provide for elimination of occupational safety and health hazards at state agencies and institutions; to provide for the award of contracts; and to provide for the expenditure thereof under the supervision of the director of the department of management and budget and the state administrative board.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hardiman introduced
Senate Bill No. 239, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for community and junior colleges for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Cropsey introduced
Senate Bill No. 240, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Kahn introduced
Senate Bill No. 241, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of community health for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Jelinek introduced
Senate Bill No. 242, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Jansen introduced
Senate Bill No. 243, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of energy, labor, and economic growth for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Garcia introduced
Senate Bill No. 244, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environmental quality for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Pappageorge introduced
Senate Bill No. 245, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the judiciary, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of management and budget, the department of civil service, the department of civil rights, and certain state purposes related thereto for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Stamas introduced
Senate Bill No. 246, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for higher education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator George introduced
Senate Bill No. 247, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of history, arts, and libraries for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hardiman introduced
Senate Bill No. 248, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Cropsey introduced
Senate Bill No. 249, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Garcia introduced
Senate Bill No. 250, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator McManus introduced
Senate Bill No. 251, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Jelinek introduced
Senate Bill No. 252, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 17b (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1617b), section 11 as amended by 2008 PA 268 and section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Garcia introduced
Senate Bill No. 253, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hardiman introduced
Senate Bill No. 254, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Kuipers and Gleason introduced
Senate Bill No. 255, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 84 (MCL 38.1384), as amended by 1989 PA 194, and by adding section 81b.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 256, entitled
A bill to authorize local units of government to create storm water utilities; to permit the establishment and collection of storm water utility fees and storm water system development charges; to provide for the allocation to property of the costs of planning, constructing, operating, maintaining, financing, and administering storm water systems; to authorize the adoption of storm water utility ordinances; to provide for credits, exemptions, and appeals; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain local governmental officers and entities.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Senators Jansen, Pappageorge, Cropsey, Hardiman, Gilbert, Richardville, Kahn and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 257, entitled
A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” by amending section 7b (MCL 722.627b), as added by 1997 PA 167.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services.
Senators Hardiman, Pappageorge, Jansen, Gilbert, Cropsey, Richardville, Kahn and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 258, entitled
A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” (MCL 722.621 to 722.638) by adding section 7k.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services.
Senators Richardville, Pappageorge, Cropsey, Hardiman, Gilbert, Kahn, Jansen and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 259, entitled
A bill to create the office of the legislative child fatality investigator; and to prescribe the powers and duties of the legislative child fatality investigator, the legislative council, certain state departments and officers, and certain county and private agencies serving children.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services.
Senators Kahn, Pappageorge, Jansen, Hardiman, Gilbert, Cropsey, Richardville and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 260, entitled
A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” (MCL 722.621 to 722.638) by adding section 7l.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services.
Senators Cropsey, Pappageorge, Jansen, Hardiman, Gilbert, Richardville, Kahn and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No. 261, entitled
A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” by amending section 7b (MCL 722.627b), as added by 1997 PA 167.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services.
Senator Allen introduced
Senate Bill No. 262, entitled
A bill to amend 1992 PA 147, entitled “Neighborhood enterprise zone act,” by amending sections 2 and 3 (MCL 207.772 and 207.773), section 2 as amended by 2008 PA 284 and section 3 as amended by 2008 PA 204.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism.
Senators George, Birkholz, Clarke, Thomas, Clark-Coleman and Jansen introduced
Senate Bill No. 263, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.532) by adding section 420.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Statements
Senators Cassis, Scott, Jansen, Whitmer, Birkholz, Jacobs, Hardiman and Pappageorge asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Cassis’ statement is as follows:
Twenty days ago on January 29, this body passed from the Senate to the House Senate Bill No. 1—to phase out the onerous and burdensome surcharge. I have a copy of a letter here that originally was sent to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, and because the author, the gentleman, is a friend of mine of longstanding and someone who lives in my district, he sent me a copy. I think it is worthwhile to share with all of you the anxiety of a small businessperson in his words:
“My wife and I own a small manufacturing company, a little over $1 million a year in sales. The company is Arlington Display Industries, located in Detroit. Our accountant gave us the news that under the Michigan business tax we will pay 1,500 percent of an increase in 2008 over 2007. It is certainly hard enough these days to get by and they have added to the load. What is really irksome is that we now get the privilege of paying tax on health and other benefits that we provide. That money is taxed at 8 percent. Then they give you a .296 percent discount, and on top of that impose the almost 22 percent surcharge. Maybe we should scrap it and let our people apply for Medicaid, since it is apparently no big deal to this state.
Our accountant informs us that out of his stable of clients, not one has a decrease, and almost all are significant increases. My guess is that the manufacturers that enjoy substantial relief are the larger players, while the rest of the great unwashed, as usual, pick up the bulk of the burden.”
Today, I stand before you and I urge—strongly urge—that my House colleagues and the good chair of House Tax Policy take up this bill. Time is wasting and people’s very lives and survival of our small businesses are at stake. This is a positive thing that we need to open the discussion and the debate now. I stand before you to strongly support the bill be taken up in the House.
Senator Scott’s statement is as follows:
Althea Gibson was an absolutely amazing woman. She was a United States athlete who became the first African-American woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. She was also the first black to win at Wimbledon. She is sometimes referred to as the Jackie Robinson of tennis for breaking the color barrier. After her tennis career, she went on to a distinguished career in public service.
Althea Gibson said, “No matter what accomplishments you make, someone helps you, someone helps you.” I have remained grateful throughout my thirty-plus years of service for the help I have received. And I have been especially appreciative of the support I have received in my efforts to bring insurance reform to this state. It has come from thousands of colleagues, constituents, supporters, friends, and complete strangers.
In fact, it appears that there are only two groups that I have yet to win over—the insurance industry and the folks on the other side of this aisle. But I remain optimistic. I remain hopeful, for I truly believe there will be a day that you, too, will offer me help. And that help will come when you move my bills.
Senator Jansen’s statement is as follows:
Job providers across the state are suffering due to the burdensome MBT surcharge. When the surcharge was created in October 2007, Michigan’s unemployment rate was 7.5 percent. Today’s unemployment rate stands at 10.6 percent and seems to be climbing. That is a full 47 percent above the national average.
Since 2001, Michigan has lost 637,000 jobs. That is almost the size of Kent County’s total population. Folks, we are on the wrong path. Something has to change. I have been here two years and I am ready. I want to work with folks. We need to eliminate the surcharge. We need to create a better business climate in Michigan. We need to foster a business climate here in Michigan that will help us create jobs. It is time for us to reexamine, be bold, work together, and find balance and solutions.
One of my neighbors is a mid-size petroleum distributor in my area. They have gas stations all over west Michigan. If we would eliminate the surcharge, it would save them almost $150,000 a year. If they had that money, rather than us having that money, they would probably be hiring three to five new people this year. They already have 175 full-time folks and about 370 part-time folks. They are creating jobs.
Now these job providers are saying to me, and I don’t know about you, but they are making decisions right now and in the next quarter: Do I pay these big tax bills or do I hire more people? Well, guess what? They have to pay the tax bills. We have done half the job, and we are waiting on the House to do the other half of the job. These are real jobs, real people, and real businesses. They are really good people because they support all kinds of nice things in my community and in the state, but they are looking for us to get more serious. They want to know if Lansing is even paying attention. They are asking do we even care.
Our job here is to send a message back home that we want job providers to stay in Michigan. We really want to be a part of them getting back on track, as much as that may be. What are we going to do in this state when it comes to policy to stimulate the economy? I hear that in the news day after day after day. We are going to stimulate the economy. Well, ladies and gentleman, in Michigan we have had a lot of nice political speeches, but it is time for action.
Some of you know I have been involved in Habitat, things like that, all my life. It is time to get out the hammers, couple of nails, some two-by-fours; time to start building; stop tearing it down. We did it here in the Senate with Senate Bill No. 1. We repealed the MBT, the job-killing piece of the MBT, but we need to send the message back home that we want business owners to stay in business. We want them to be part of growing Michigan, getting us back on track. Senate Bill No. 1 is in the House. We need to continue working on our House colleagues. It takes both of the sides of the aisle to do that.
It is not the silver bullet, but we do need to get the message out there in the state of Michigan that we want to get back on track. We really do want business to grow in this state. We need to represent the fight for Michigan business owners because they are paying the salaries of our friends and neighbors, and they are paying their mortgages with those salaries. If we want to help our friends and neighbors, I think it is important for us to go ahead and help each other and encourage the House to pass Senate Bill No. 1.
Senator Whitmer’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to give a statement once again about state employees and the work that they do here in the state of Michigan and our work ethic here in the State Senate. Last week, we heard debate on a resolution to ask state employees to come to work on Monday, a national holiday—President’s Day. And yet, as I look at the Senate calendar, we are taking next week off. I can’t get an answer why. I have asked a number of members why the Senate would close down, not meet in session. I don’t understand. And per Nero, Rome is burning—if you haven’t been listening.
Now I’ve been told: “Well, we really don’t have much to do.” I’ve been told: “People need more time in their districts.” Well, you worked one week last month and two days in December. Haven’t you had enough time in your districts? Isn’t it time to spend a little time here in Lansing and complete the state budget or at least get it begun?
We just heard the last speaker talk about the business community and job providers. What do you think the business community thinks when they look at us? With the budget just introduced, we have a stimulus package that is coming to Michigan. The circumstances are dire. The speaker right before me said that businesses are asking if Lansing is paying attention: “Do they even care?” Well, when we take a week off next week, my question that I think they are asking is: “Are they even there?”
I think we should be here working next week. I hope that if you agree, you will come to work next week and we can continue to work in session and work on the people’s budget putting our fiscal house in order.
Senator Birkholz’s statement is as follows:
Members, you will notice on your desk today, and because I cannot hold up props, I can’t hold it in my hand, but you will notice a booklet with a lavender top page on it. One of my colleagues happens to be holding his up right now. This is a book that is a visitor’s guide to the Saugatuck/Douglas area. The reason I am sharing it with you today is I want you to know that last month the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Saugatuck and Douglas one of its 2009—only 12 in the whole United States—most distinctive destinations to visit. They’re two small towns divided by a river on the shores of Lake Michigan where we have lots of historical and cultural venues for you to visit. Only one place in the United States received this award.
Since the National Trust for Historic Preservation has started this program, there are only four places in Michigan that have received this distinguished award. I want to encourage you this year to think about Saugatuck and Douglas as one of the few vacation destinations that provides such an extraordinary combination of tourism opportunities all in one location, as said by the director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
I remind you that tourism is one of the top three economic engines of this state. So this summer, as you make your vacation decisions, you might want to think about staying in Michigan and investing in Michigan and visiting one of the 12 most distinctive destinations in the United States.
Senator McManus stated that had she been present on February 17 when the votes were taken on the passage of the following bills, she would have voted “yea”:
Senate Bill No. 195
Senate Bill No. 196
Senator Jacobs’ statement is as follows:
I scratch my head because we continue to have sort of the same public debate about the MBT and the surcharge. Again, I want to say, our side of the aisle is willing to work on trying to remove what is an onerous tax on all of our business community. However, we don’t want to do the same thing we did with the SBT, which was to take away a tax, remove a tax, and get rid of a tax without knowing what the replacement was going to be. Day after day, I have business owners in my community say, “Give me back the SBT.” So let’s be careful and cautious as we proceed down this road; that we do what is in the best interest of all of our businesses—small and big—in all of our districts, and be sure that we take a measured, careful approach because I don’t want to goof up again.
Senator Hardiman’s statement is as follows:
I rise to speak to a statement that was made earlier. The Senator from the 23rd District asked why we weren’t in session next week. I don’t plan the schedule and can’t respond to that, but there was an implication that we are not doing enough work, and we are not working when we are not in session. Well, I do have to take exception to that.
I spoke to my wife yesterday, who is with my new grandbaby and his parents, and she was wondering when I was going to come down and see her. I said, “I don’t think I can do it until the weekend, but I can’t get down there on Friday because I have a full schedule.” I have meetings in Grand Rapids in my district on Saturday morning. So I will travel Saturday afternoon and come back Sunday because I have meetings—some in the district and some here in Lansing on Monday. They are scheduled all day.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I understand the question, and I can’t speak to whether or not we are in session, but I use that time wisely to do some work on the budgets. I chair three Appropriations subcommittees, and the budgets are very difficult. We are having hearings. That is not where all of the work is done. The work is done when we sit down, we work with staff, we look at the budgets, we think about how we can do things better, we work through those issues, and we meet with constituents in the district. That helps us to plan to make the appropriate changes.
My schedule is full and it will be full next week whether we are here in Lansing or not. Now I will be in Lansing for three days that week anyway because that’s just the kind of time that we are in. So this issue of legislators not working unless they are in session—I did want to speak to that issue. I’m working and I imagine many others are working and we should. There is no reason to feel sorry for us because we need to do the people’s work. When we are doing that, we are working very hard, and we will continue to do that whether it is recognized or not.
I do want to add one other thing. Yesterday, I made a statement about my beautiful grandson, and I wanted to complete that. I also wanted to say that I appreciate my daughter and the strength that she showed. I just appreciate mothers for what they go through to have these beautiful children. My son-in-law was so actively involved. I have never seen someone as involved in all the details. He almost seemed like he was part of the University of Michigan staff. They had the baby at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, and the staff there was very competent; their expertise came through. They were also very compassionate as they served not only the young couple and the baby, but the grandparents as well. I just want to state my appreciation for those working in that area of health care.
Senator Pappageorge’s statement is as follows:
Earlier the Senator from the 14th District talked about, gee, we really shouldn’t get rid of the surcharge. We have to look at the whole tax picture. The implication every time I hear that is, OK, we will get rid of the surtax if we can sort of shift that tax somewhere else because we don’t want to cut revenue.
The difference in this argument is a whole set of folks want to cut taxes. The same people who say they wish the SBT were back are saying it because they paid less taxes under the SBT. Those are the ones who are coming to us. The issue is, are we willing to reduce taxes so we can get business working in this state. It is a dodge to talk about let’s look at everything. That is a very sophisticated form of decision avoidance by some people, and let’s be clear on what the issue is. Do we want more taxes? Do we want the same amount or less? I want to tell you a good many of us want less.
Committee Reports
The Committee on Judiciary reported
Senate Bill No. 21, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 413 (MCL 168.413), as amended by 1999 PA 218.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Wayne Kuipers
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kuipers, Cropsey, Sanborn, Patterson, Stamas, Whitmer and Basham
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Judiciary reported
Senate Bill No. 22, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 467b (MCL 168.467b), as amended by 1999 PA 218.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Wayne Kuipers
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kuipers, Cropsey, Sanborn, Patterson, Stamas, Whitmer and Basham
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Judiciary reported
Senate Bill No. 23, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 433 (MCL 168.433), as amended by 1999 PA 218.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Wayne Kuipers
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kuipers, Cropsey, Sanborn, Patterson, Stamas, Whitmer and Basham
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Judiciary reported
Senate Bill No. 24, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 426d (MCL 168.426d), as amended by 1999 PA 218.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Wayne Kuipers
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kuipers, Cropsey, Sanborn, Patterson, Stamas, Whitmer and Basham
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Judiciary submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Kuipers (C), Cropsey, Sanborn, Patterson, Stamas, Whitmer, Clarke and Basham
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on Department of Human Services submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Hardiman (C), Kahn, Jansen, Scott and Barcia
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations -
Subcommittees -
Agriculture - Wednesdays, March 4, March 11 and March 18, 3:00 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Capital Outlay - Thursday, February 19, 9:00 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768) (CANCELED)
Economic Development - Wednesdays, March 4, March 11 and March 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-2768)
General Government - Thursday, February 19, 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, February 25, 10:00 a.m.; Thursdays, March 5, March 12 and March 19, 2:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-2768)
History, Arts, and Libraries - Thursdays, February 19, March 5, March 12 and March 19, 8:30 a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Human Services Department - Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)
State Police and Military Affairs - Thursday, February 19, 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday, February 24, 10:00 a.m.; Tuesday, March 10, 3:00 p.m.; Thursday, March 12, 3:00 p.m.; and Thursday, March 19, 3:00 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Transportation Department - Friday, February 27, 10:30 a.m., Grand Rapids, meeting place to be determined; and Wednesdays, March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25, 8:30 a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Education - Thursday, February 19, 2:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-6920)
Energy Policy and Public Utilities - Thursday, February 19, 1:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-7350)
Finance - Thursday, February 19, 11:00 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1758)
Legislative Commission on Government Efficiency - Monday, March 2, 2:00 p.m., Room 428, Capitol Building (373-0212)
Legislative Commission on Statutory Mandates - Friday, February 27, 12:00 noon, Oakland County Executive Office Building, Oakland County Conference Center, Waterford Room, Building 41-West, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford (373-0212)
Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:45 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.
CAROL MOREY VIVENTI
Secretary of the Senate
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