No. 18

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

96th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2011

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Anderson—present Hood—present Pappageorge—present

Bieda—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present

Booher—present Hune—present Proos—present

Brandenburg—present Hunter—present Richardville—present

Casperson—excused Jansen—present Robertson—present

Caswell—present Johnson—excused Rocca—present

Colbeck—present Jones—present Schuitmaker—present

Emmons—present Kahn—present Smith—present

Gleason—present Kowall—present Walker—present

Green—present Marleau—present Warren—present

Gregory—present Meekhof—present Whitmer—present

Hansen—present Moolenaar—present Young—present

Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present

Pastor Jeremy Schossau of Metro South Church of Trenton offered the following invocation:

God, You have given these men and women incredible honor and responsibility to lead Your people. God, may they never forget who placed them in their seats. In Your word, it says that You have the power to move the hand of judges and remove kings from their thrones. May these men and women be reminded that they are here to serve You and the people You love. May these men and women love what is right, and may they not confuse what is moral for what is legal. May they not confuse integrity for popularity or justice for expediency.

God, may their service to all the people of this great state be the desire of their heart, and may they have the courage to do what is good, fair, and right in the eyes of all people. I pray that You would give them a sense of unity as they work together to restore our state. God, may they be reminded that there is more than just broken finances or broken economics in our state. There are broken people, broken families, and broken marriages. There are broken cities and towns; broken souls and hearts. God, may they understand that their influence is given by You, and may they be responsible to You for their influence.

God, bless them with wisdom, and may they understand that wisdom begins with the fear of God and the knowledge of the Almighty. God, because of their work and because of where You have placed them, I pray that You would bless their families, bless them for their sacrifice, and take care of them.

God, may You bless this great state of Michigan. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.

The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motions and Communications

Senator Meekhof moved that Senator Casperson be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hunter moved that Senator Gleason be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hunter moved that Senator Johnson be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Kahn admittance to the Senate floor.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The following communication was received and read:

Office of the Auditor General

February 24, 2011

Enclosed is a copy of the following audit report:

Financial audit of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), a discretely presented component unit of the State of Michigan, for the period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2010.

Auditor General

The audit report was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

The following communications were received:

Department of State

Administrative Rules

Notices of Filing

February 16, 2011

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2009-017-LG (Secretary of State Filing #11-02-01) on this date at 10:57 a.m. for the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth, entitled “Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors.”

These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

February 16, 2011

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of State and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2010-015-ST (Secretary of State Filing #11-02-02) on this date at 10:59 a.m. for the Department of State, entitled “Driver License General Rules.”

February 23, 2011

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Community Health and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2008-044-CH (Secretary of State Filing #11-02-04) on this date at 2:33 p.m. for the Department of Community Health, entitled “Veterinary Technician Licensure.”

These rules takes effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

February 23, 2011

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Community Health and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2009-042-CH (Secretary of State Filing #11-02-05) on this date at 2:35 p.m. for the Department of Community Health, entitled “Board of Dentistry - General Rules.”

February 23, 2011

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Community Health and the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2008-043-CH (Secretary of State Filing #11-02-03) on this date at 2:31 p.m. for the Department of Community Health, entitled “Board of Veterinary Medicine - General Rules.”

Sincerely,

Ruth Johnson

Secretary of State

Robin L. Houston, Departmental Supervisor

Office of the Great Seal

The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.

The following communication was received:

Unemployment Insurance Agency

February 17, 2011

In accordance with Section 8 of the Michigan Employment Security Act, being Section 421.8 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the Unemployment Insurance Agency is required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature any amount, in excess of $1.00, that the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate would increase if the annual increase in the United States Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) were applied to the maximum weekly benefit rate.

I am therefore transmitting to the Governor, and to the House and Senate for publication along with this letter in the Journals of their respective bodies, the enclosed reports showing that since the last increase in the maximum weekly benefit rate to $362.00, the increase in the CPI would result in an increase in the maximum weekly unemployment benefit rate to $436.14.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen M. Geskey

Director

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Senator Kahn asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kahn’s statement is as follows:

In our line of work, as we recently heard in our caucus this morning, the one constant is change. With each election cycle, there are friends we have made and people who have helped us move on to other jobs. That is bittersweet because you like to have your friends close. In my case, my chief of staff moved on to become the chief of staff over in the House for Representative Joel Johnson. He helped me get my campaign put together, re-elected, and is a wonderful friend, and that is Ben Frederick. I wanted to give him something to remember our time over the last four years together, and, Ben, I have a state seal for you.

Last session, Dave Biswas helped me put together over 30 bills that ultimately were signed into law. He, too, has moved on; first, for a moment, in the committee clerks’ office and now working for Senator Emmons. Senator Emmons, I would tell you that you have a very hard worker who can help you write a lot of legislation and improve it. David, I have a state seal for you too. Thank you for your help.

Lastly, as you know, in election season, we get a lot of calls, e-mails, and requests for help into our offices, and at the end of the day, that is what we are about—helping our people. In my office, Eric Dean came by with his vast knowledge of the intricacies of government and helped with constituent services. He, too, has moved on to Senator Walker’s office as his chief of staff. I have a state seal for you, and thank you—all three—for your help over the last cycle.

Recess

Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:10 a.m.

11:11 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker.

During the recess, Senator Gleason entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Meekhof moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bill, now on Committee Reports, be placed on the General Orders calendar for consideration today:

Senate Bill No. 144

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The Secretary announced that the following House bill was received in the Senate and filed on Thursday, February 24:

House Bill No. 4129

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Thursday, February 24, and are available at the legislative website:

House Bill Nos. 4316 4317 4318 4319 4320 4321 4322 4323 4324 4325 4326

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Friday, February 25, and are available at the legislative website:

Senate Bill Nos. 197 198 199 200 201 202 203

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

February 11, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:

Children’s Ombudsman

Verlie Mae Ruffin of 18010 Muirland Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48221, county of Wayne, is reappointed for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

February 11, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Great Lakes Commission

Patricia L. Birkholz of 3413 64th Street, Saugatuck, Michigan 49453, county of Allegan, succeeding Kenneth DeBeaussaert, for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

Helen J. Taylor of 101 E. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48906, county of Ingham, succeeding John D. Cherry, for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

February 16, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Larry J. Posont of 20812 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127, county of Wayne, succeeding Michael Geno, for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

Lydia A. Schuck of 1981 Eden Road, Mason, Michigan 48854, county of Ingham, succeeding Margaret Wolfe, for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

February 23, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Firefighters Training Council

Michael G. Deprez of 43791 St. Julian Court, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314, county of Macomb, is appointed Chair, for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

David J. Purchase of 1035 Brookway Court, Norton Shores, Michigan 49441, county of Muskegon, succeeding Randal Agruda, for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

Timothy A. James of 458 S. Main, Vermontville, Michigan 49096, county of Eaton, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

Aileen M. Pettinger of 2604 Warwick Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48602, county of Saginaw, succeeding Kevin V. Pirlot, for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

Steven D. Richardson of 520 W. Washington Avenue, Alpena, Michigan 49707, county of Alpena, succeeding Clifford A. Messing, for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

Brian K. Blomstrom of 4627 W. Muskrat Road, Sheridan, Michigan 48884, county of Montcalm, succeeding Michael R. Cousins, for a term expiring December 31, 2013.

February 23, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Natural Resources Trust Fund Board

Samuel M. Cummings of 250 Plymouth Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506, county of Kent, succeeding Dennis Muchmore, for a term expiring October 1, 2014.

Rodney A. Stokes of 2840 Audreys Way, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, county of Ingham, succeeding Rebecca Humphries, for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

February 23, 2011

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:

Michigan Soybean Committee

George J. Zmitko of 5151 W. Mason Road, Owosso, Michigan 48867, county of Shiawassee, is reappointed for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

Benjamin R. Chaffin of 3611 W. St. Charles Road, Ithaca, Michigan 48847, county of Gratiot, is reappointed for a term expiring September 30, 2013.

Sincerely,

Rick Snyder

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Messages from the House

Senate Bill No. 20, entitled

A bill to amend 1974 PA 154, entitled “Michigan occupational safety and health act,” (MCL 408.1001 to 408.1094) by adding section 17.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

Pursuant to rule 3.202, the bill was laid over one day.

Third Reading of Bills

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4212, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705, 8706, 8707, 8708, 8709, 8710, 8713, 8714, 8715, and 8716 (MCL 324.8702, 324.8703, 324.8704, 324.8705, 324.8706, 324.8707, 324.8708, 324.8709, 324.8710, 324.8713, 324.8714, 324.8715, and 324.8716), section 8703 as amended by 1995 PA 61, section 8707 as amended by 2000 PA 100, section 8715 as amended by 2008 PA 18, and section 8716 as amended by 2007 PA 174, and by adding section 8713a.

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—28

Booher Hansen Marleau Richardville

Brandenburg Hildenbrand Meekhof Robertson

Caswell Hune Moolenaar Rocca

Colbeck Jansen Nofs Schuitmaker

Emmons Jones Pappageorge Smith

Gleason Kahn Pavlov Walker

Green Kowall Proos Young

Nays—8

Anderson Gregory Hopgood Warren

Bieda Hood Hunter Whitmer

Excused—2

Casperson Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

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.

General Orders

Senator Meekhof 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 Schuitmaker, designated Senator Hildenbrand as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and, the President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 144, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 88a (MCL 125.2088a), as amended by 2006 PA 639.

The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

Resolutions

House Concurrent Resolution No. 7.

A concurrent resolution to urge the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate actions to prevent the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes and to develop long-term strategies to address this problem.

Whereas, Michigan has been a leader in the fight to keep invasive species out of the Great Lakes. Michigan was the first state to require ocean-going ships to kill invasive species in ballast water before it is discharged in state waters. It successfully defended in federal court a state’s right to protect its waters, opening the door to state ballast water regulations throughout the Great Lakes region; and

Whereas, Asian carp are on the verge of invading the Great Lakes. Asian carp have been detected within eight miles of Lake Michigan and are already past the electrical barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal designed to stop them; and

Whereas, If allowed to enter the Great Lakes, Asian carp could become a dominant species in the lakes, further disrupting the ecological balance and threatening fishing and boating on the lakes. Asian carp are voracious feeders that would push out native fish and wildlife. Furthermore, silver carp, one of the two Asian carp species, can jump up to 10 feet out of the water when startled by boats, leading to well-documented injuries to boaters hit by fish weighing up to 70 pounds; and

Whereas, Immediate and decisive action is required to protect the $7 billion Great Lake commercial and recreational fishery and the $9 billion Great Lakes recreational boating industry. The Asian carp threat is imminent, and the time for half-hearted efforts and investigations has passed. Without a quick and strong response, such as the closure of navigation locks, the efforts of Michigan, the other Great Lakes states, and the federal government will be wasted, and a national treasure will be irrevocably changed; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate actions to prevent the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes and to develop long-term strategies to address this problem; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, the Division Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, and the District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chicago District.

The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Meekhof 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 concurrent resolution,

Senator Meekhof moved that the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Caswell, Hansen, Pappageorge, Proos, Rocca, Schuitmaker and Walker were named co‑sponsors of the concurrent resolution.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 8.

A concurrent resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to make every effort to expedite and fund the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin Interbasin Study and to ensure Asian carp do not invade the Great Lakes.

Whereas, Man-made channels in the Chicago Area Waterway System connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. This artificial connection provides a pathway for aquatic invasive species in the Mississippi River system to enter the Great Lakes and vice-versa with the potential for severe ecological and economic impacts; and

Whereas, Asian carp may currently be using the man-made connections between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system to successfully invade the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Asian carp represent one of the greatest, but also preventable threats, to the natural resources of the Great Lakes and to the way of life these resources support; and

Whereas, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a multi-year study to analyze the situation and recommend solutions. The Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) has the potential to provide the definitive roadmap for preventing future invasions between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system, not just a balancing of economic and environmental concerns; and

Whereas, The current threat from Asian carp is immediate and substantial. Every effort must be made to expedite this study, and every necessary action taken to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes and its tributaries while we await the results of this study. Each day lost is additional time for Asian carp and other invasive species to become established and permanently change life on the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River system; and

Whereas, Fully funding the study over the course of its work is imperative to resolving the current Asian carp crisis and preventing future invasions. While funding is available for 2011, failure to fully fund the GLMRIS in future years could lead to delays in completing the study when time is of the utmost importance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the Congress of the United States to make every effort to expedite and fund the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin Interbasin Study and to ensure Asian carp do not invade the Great Lakes; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Meekhof 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 concurrent resolution,

Senator Meekhof moved that the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Caswell, Hansen, Pappageorge, Pavlov, Proos, Rocca, Schuitmaker and Walker were named co‑sponsors of the concurrent resolution.

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Hildenbrand, Robertson, Kowall, Booher, Meekhof, Rocca, Jansen, Emmons, Pavlov, Gleason, Brandenburg, Marleau, Hansen, Nofs, Moolenaar, Green, Schuitmaker, Caswell, Proos, Jones and Hune introduced

Senate Joint Resolution H, entitled

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 28 to article I, to recognize a right to hunt, trap, or fish for, and to harvest, game or fish.

The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.

Senators Kowall and Marleau introduced

Senate Bill No. 204, entitled

A bill to amend 1966 PA 261, entitled “An act to provide for the apportionment of county boards of commissioners; to prescribe the size of the board; to provide for appeals; to prescribe the manner of election of the members of the county board of commissioners; to provide for compensation of members; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 12 (MCL 46.412), as amended by 1982 PA 504.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local Government and Elections.

Senators Kowall and Marleau introduced

Senate Bill No. 205, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 722 (MCL 257.722), as amended by 2009 PA 146.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

Senators Pavlov and Jones introduced

Senate Bill No. 206, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 11b of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11b), as amended by 2008 PA 538.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Senator Hune introduced

Senate Bill No. 207, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 43517, 43520, 43525a, and 43531 (MCL 324.43517, 324.43520, 324.43525a, and 324.43531), sections 43517 and 43520 as amended by 2006 PA 282, section 43525a as amended by 2006 PA 280, and section 43531 as amended by 2009 PA 70.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.

House Bill No. 4129, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2080) by adding section 1078.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

Committee Reports

The Committee on Agriculture reported

Senate Bill No. 144, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 88a (MCL 125.2088a), as amended by 2006 PA 639.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Joseph R. Hune

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hune, Booher, Emmons, Hansen and Gleason

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes reported

Senate Resolution No. 7.

A resolution to express support for the Attorney General’s efforts to accelerate federal government efforts to devise a plan to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes and to call on the Snyder Administration and the Obama Administration to take all necessary actions to prevent the invasion.

(For text of resolution, see Senate Journal No. 8, p. 99.)

With the recommendation that the following substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the resolution then be adopted:

A resolution to express support for the Attorney General’s efforts to accelerate federal government efforts to devise a plan to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, to express support for the Snyder Administration’s efforts to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, and to call on the Obama Administration to take all necessary actions to prevent the invasion.

Whereas, The Great Lakes region continues to confront the imminent threat of an Asian carp invasion with potentially dire consequences. A successful invasion of the Great Lakes could have a devastating effect on the multibillion-dollar Great Lakes fishing and boating industry and way of life on the lakes; and

Whereas, The only long-term answer to preventing Asian carp and future invaders from entering the Great Lakes is preventing them from ever reaching the lakes. The electrical barrier separating the Great Lakes Basin from the Mississippi River Basin has proven itself unreliable, protecting neither system from the exchange of aquatic invaders. The only reliable solution is the permanent separation of the basins by ending the man-made connection between them; and

Whereas, Michigan’s new Attorney General has recently committed to continue to lead the Great Lakes region’s fight against Asian carp. Michigan, with the backing of four other Great Lakes states, has fought in federal court for the permanent separation of the Great Lakes Basin from the Mississippi River Basin and called for the federal government to expedite its study of the problem; and

Whereas, The Snyder Administration is also committed to continue to lead the Great Lakes region’s fight against Asian carp by advocating for an ecological barrier between the Great Lakes watershed and the Mississippi River system; and

Whereas, Every moment lost in addressing the Asian carp threat is more time for them to gain a foothold in the Great Lakes. Four years is too long to wait for the federal government to study the problem and take decisive action. Once established, the Great Lakes states and the federal government face the prospect of decade upon decade of expensive government programs to control and manage carp; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we express support for the Michigan Attorney General’s efforts to accelerate federal government efforts to devise a plan to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, and we call on the Obama Administration to take all necessary actions to prevent the invasion; and be it further

Resolved, That we express support for the efforts of the Office of the Great Lakes in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to focus attention on the importance of protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the President of the United States, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

Thomas A. Casperson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Casperson, Pavlov, Kowall, Meekhof and Warren

Nays: None

The resolution and the substitute recommended by the committee were placed on the order of Resolutions.

The Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes reported

Senate Bill No. 141, entitled

A bill to authorize the department of natural resources to accept and convey certain real property in Gladwin county; to prescribe certain conditions for the acceptance and conveyance; to provide for disposition of the revenue derived from the conveyance; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Thomas A. Casperson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Casperson, Pavlov, Kowall, Meekhof and Warren

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Casperson (C), Pavlov, Green, Kowall, Meekhof and Warren

Absent: Senator Hood

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Department of Environmental Quality submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Green (C), Walker, Booher and Hopgood

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Joint Subcommittee on Capital Outlay submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m., House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Booher (C), Schuitmaker, Jansen, Moolenaar and Hood

Excused: Senators Green and Anderson

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Legislative Council submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 9:45 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Richardville (C), Rocca, Schuitmaker, Jansen, Whitmer and Hunter

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Colbeck (C), Pappageorge and Gregory

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Department of Corrections submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Proos (C), Walker and Anderson

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Department of Natural Resources submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Green (C), Walker, Booher and Hopgood

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Community Colleges submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Friday, February 25, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., Macomb Community College, South Campus, Room K-301, John Lewis Center, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren

Present: Senators Booher (C) and Anderson

Excused: Senator Schuitmaker

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations -

Subcommittees -

Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesdays, March 8 and March 15, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-2768)

Community Health Department - Wednesdays, March 2, March 16 and March 23, 1:00 p.m., and March 9, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building; and April 13, 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)

Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth Department and House Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth Appropriations Subcommittee - Thursday, March 3, 1:30 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)

General Government - Tuesdays, March 8, March 15, March 22 and April 12, 2:00 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Higher Education - Wednesdays, March 2, March 16, March 23 and March 30, 12:30 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building; and March 9, 3:30 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)

Human Services Department - Thursday, March 3, 2:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-2768)

K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesday, March 2, 8:30 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

State Police and Military Affairs - Thursdays, March 3, March 10 and March 17, 1:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Transportation - Wednesdays, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23 and April 13, 3:00 p.m. or later immediately following the Appropriations Committee meeting, Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373‑2768)

Education - Wednesday, March 2, 12:30 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-5314)

Families, Seniors and Human Services - Wednesday, March 2, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5312)

Finance - Wednesday, March 2, 12:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5307)

Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes and Outdoor Recreation and Tourism - Thursday, March 3, 12:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5323)

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes - Thursday, March 3, 12:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5323)

Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing - Wednesday, March 2, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-5314)

Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:28 a.m.

The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

CAROL MOREY VIVENTI

Secretary of the Senate

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