MARK V. INGRAM II FREEWAY                                                                          S.B. 56:

                                                                   ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 56 (as reported without amendment)                                     (enrolled version)

Sponsor:  Senator John J. Gleason

Committee:  Transportation

 

Date Completed:  3-9-11

 

RATIONALE

 

Mark V. Ingram II is a former running back for the University of Alabama, where he won the 2009 Heisman Trophy.  He grew up in Flint, Michigan, and attended high school at Southwestern Academy, where he was ranked as the 17th best athlete in the nation and the 6th best athlete in Michigan by Rivals.com, according to information on the University of Alabama website.  Ingram received a number of honors and awards after the Alabama Crimson Tide won its 13th National Football Championship in 2009.  In recognition of his accomplishments, it has been suggested that a highway in the Flint area should be named after him.

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate highway M-21 beginning at its intersection with I-75 in Genesee County and continuing east to its intersection with I-475 as the "Mark V. Ingram II Freeway".

 

Proposed MCL 250.1059

 

ARGUMENTS

 

(Please note:  The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency.  The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

 

Supporting Argument

Mark Ingram II should be recognized not just for his performance on the football field, but also for what he has done to inspire Flint students to excel in the classroom.  Ingram always placed a high value on education, performing well academically while leading the Crimson Tide to the National Championship.  With a long-time interest in a variety of sports, Mark Ingram showed a capacity for leadership from an early age, and consistently displayed a competitive edge and drive to succeed.  Because of his record of strong academic performance and leadership in the community, he is considered a powerful role model for many Flint students.  Naming a highway in his honor would be a fitting way to recognize those accomplishments.

 

Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

 

Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.