No. 49
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
94th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2007
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, May 23, 2007.
10:00a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Allen--present Garcia--present Pappageorge--present
Anderson--present George--present Patterson--present
Barcia--present Gilbert--present Prusi--present
Basham--present Gleason--present Richardville--present
Birkholz--present Hardiman--present Sanborn--present
Bishop--present Hunter--present Schauer--present
Brater--present Jacobs--present Scott--present
Brown--present Jansen--present Stamas--present
Cassis--present Jelinek--present Switalski--present
Cherry--present Kahn--present Thomas--present
Clark-Coleman--present Kuipers--present Van Woerkom--present
Clarke--present McManus--present Whitmer--present
Cropsey--present Olshove--present
Senator Hansen Clarke of the 1st District offered the following invocation:
Lord, on the way up to work today driving on I-96 I caught a glimpse of a sign by a church. The sign read, "Don't gripe about your church. If it were perfect, you wouldn't belong." Lord, You know that I have so many complaints about what is going on here in Lansing, but, Lord, I'm a sinner and if this place were perfect, I definitely wouldn't belong here--a sinner saved but for Your grace.
Lord, please give me the wisdom and maybe, most importantly, the humility to work with everyone here for Your common good. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senators Garcia, Sanborn and Thomas entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Cropsey moved that Senator Kahn be temporarily excused from today's session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Thomas moved that Senators Barcia, Brater, Gleason and Hunter be temporarily excused from today's session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Gleason entered the Senate Chamber.
The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, May 22:
House Bill Nos. 4506 4507 4592
Third Reading of Bills
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.340, entitled
A bill to require certain consumer reporting agencies to place security freezes on certain consumer credit information; to provide for the removal and temporary lifting of security freezes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities; and to authorize and limit fees.
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.140 Yeas--34
Allen Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Anderson Cropsey Kuipers Schauer
Basham Garcia McManus Scott
Birkholz George Olshove Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Pappageorge Switalski
Brown Gleason Patterson Thomas
Cassis Hardiman Prusi Van Woerkom
Cherry Jacobs Richardville Whitmer
Clark-Coleman Jansen
Nays--0
Excused--4
Barcia Brater Hunter Kahn
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
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, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, designated Senator Sanborn as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and, the President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:
Senate Bill No.416, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled "The revised school code," by amending section 1177a (MCL 380.1177a), as added by 2005 PA 240.
The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No.354, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding sections 40107c and 40107d.
Substitute (S-2).
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.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
House Bill No.4721, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 20129a (MCL 324.20129a), as amended by 2005 PA 42.
Substitute (S-3).
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.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No.415, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled "Public health code," (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 9205b.
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.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No.410, entitled
A bill to amend 1986 PA 32, entitled "Emergency telephone service enabling act," by amending the title and sections 101, 102, 201, 202, 203, 205, 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 308, 312, 319, 320, and 401 (MCL 484.1101, 484.1102, 484.1201, 484.1202, 484.1203, 484.1205, 484.1301, 484.1302, 484.1303, 484.1306, 484.1307, 484.1308, 484.1312, 484.1319, 484.1320, and 484.1401), the title as amended by 1994 PA 36, sections 102 and 303 as amended by 1999 PA 80, section 201 as amended by 1999 PA 78, section 205 as amended by 1998 PA 23, sections 301 and 401 as amended by 2006 PA 249, section 308 as amended by 1994 PA 29, section 319 as added by 1989 PA 36, and section 320 as amended by 1998 PA 122, and by adding sections 401a, 401b, and 401c.
Substitute (S-3).
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.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No.411, entitled
A bill to amend 1986 PA 32, entitled "Emergency telephone service enabling act," by amending sections 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 410, 412, 413, 502, 504, 506, 601, 602, 605, 712, 714, 716, and 717 (MCL 484.1402, 484.1403, 484.1404, 484.1405, 484.1406, 484.1407, 484.1408, 484.1410, 484.1412, 484.1413, 484.1502, 484.1504, 484.1506, 484.1601, 484.1602, 484.1605, 484.1712, 484.1714, 484.1716, and 484.1717), sections 403, 404, 405, and 406 as amended by 1999 PA 81, sections 407, 410, and 412 as added by 1999 PA 78, section 408 as amended by 2006 PA 74, section 413 as added and section 717 as amended by 2006 PA 249, section 601 as amended and section 605 as added by 1999 PA 80, section 602 as amended by 2004 PA 515, and sections 712, 714, and 716 as added by 1999 PA 79; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
Substitute (S-3).
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, Senators Kahn, Hunter, Barcia and Brater entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Cropsey moved to reconsider the vote by which the following bill was passed:
Senate Bill No.340, entitled
A bill to require certain consumer reporting agencies to place security freezes on certain consumer credit information; to provide for the removal and temporary lifting of security freezes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities; and to authorize and limit fees.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
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.141 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Senators Allen, Barcia, Basham, Brater, Cassis, Cherry, Clark-Coleman, Clarke, George, Gleason, Hunter, Jacobs, Jelinek, Kahn, Olshove, Patterson, Prusi, Schauer, Scott, Stamas, Switalski, Van Woerkom and Whitmer were named co-sponsors of the bill.
Senator Cropsey moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bill, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on its immediate passage at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:
House Bill No.4721
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No.4721, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 20129a (MCL 324.20129a), as amended by 2005 PA 42.
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.142 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,
The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
"An act to protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, assessments, and donations; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,".
The Senate agreed to the full title.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.75, entitled
A bill to provide remedies in connection with security freezes on certain consumer credit information.
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.143 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Senators Barcia, Basham, Birkholz, Brown, Cassis, Cherry, Clark-Coleman, Clarke, Cropsey, George, Gleason, Jansen, Kahn, Pappageorge, Patterson, Richardville, Schauer, Switalski and Van Woerkom were named co-sponsors of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.450, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled "Occupational code," by amending sections 601, 602, 604, 605, 2405, 2411, and 2412 (MCL 339.601, 339.602, 339.604, 339.605, 339.2405, 339.2411, and 339.2412), sections 601 and 602 as amended by 2005 PA 278, section 604 as amended by 1989 PA 261, and sections 2411 and 2412 as amended by 2001 PA 113, and by adding sections 606 and 2404a.
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.144 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.451, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled "Revised judicature act of 1961," by amending section 4701 (MCL 600.4701), as amended by 2002 PA 142, and by adding section 2975a.
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.145 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.452, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled "Occupational code," by amending sections 601, 602, 605, 2402, 2404, 2405, and 2411 (MCL 339.601, 339.602, 339.605, 339.2402, 339.2404, 339.2405, and 339.2411), sections 601 and 602 as amended by 2005 PA 278, section 2404 as amended by 1988 PA 463, and section 2411 as amended by 2001 PA 113, and by adding sections 2404b and 2411a.
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.146 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No.453, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 152, entitled "State license fee act," by amending section 39 (MCL 338.2239), as amended by 2003 PA 87.
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.147 Yeas--38
Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville
Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn
Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer
Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott
Birkholz George McManus Stamas
Bishop Gilbert Olshove Switalski
Brater Gleason Pappageorge Thomas
Brown Hardiman Patterson Van Woerkom
Cassis Hunter Prusi Whitmer
Cherry Jacobs
Nays--0
Excused--0
Not Voting--0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
The question was placed on the adoption of the following resolution consent calendar:
Senate Resolution No.64
The resolution consent calendar was adopted.
Senators Barcia, Anderson, Clarke, Richardville, Jacobs, Schauer, Jansen, Olshove, Gleason, Kahn and Pappageorge offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No.64.
A resolution commemorating May 22-28, 2007, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan and its economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of fresh water for manufacturing, tourism, fishing, public water supplies, agriculture, and numerous other uses; and
Whereas, Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits the state of Michigan, and stopping the introduction and spread of these species would reduce the need of the state of Michigan, business, industry, and citizens to employ costly methods to control and manage them; and
Whereas, Over 183 nonindigenous aquatic invasive species have been introduced to the Great Lakes; many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats, and degrading natural, managed, and agricultural landscapes, and damaging water-based infrastructure, resulting in millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and
Whereas, Michigan has almost 1 million registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial, and industrial users of over 11,000 lakes and ponds and over 36,000 miles of streams in the state, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and
Whereas, Aquatic invasive species awareness is an important first step towards behavior change which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and
Whereas, The introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species must be addressed by all levels of government, business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations, and citizens to protect Michigan and Great Lakes waters from the irreversible damage caused by aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate May 22-28, 2007, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge all citizens to increase their understanding and awareness of aquatic invasive species and their ecological and economic impacts and take preventative measures to stop the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, MichiganDepartment of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Michigan congressional delegation, and the Great Lakes Commission.
Senators Birkholz, Cassis, Clark-Coleman and Switalski were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Hunter offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No.65.
A resolution honoring speech-language pathologists in Michigan.
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists are autonomous professionals charged with identifying, assessing, diagnosing, preventing, and treating speech, voice, language, communication, and swallowing disorders; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists provide professional services in a number of different treatment settings ranging from individual private practice to schools to institutions, such as acute-care hospitals and long-term care centers in which they serve as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists are highly-educated professionals with knowledge of biology, physical sciences, mathematics, and social/behavioral sciences; and
Whereas, They are skilled in the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural elements of basic human communication; and
Whereas, In treating vulnerable people with communicative disabilities, including adults and children who cannot speak for themselves, speech-language pathologists are highly successful; and
Whereas, In addition, speech-language pathologists are skilled at diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders and head and neck cancers; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists also provide important and critical treatment and support for those suffering traumatic brain injuries, a common injury among wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq; and
Whereas, These skilled, dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate speech-language pathologists render immeasurable services to a diverse and appreciative patient population; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to honor speech-language pathologists in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform,
Senator Cropsey moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senator Hunter offered the following substitute:
A resolution honoring speech-language pathologists in Michigan.
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists are professionals charged with identifying, assessing, diagnosing, preventing, and treating speech, voice, language, communication, and swallowing disorders; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists provide professional services in a number of different treatment settings ranging from individual private practice to schools to institutions, such as acute-care hospitals and long-term care centers in which they serve as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists are highly-educated professionals with knowledge of biology, physical sciences, mathematics, and social/behavioral sciences; and
Whereas, They are skilled in the biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, and cultural elements of basic human communication; and
Whereas, In treating vulnerable people with communicative disabilities, including adults and children who cannot speak for themselves, speech-language pathologists are highly successful; and
Whereas, In addition, speech-language pathologists are skilled at evaluating and treating swallowing disorders and head and neck cancers; and
Whereas, Speech-language pathologists also provide important and critical treatment and support for those suffering traumatic brain injuries, a common injury among wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq; and
Whereas, These skilled, dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate speech-language pathologists render immeasurable services to a diverse and appreciative patient population; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of tribute to honor speech-language pathologists in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
The substitute was adopted.
The resolution, as substituted, was adopted.
Senators Allen, Anderson, Barcia, Basham, Birkholz, Brater, Cassis, Cherry, Clark-Coleman, Clarke, Cropsey, Garcia, Gleason, Jansen, Kahn, Kuipers, Olshove, Pappageorge, Prusi, Richardville, Schauer, Scott, Stamas, Switalski, Thomas and Van Woerkom were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Hunter asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hunter's statement is as follows:
I would like to take this opportunity to speak to Senate Resolution No.65. This resolution pays tribute to the professional men and women who work as speech pathologists throughout our great state. The work they do is very honorable as they are committed to helping vulnerable people who have communicative disabilities. They treat a wide array of speech and language problems ranging from swallowing disorders to those stemming from brain trauma. They are knowledgeable and skilled members of our society and deserve our utmost respect.
We often take for granted our ability to speak and communicate clearly. Some of us, unfortunately, are not so fortunate to be able to do so. We should be thankful that these professionals practice in our great state and offer these services to those who need it.
Mr.President, the S-1 before us makes a very small technical change to the language of this resolution. I would urge this body's prompt adoption of this resolution.
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Gilbert introduced
Senate Bill No.523, entitled
A bill to authorize the state administrative board to convey certain state owned property in Lapeer county; to prescribe certain conditions for the conveyance; and to provide for the disposition of the revenue derived from the conveyance.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Patterson introduced
Senate Bill No.524, entitled
A bill to amend 1992 PA 234, entitled "The judges retirement act of 1992," (MCL 38.2101 to 38.2670) by adding sections 513 and 514.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Kahn, Anderson, Jansen, Switalski, Pappageorge and Birkholz introduced
Senate Bill No.525, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled "Public health code," (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 9721.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senator Whitmer introduced
Senate Bill No.526, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled "The Michigan penal code," (MCL 750.1 to 750.568) by adding section 365a.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Whitmer introduced
Senate Bill No.527, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled "The code of criminal procedure," by amending section 16r of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16r), as amended by 2002 PA 279.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Garcia introduced
Senate Bill No.528, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled "The general property tax act," by amending section 27 (MCL 211.27), as amended by 2003 PA 274.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Whitmer introduced
Senate Bill No.529, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled "The Michigan penal code," by amending section 430a (MCL 750.430a), as added by 1998 PA 110.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Statements
Senators Scott and Schauer asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Scott's statement is as follows:
Ossie Davis, that magnificent black film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist, observed near the end of his life, "Struggle is strengthening. Battling evil gives us the power to battle evil even more."
Well, I certainly must be one of the strongest folks in this room if my measure is my struggle against unfair insurance rates. But while struggle is strengthening, it can also be tiring. And while I am prepared to battle to the end, quite honestly, I hope that the battle will soon be over, as my colleagues across the aisle take up my bills and address solutions. There are so many important issues that lie before us. Let us put an end to this particular battle, declare victory for the residents of Michigan, and let us move on. The legislation is before you. Please let us see action soon.
Senator Garcia stated that had he been present on May 17 when the votes were taken on the passage of the following bills, he would have voted "yea":
Senate Bill No.386
Senate Bill No.298
Senate Bill No.299
Senate Bill No.300
Senate Bill No.301
Senate Bill No.302
Senate Bill No.303
Senate Bill No.188
Senator Schauer's statement is as follows:
I distributed a document to each of your desks, colleagues, and it is a--I know I can't use a prop, so I'm not doing that, but it is a blue-covered document entitled "Blueprint to End Hunger in Michigan" and county-by-county nutrition reports. I would ask each of you to pull out that document, take it down to your office, share it with your staff, and at least look at the executive summary and the pages for your counties that you represent in your district. This document was put together by the Food Bank Council of Michigan--their contact information is inside the front cover--also in collaboration with Michigan State University.
You know, hunger has no partisan bounds, no geographic bounds, no racial or ethnic or gender bounds. I will tell you, and this is from the executive summary, that more than a million people in our state can't afford to feed themselves or their families. That's 12.5 percent of our population, over a million people. They rely on their area food banks, local food pantries, and community resources to avoid malnutrition. Many others just go without. So this tells us about the reality of hunger in our communities. We know that children who don't get enough to eat aren't as able to learn as well as those students who don't have that handicap.
I ask you all to read this and, even as importantly, support your local food bank.
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on Department of Environmental Quality submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday May 22, 2007, at 2:00p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Garcia (C), Cropsey and Brater
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 2:30p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Allen (C), Gilbert, Stamas and Clarke
Excused: Senator Hunter
Scheduled Meetings
Agriculture - Thursday, May 24, 8:30a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1635)
Appropriations -
Subcommittees -
Environmental Quality Department - Thursdays, May 24, 11:30a.m. or later immediately following session and May 31, 1:00p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Higher Education - Thursday, May 31, 9:00a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (3732768)
Judiciary and Corrections - Wednesday, May 30, 3:00p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Natural Resources Department - Tuesdays, May 29, 12:00 noon or later immediately following session, Room 405,Capitol Building (CANCELED); and June 5, 12:00 noon or later immediately following session, Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Education - Thursday, May 24, 2:30p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-6920)
Energy Policy and Public Utilities - Thursday, May 24, 1:00p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-7350)
Homeland Security and Emerging Technologies - Tuesdays, May 29 and June 5, 1:00p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-5932)
Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:02a.m.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, May 24, 2007, at 10:00a.m.
CAROL MOREY VIVENTI
Secretary of the Senate