Reps. Kelly, Canfield, Cox, Faris, Heise, Howrylak, Hughes, Lauwers, LaVoy, Maturen, Price and Webber offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 210.

            A resolution to celebrate Catholic schools in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The House of Representatives celebrates January 31-February 6, 2016, as Catholic Schools Week; and

            Whereas, There are 53,364 students attending 228 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great state; and

            Whereas, The Constitution of Michigan states that “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged”; and

            Whereas, Catholic school parents pay tuition in addition to supporting public schools through their taxes; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools comply with the same health, safety, and general welfare regulations required of public schools, but without compensation from the state government; and

Whereas, The viability of Catholic schools should be encouraged so that declines in Catholic school enrollment, which necessitate increases in public expenditures in the School Aid Fund, can be avoided; and

Whereas, Catholic schools instill a broad, values-based education, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, and social values in young people, making them responsible citizens of our state and nation; and

Whereas, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic, many students who are economically disadvantaged, and a good education remains the single best way out of poverty; and

Whereas, With their traditionally high academic standards, high graduation rates, and commitment to community service, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to society; and

Whereas, January 31-February 6, 2016, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the theme “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service” as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops;

Whereas, The common good of the state of Michigan is strengthened through the continued existence of Catholic schools; and

Whereas, Catholic schools are part of a solution to support families and to build productive lives for future generations; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body celebrate Catholic schools Week in the state of Michigan.  We support the continued dedication of Catholic schools across Michigan toward academic excellence and the key role Catholic schools play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for students; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference with our highest esteem.