No. 26

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

98th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2016

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, March 10, 2016.

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.

Ananich—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present

Bieda—present Horn—present Proos—present

Booher—present Hune—present Robertson—present

Brandenburg—present Johnson—excused Rocca—present

Casperson—present Jones—present Schmidt—present

Colbeck—present Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present

Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present

Green—excused Kowall—present Smith—present

Gregory—present MacGregor—present Stamas—present

Hansen—present Marleau—present Warren—present

Hertel—present Meekhof—present Young—present

Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present Zorn—present

Hood—present O’Brien—present

Pastor Ellis Smith of Jubilee City Church of Detroit offered the following invocation:

Father, we thank You for this great nation that You have called us to. We thank You for the great state of Michigan You have placed us in. As this great body of legislators and leaders in our state begin this day in caucuses and meetings in dealing with serious, critical issues that govern our state, grant them wisdom. We thank You that they are all able men and women. They are men and women who fear God. They are men and women who have the ability to not get involved in perilousness; men and women of integrity and character.

So we bless them today, and we pray even now that this denotes a time in our nation and in particular the state of Michigan. In spite of all the negative things that we go through in culture and society, there will be those who rise to the top and honor God and honor whatever the Lord says concerning our nation. We thank You for it.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, assumed the Chair.

Senator Kowall moved that Senators Shirkey and Casperson be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kowall moved that Senator Green be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hood moved that Senators Ananich and Smith be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

The following communications were received:

Department of State

Administrative Rules

Notices of Filing

March 4, 2016

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 Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-067-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-01) on this date at 4:48 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Michigan Administrative Hearing System Uniform Hearing Rules.”

These rules become effective 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.

March 4, 2016

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 Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-055-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-02) on this date at 4:48 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 523. Abrasive Blasting.”

These rules become effective 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.

March 4, 2016

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 Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-056-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-03) on this date at 4:48 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 85. The Control of Hazardous Energy Sources.”

These rules become effective 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.

March 8, 2016

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 Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-057-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-04) on this date at 3:46 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 7. Guards for Power Transmission.”

These rules become effective 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.

March 8, 2016

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 Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2015-063-LR (Secretary of State Filing #16-03-05) on this date at 3:46 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Part 526. Dipping and Coating Operations.”

These rules become effective 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.

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 Secretary announced that pursuant to Rule 2.109 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following expense reports have been filed with the Senate Business Office for the quarter from October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, and are available in the Senate Business Office during business hours for public inspection:

Committee Chairperson

Agriculture Senator Joe Hune

Appropriations Senator Dave Hildenbrand

Banking and Financial Institutions Senator Darwin Booher

Commerce Senator Wayne Schmidt

Economic Development and International Investment Senator Ken Horn

Education Senator Phil Pavlov

Elections and Government Reform Senator David Robertson

Energy and Technology Senator Mike Nofs

Families, Seniors and Human Services Senator Judy Emmons

Finance Senator Jack Brandenburg

Government Operations Senator Arlan Meekhof

Health Policy Senator Mike Shirkey

Insurance Senator Joe Hune

Judiciary Senator Rick Jones

Local Government Senator Dale Zorn

Michigan Competitiveness Senator Mike Shirkey

Natural Resources Senator Tom Casperson

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Senator Goeff Hansen

Oversight Senator Peter MacGregor

Regulatory Reform Senator Tory Rocca

Transportation Senator Tom Casperson

Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security Senator Margaret O’Brien

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, March 9:

House Bill Nos. 5182 5183 5185 5250 5377

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, March 9, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill No. 851

House Bill Nos. 5438 5439 5440 5441 5442 5443 5444 5445 5446

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senators Meekhof, Colbeck and Zorn admittance to the Senate floor.

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

Senators Casperson and Ananich entered the Senate Chamber.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Ananich’s statement is as follows:

I rise today with mixed emotions. I am sorry to see Julie in my office go, but I’m very proud and happy for her next endeavor. I was fortunate enough to meet Julie when she was working on the coordinated campaign in 2014. She was one of those very special people you meet who has the qualities that we all look for when we pick our staff members—hardworking, compassionate, intelligent, and the list goes on and on.

Julie Thompson is moving to Washington, D.C., to take a job with the Democratic National Committee. She will be greatly missed, but I am sure that she will do great things, and I know she will continue to be a part of mine and many of my staff members’ lives. I would like us all to wish her a congratulations as she moves on to her next endeavor.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:21 a.m.

10:52 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senators Shirkey and Smith entered the Senate Chamber.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

Senator Kowall 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 Schmidt 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 with amendment, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 776, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 472a (MCL 168.472a), as amended by 1999 PA 219.

The following is the amendment recommended by the Committee of the Whole:

1. Amend page 1, line 7, by striking out all of enacting section 1.

The Senate agreed to the amendment recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as amended was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Kowall 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:

Senate Bill No. 776

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

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 776, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 472a (MCL 168.472a), as amended by 1999 PA 219.

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. 97 Yeas—26

Booher Horn Meekhof Rocca

Brandenburg Hune Nofs Schmidt

Casperson Jones O’Brien Schuitmaker

Colbeck Knollenberg Pavlov Shirkey

Emmons Kowall Proos Stamas

Hansen MacGregor Robertson Zorn

Hildenbrand Marleau

Nays—10

Ananich Hertel Knezek Warren

Bieda Hood Smith Young

Gregory Hopgood

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

Senator Kowall moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Protest

Senator Bieda, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 776 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Bieda’s statement is as follows:

Colleagues, I rise today to offer my “no” vote explanation for Senate Bill No. 776. Once again, the majority is trying to make it more difficult for citizens to be heard. Everyone in this room knows that it’s extremely challenging to overcome a rebuttal presumption, but it is possible. And that possibility, however slim, gives people a slightly better chance to get their issue on the ballot. That’s their opportunity to make a change when their elected official can’t or won’t do it for them.

By shutting down that possibility for good, we’d be slamming the door on our constituents. But that’s what this chamber is interested in, isn’t it? In the past year, this chamber has opened doors to dark money. It’s used legislative loopholes to referendum-proof unpopular laws. It’s made it more challenging for our constituents to vote the way they want in a manner that respects their time. Let’s be honest here—a “yes” vote isn’t to clarify existing law; it’s to halt policy changes that would make it easier to use signatures collected beyond the 180-day window.

I strongly encourage all of you to stand up for the people you represent and vote “no.” It’s time to make it easier, not harder, for voter issues to hit the ballot.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

General Orders

Senator Kowall 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 Schmidt 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 bills:

Senate Bill No. 773, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by repealing section 48714 (MCL 324.48714).

Senate Bill No. 314, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 722 (MCL 257.722), as amended by 2012 PA 522.

The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

Senator Kowall moved that the following bills be placed at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:

Senate Bill No. 541

Senate Bill No. 506

House Bill No. 4747

Senate Bill No. 696

Senate Bill No. 697

Senate Bill No. 610

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 541, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 307 (MCL 257.307), as amended by 2015 PA 11.

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. 98 Yeas—36

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Nays—0

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 506, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 283, entitled “Weights and measures act,” by amending section 28c (MCL 290.628c), as amended by 2012 PA 254.

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. 99 Yeas—36

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Nays—0

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4747, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 5821 (MCL 600.5821), as amended by 1988 PA 35.

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. 100 Yeas—36

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Nays—0

Excused—2

Green 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 revise and consolidate the statutes relating to the organization and jurisdiction of the courts of this state; the powers and duties of the courts, and of the judges and other officers of the courts; the forms and attributes of civil claims and actions; the time within which civil actions and proceedings may be brought in the courts; pleading, evidence, practice, and procedure in civil and criminal actions and proceedings in the courts; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide remedies and penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act; 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. 696, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 411 (MCL 750.411), as amended by 2000 PA 339.

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. 101 Yeas—35

Ananich Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Bieda Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Booher Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Brandenburg Horn Nofs Smith

Casperson Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hertel Kowall Rocca

Nays—1

Colbeck

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Protest

Senator Colbeck, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 696.

Senator Colbeck’s statement is as follows:

I just want people to understand that, obviously, it is my intent to make sure we prosecute offenders of arson in this state, but the issue I have with this bill is that we had no testimony from any people directly impacted; in particular, the health care service providers. There is a presumption that they would actually understand whether or not someone was exposed to an accelerant or not as to the source of their burns. We had no testimony at all from anyone directly impacted either. My wife is a physician, and, in some things, you just aren’t trained to go off and identify. Your focus is first-, second-, or third-degree burns. You are not trained to act like a CSI detective on the scene.

With that, my concern in the overall intent of eliminating arson as a crime in our communities is definitely something I support. So, I want to make sure my “no” vote is on the record.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 697, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3011.

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. 102 Yeas—34

Ananich Hildenbrand MacGregor Rocca

Bieda Hood Marleau Schmidt

Booher Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Brandenburg Horn Nofs Smith

Casperson Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hertel Kowall

Nays—1

Colbeck

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—1

Schuitmaker

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

Senator Kowall moved to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.

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. 103 Yeas—35

Ananich Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Bieda Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Booher Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Brandenburg Horn Nofs Smith

Casperson Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Hertel Kowall Rocca

Nays—1

Colbeck

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 610, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 59, entitled “Condominium act,” by amending section 67 (MCL 559.167), as amended by 2002 PA 283.

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. 104 Yeas—36

Ananich Hertel Kowall Rocca

Bieda Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt

Booher Hood Marleau Schuitmaker

Brandenburg Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey

Casperson Horn Nofs Smith

Colbeck Hune O’Brien Stamas

Emmons Jones Pavlov Warren

Gregory Knezek Proos Young

Hansen Knollenberg Robertson Zorn

Nays—0

Excused—2

Green Johnson

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Schuitmaker

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

Senator Kowall moved that consideration of the following resolutions be postponed for today:

House Concurrent Resolution No. 3

Senate Resolution No. 76

Senate Resolution No. 75

Senate Resolution No. 12

The motion prevailed.

Senator Knollenberg offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 156.

A resolution commemorating March 2016 as Ethnic and Cultural Heritage Month.

Whereas, The culture of the people of the state of Michigan has continually been renewed and enriched by the many different individuals who have chosen to come to Michigan, become citizens, and call this state their home; and

Whereas, Each individual brings with them a part of his or her own heritage which over time integrates into one common heritage, leading us to become a united people; and

Whereas, A unified people with one common heritage, we represent the past, present, and future traditions of our great state; and

Whereas, As united citizens, we celebrate Michigan’s heritage with pride and great esteem; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate March 2016 as Ethnic and Cultural Heritage Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Royal Oak resident Joan Larson, who originated this idea years ago, as a token of our highest esteem.

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

Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Jones, Kowall and Proos were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Johnson introduced

Senate Bill No. 852, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 319, 682, and 907 (MCL 257.319, 257.682, and 257.907), section 319 as amended by 2015 PA 11, section 682 as amended by 2012 PA 263, and section 907 as amended by 2015 PA 126.

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

House Bill No. 5182, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the maintenance, management and control, of the Michigan school for the deaf, and to repeal all laws inconsistent herewith,” by amending section 1 (MCL 393.51).

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 Health Policy.

House Bill No. 5183, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 72, entitled “Division on deafness act,” by amending section 3 (MCL 408.203), as amended by 1988 PA 434.

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 Health Policy.

House Bill No. 5185, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 221 (MCL 750.221).

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 Health Policy.

House Bill No. 5250, entitled

A bill to amend 2008 PA 23, entitled “Enhanced driver license and enhanced official state personal identification card act,” by amending section 5 (MCL 28.305).

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.

House Bill No. 5377, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for certain capital outlay projects for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; to provide for expenditure of the appropriations; and to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations.

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 Appropriations.

Statements

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Young’s statement is as follows:

President John F. Kennedy said, “The basis of effective government is public confidence, and that confidence is endangered when ethical standards falter or appear to falter.” Colleagues, the ethical standards in our state government have been faltering for quite some time.

I have stood up here and talked about the consequences of running a state like a business, providing FOIA exemptions, and treating serious crises as public relations problems. All those problems thrive when you have a pay-to-play environment. Pay-to-play politics has been steamrolling good contract policy in this state at the highest levels. Just look at the Flint water investigation.

We wanted—and still want—an independent examination of what happened in this crisis. Right now, I am not confident we’re going to get it. It’s bad enough that the Attorney General didn’t have enough confidence in his own white-collar crime investigators he hired out. It’s worse that he hired political donors to do the work instead. It is our responsibility to be skeptical and to safeguard taxpayers when people holding the highest offices in this state appoint political donors to do the state’s bidding.

Attorney Todd Flood donated $10,000 to Attorney General Schuette, and now Flood and his associates are receiving a $1.5 million state contract. I am baffled as to how you can conduct an independent investigation when you’ve given and taken away money from the people you are supposed to be investigating. But that’s not the only poor use of public funds.

Employees from the firm Warner Norcross & Judd donated almost $10,000 to Governor Snyder, and now they’re receiving an $800,000 contract to defend him. That’s a pretty good investment, but why are taxpayers paying legal fees for a Governor who is worth hundreds of millions of dollars? That is outrageous. This is a lot of money and money that should be helping Michiganders; money that should help Flint.

The Governor is spending more on fancy lawyers than he’s spent on school nurses, targeted nurse case management services, WIC, the food bank, and food safety inspections. You know, just some serious programs that real people in this state rely on. Michiganders deserve real answers and real action from people who will be accountable to the public, not spin that’s been tainted by political opportunists.

Next Tuesday, the State Administrative Board will meet to approve these contracts. I strongly encourage all of you to voice your opposition.

Committee Reports

The Committee on Michigan Competitiveness reported

House Bill No. 4813, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 217, entitled “Electrical administrative act,” by amending section 3e (MCL 338.883e), as added by 1990 PA 246.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Mike Shirkey

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Shirkey, Stamas and Proos

Nays: Senator Warren

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Michigan Competitiveness submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Shirkey (C), Stamas, Proos and Warren

Excused: Senator Robertson

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5017, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending the title and sections 102, 103, 202, 214, 304, 305, 342, 345, 353, 355, 357, 401, 408, 409, 423, 431, and 432 (MCL 490.102, 490.103, 490.202, 490.214, 490.304, 490.305, 490.342, 490.345, 490.353, 490.355, 490.357, 490.401, 490.408, 490.409, 490.423, 490.431, and 490.432), sections 102, 214, 304, 342, 345, 357, 401, and 423 as amended by 2004 PA 471.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5018, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending sections 201, 210, 221, 303, 306, and 341 (MCL 490.201, 490.210, 490.221, 490.303, 490.306, and 490.341), sections 201 and 341 as amended by 2004 PA 471.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5019, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending section 407 (MCL 490.407), as amended by 2004 PA 471.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5020, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending section 207 (MCL 490.207).

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5021, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending section 371 (MCL 490.371), as amended by 2004 PA 471.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions reported

House Bill No. 5022, entitled

A bill to amend 2003 PA 215, entitled “Credit union act,” by amending section 411 (MCL 490.411).

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Darwin L. Booher

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Booher, O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Booher (C), O’Brien, Nofs, Zorn, MacGregor, Rocca, Hertel and Young

The Committee on Finance reported

Senate Bill No. 395, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.713) by adding section 277.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Jack M. Brandenburg

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Brandenburg, Robertson, Knollenberg, Casperson, Proos, Bieda and Warren

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Finance submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 2:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Brandenburg (C), Robertson, Knollenberg, Casperson, Proos, Bieda and Warren

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Corrections submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at 12:30 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Proos (C), Knollenberg and Gregory

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on General Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Stamas (C), Nofs, Booher and Young

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Transportation submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Casperson (C), Horn, Pavlov, Marleau and Hopgood

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Transportation submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Hansen (C), Knollenberg and Young

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations - Wednesday, March 16, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1801)

Subcommittees -

Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesdays, March 15 (CANCELED) and March 22, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Community Colleges - Friday, March 18, 1:00 p.m., Kirtland Community College, Rooms 251-252, Administration Building, 10775 N. Saint Helen Road, Roscommon; and Wednesday, March 23, 9:00 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)

General Government - Thursdays, March 17 and March 24, 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)

K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesday, March 16, 8:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

State Police and Military Affairs - Tuesdays, March 15, 8:00 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403; March 22, 8:30 a.m., Room 405; and May 3, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Transportation - Thursdays, March 17 and March 24, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Education - Tuesday, March 15, 12:00 noon, Room 110, Farnum Building (373-5314)

Health Policy - Tuesday, March 15, 12:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-1721)

Judiciary - Tuesday, March 15, 3:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1721)

Legislative Council - Thursday, March 17, 9:30 a.m., House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-0212)

Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:33 a.m.

The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.

JEFFREY F. COBB

Secretary of the Senate

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