No. 14
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
98th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2015
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, February 17, 2015.
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—present Rocca—present
Casperson—present Jones—present Schmidt—present
Colbeck—present Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present
Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present
Green—present 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
Deacon Roger Cahaney of St. Agnes Parish of Fowlerville offered the following invocation:
Almighty and eternal God, You have revealed Your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through You authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Let the light of Your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this Michigan State Senate and shine forth in all proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government. May they seek to preserve peace, promote statewide happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.
We likewise commend to Your unbounded mercy all citizens of the state of Michigan, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your holy law. May we be preserved in union and that peace the world cannot give, and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
We pray to You who are Lord and God forever and ever. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator David S. Hildenbrand
February 12, 2015
Per Section 391 of the Management and Budget Act (MCL 18.1391), I am notifying you of the recent approval of Governor Snyder’s Executive Order No. 2015-5.
On Thursday, February 12, 2015, the Senate Committee on Appropriations met and considered Governor Snyder’s Executive Order No. 2015-5. A majority of the committee members elected and serving voted to approve Governor Snyder’s Executive Order No. 2015-5.
Sincerely,
Dave Hildenbrand
Appropriations Chairman
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolution were printed and filed on Thursday, February 12, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108
Senate Joint Resolution H
House Bill Nos. 4179 4180 4181 4182 4183 4184 4185 4186 4187
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Friday, February 13, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
House Bill Nos. 4188 4189 4190 4191 4192 4193 4194 4195 4196 4197 4198
Senator Kowall moved that Senator Nofs be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hood moved that Senators Johnson and Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Nofs entered the Senate Chamber.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:06 a.m.
10:39 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
During the recess, Senators Young and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Bieda introduced
Senate Bill No. 109, entitled
A bill to amend 1951 PA 33, entitled “An act to provide police and fire protection for townships and for certain areas in townships, certain incorporated villages, and certain cities; to authorize contracting for fire and police protection; to authorize the purchase of fire and police equipment, and the maintenance and operation of the equipment; to provide for defraying the cost of the equipment; to authorize the creation of special assessment districts and the levying and collecting of special assessments; to authorize the issuance of special assessment bonds in anticipation of the collection of special assessments and the advancement of the amount necessary to pay such bonds, and to provide for reimbursement for such advances by reassessment if necessary; to authorize the collection of fees for certain emergency services in townships and other municipalities; to authorize the creation of administrative boards and to prescribe their powers and duties; to provide for the appointment of traffic officers and to prescribe their powers and duties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10 (MCL 41.810), as amended by 2004 PA 463.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local Government.
Senators Robertson, Kowall, Marleau and Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 110, entitled
A bill to amend 1973 PA 139, entitled “An act to provide forms of county government; to provide for county managers and county executives and to prescribe their powers and duties; to abolish certain departments, boards, commissions, and authorities; to provide for transfer of certain powers and functions; to prescribe powers of a board of county commissioners and elected officials; to provide organization of administrative functions; to transfer property; to retain ordinances and laws not inconsistent with this act; to provide methods for abolition of a unified form of county government; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,” by amending section 9 (MCL 45.559), as amended by 2003 PA 281.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform.
Senators Colbeck, Knollenberg, Robertson, Hansen, Brandenburg, Proos, Nofs, Emmons, Pavlov and Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 111, entitled
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” (MCL 247.651 to 247.675) by adding section 11g.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Hertel, Jones, MacGregor, O’Brien, Warren, Knezek, Bieda, Hood, Marleau, Nofs, Ananich, Booher and Rocca introduced
Senate Bill No. 112, entitled
A bill to amend 1957 PA 29, entitled “An act to provide for the disposition of certain files and records in the probate courts of this state,” by amending section 1 (MCL 720.551).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.
Senators Marleau, Jones, MacGregor, Hertel, O’Brien, Warren, Knezek, Bieda, Hood, Nofs, Ananich, Booher and Rocca introduced
Senate Bill No. 113, entitled
A bill to amend 1921 PA 137, entitled “An act authorizing counties of this state to contract with agencies, institutions, and hospitals licensed by the department of consumer and industry services for the aid, care, support, maintenance, treatment, cure, or relief of children,” by amending section 1 (MCL 722.501), as amended by 1996 PA 411.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.
Senators O’Brien, Jones, MacGregor, Hertel, Warren, Knezek, Bieda, Hood, Marleau, Nofs, Ananich, Booher and Rocca introduced
Senate Bill No. 114, entitled
A bill to amend 1921 PA 137, entitled “An act authorizing counties of this state to contract with agencies, institutions, and hospitals licensed by the department of consumer and industry services for the aid, care, support, maintenance, treatment, cure, or relief of children,” by amending section 3 (MCL 722.503), as amended by 1996 PA 411.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors and Human Services.
Senator Green introduced
Senate Bill No. 115, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Booher introduced
Senate Bill No. 116, entitled
A bill to provide for a capital outlay program; to set forth the provisions for its implementation within the budgetary process; to make appropriations for planning and construction at state institutions and the acquisition of land; to provide for the elimination of fire hazards at the institutions; to provide for certain special maintenance, remodeling, alteration, renovation, or demolition of and additions to projects at state institutions; to provide for elimination of occupational safety and health hazards at state agencies and institutions; to provide for the award of contracts; and to provide for the expenditure thereof under the supervision of the director of the department of technology, management, and budget and the state administrative board.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Booher introduced
Senate Bill No. 117, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201 and 201a (MCL 388.1801 and 388.1801a), as amended by 2014 PA 196.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 118, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of community health for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Proos introduced
Senate Bill No. 119, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hansen introduced
Senate Bill No. 120, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Green introduced
Senate Bill No. 121, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environmental quality for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Stamas introduced
Senate Bill No. 122, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the judiciary, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of technology, management, and budget, the department of civil service, the department of civil rights, and certain state purposes related thereto for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 123, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 236 and 236a (MCL 388.1836 and 388.1836a), as amended by 2014 PA 196.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator MacGregor introduced
Senate Bill No. 124, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 125, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Proos introduced
Senate Bill No. 126, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 127, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Nofs introduced
Senate Bill No. 128, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Green introduced
Senate Bill No. 129, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hansen introduced
Senate Bill No. 130, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 17b (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1617b), section 11 as amended by 2014 PA 196 and section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Nofs introduced
Senate Bill No. 131, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hansen introduced
Senate Bill No. 132, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 133, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2016 and other fiscal years; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 134, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11, 17b, 201, and 236 (MCL 388.1611, 388.1617b, 388.1801, and 388.1836), sections 11, 201, and 236 as amended by 2014 PA 196 and section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 135, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 136, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 137, entitled
A bill to amend 2012 PA 101, entitled “Autism coverage reimbursement act,” by amending section 8 (MCL 550.1838), as added by 2014 PA 401.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 138, entitled
A bill to amend 1989 PA 196, entitled “An act to abolish the criminal assessments commission; to prescribe certain duties of the crime victim services commission; to create the crime victim’s rights fund; to provide for expenditures from the fund; to provide for assessments against criminal defendants and certain juvenile offenders; to provide for payment of crime victim’s rights services; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and departments,” by amending section 4 (MCL 780.904), as amended by 2014 PA 299.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the Governor
The following messages from the Governor were received and read:
January 29, 2015
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:
Michigan Civil Rights Commission
Ricardo Resio of 2235 Durham Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48609, county of Saginaw, representing Republicans, succeeding Jared Rodriguez, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
February 10, 2015
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:
Michigan Dairy Marketing Program Committee
Brian M. Preston of 430 S. Ray Quincy Road, Quincy, Michigan 49082, county of Branch, representing Michigan Milk Producers Association, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2017.
Rodney O. Daniels of 8189 W. Prescott Road, Whittemore, Michigan 48770, county of Iosco, representing Michigan Milk Producers Association, succeeding Mark Halbert, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2017.
Heather L. Wing of 15335 Wing Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021, county of Barry, representing Michigan Milk Producers Association, succeeding Robert Kran, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2017.
Bryan D. Hull of 10434 Vickeryville Road, Fenwick, Michigan 48834, county of Montcalm, representing Dairy Farmers of America, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2017.
Wayne E. Rodgers of 9514 Cherry Valley Avenue, Caledonia, Michigan 49316, county of Kent, representing Dairy Farmers of America, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2017.
February 10, 2015
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:
Michigan Board of Respiratory Care
Veena Erinjeri of 5340 N. Dyewood Drive, Flint, Michigan 48532, county of Genesee, representing respiratory therapists, succeeding John Darin, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
Shari L. Heydenburg of 6430 Cooper Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201, county of Jackson, representing respiratory therapists, succeeding Julia Ann Prins, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
Beverly M. Cherwinski of 6962 Cherwinski Road, Vanderbilt, Michigan 49795, county of Otsego, representing the general public, succeeding herself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
February 10, 2015
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office:
Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee
Thomas J. Hess of 5359 Hardy Road, Vassar, Michigan 48768, county of Tuscola, representing District 5 growers, succeeding Mark Seamon, is appointed for a term expiring September 23, 2015.
February 11, 2015
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office:
Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council
Michael B. Bradley of 1554 Saint Joseph Circle, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085, county of Berrien, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
Kenneth J. Gembel of 11031 N. Jennings Road, Clio, Michigan 48420, county of Genesee, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
Bradley A. Smith of 1149 Carleton Rockwood Road, Carleton, Michigan 48117, county of Monroe, succeeding Warren Evans, is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2018.
Sincerely,
Rick Snyder
Governor
The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
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. 54
Senate Bill No. 55
Senate Bill No. 42
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 54, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 40104, 40112, and 48703a (MCL 324.40104, 324.40112, and 324.48703a), section 40104 as added by 1995 PA 57, section 40112 as amended by 1996 PA 316, and section 48703a as amended by 2014 PA 281.
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. 12 Yeas—38
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 Johnson Pavlov Warren
Green Jones Proos Young
Gregory Knezek Robertson Zorn
Hansen Knollenberg
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. 55, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 40111c (MCL 324.40111c), as added by 2008 PA 301.
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. 13 Yeas—38
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 Johnson Pavlov Warren
Green Jones Proos Young
Gregory Knezek Robertson Zorn
Hansen Knollenberg
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. 42, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 7a, 18b, 25, 67a, 212, 259, 306, 307, 309, 310d, 310e, 312e, 312f, 319, 319b, 324, 732, 803b, and 904 (MCL 257.7a, 257.18b, 257.25, 257.67a, 257.212, 257.259, 257.306, 257.307, 257.309, 257.310d, 257.310e, 257.312e, 257.312f, 257.319, 257.319b, 257.324, 257.732, 257.803b, and 257.904), sections 7a and 212 as amended by 2002 PA 534, section 18b as added and section 67a as amended by 1988 PA 346, section 306 as amended by 2014 PA 120, section 307 as amended by 2012 PA 55, section 309 as amended by 2012 PA 355, section 310d as amended by 2004 PA 62, section 310e as amended by 2011 PA 124, sections 312e and 803b as amended by 2011 PA 159, section 312f as amended by 2012 PA 473, section 319 as amended by 2012 PA 306, section 319b as amended by 2012 PA 498, section 324 as amended by 2006 PA 298, section 732 as amended by 2012 PA 592, and section 904 as amended by 2008 PA 461, and by adding section 306a.
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. 14 Yeas—38
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 Johnson Pavlov Warren
Green Jones Proos Young
Gregory Knezek Robertson Zorn
Hansen Knollenberg
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. 14
The resolution consent calendar was adopted.
Senator Jones offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 14.
A resolution commemorating May 2015 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan has 243,968 registered motorcycles and 484,531 individuals who have operator licenses with a motorcycle endorsement; and
Whereas, The safe operation of a motorcycle requires the use of special skills developed through a combination of training and expertise, the use of good judgment, plus a thorough knowledge of traffic laws and licensing requirements; and
Whereas, The use of proper protective riding apparel is an important part of a motorcycle operator’s responsibility; and
Whereas, Motorcycle safety awareness promotion is a cooperative effort to decrease the number of injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycling; and
Whereas, The promotion of motorcycle rider education programs available through the Michigan Department of State, including recommendations that motorcycle operators wear the proper gear in addition to driving their vehicles defensively and cautiously, is intended to reduce the number of crashes; and
Whereas, The emergence of spring is synonymous with the return of motorcycle mavens to our state’s roadways. Throughout Michigan, motorcyclists have been on the cutting edge of promoting the wise and sensible use of this enjoyable mode of travel. Indeed, the disproportionate number of motorcycle fatalities makes it vitally important to encourage motorcyclists to understand and practice the highest degree of safety. It is also important to remind other drivers that highway safety is beneficial to all parties traveling on public roadways; and
Whereas, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month encourages motorcycle operators to don proper protective riding attire; maintain their motorcycles at a high level of safe operating conditions; abide by the laws of the road; and implement operating techniques providing an additional standard of safety. Additionally, car and truck drivers are informed of the fact that motorcyclists are resuming their travels on our public roadways, and each is encouraged to be exceptionally vigilant and watchful when approaching or passing a motorcycle on the highway; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate May 2015 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage all of Michigan’s citizens to participate in the aims and goals of this effort.
Senators Ananich, Bieda, Booher, Casperson, Green, Gregory, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Horn, Knollenberg, Kowall, Marleau, Proos, Robertson, Schmidt and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Statements
Senator Casperson moved that the statement he made on February 12 on the order of Statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Casperson’s statement is as follows:
I would like to talk briefly about Kennecott. Some of you might remember it was a mining operation looking to become operational in the Upper Peninsula. We worked on very tough legislation that Governor Granholm signed. I was there for the signing, and she said that she looked at it as the toughest legislation for underground mining in the country if not the world. I agree with Governor Granholm.
I bring all this up to you because during that time and still occurring today, those who opposed the operation were making statements that Kennecott would only produce 70 jobs at best, only be in existence for seven years, and it was the wrong thing to do. As of today, Kennecott has produced 400 jobs. They have spent—and I am being conservative—around $400 million in our community. They have also spent over $50 million in infrastructure for our roads in our region. I must emphasize, not to say I am against tax credits, but they are not the companies with the major tax credits that we are dealing with today.
The biggest problem has been with these projects as we continue in the Upper Peninsula to have to ask for permission to go to work. There are other opportunities today in the Upper Peninsula just like Kennecott. They are sitting and waiting in the bullpen. I find it amazing that no one has even talked about the great impact this operation has had on our economy and the potential to come. I can only hope that the jobs provided in the U.P. will get the same appreciation as other companies in Michigan—no more, no less.
We should not have to keep asking for permission to go to work. These opportunities are plentiful. We have the toughest standards in the world. One quick example would be Kennecott installed a water treatment system that cost them $10 million. They had to put holding tanks in to hold the tank for inspections, because if the water was to be outside and it rained, their water would be contaminated by the natural water. That is how clean the water is, and yet today, we still run into these problems.
I can only hope that as we move forward, people start understanding the opportunities and potential the Upper Peninsula holds. I also hope that we can come together not to diminish tough standards, but to uphold them and then respect them by allowing these people to go to work.
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 10:45 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Hildenbrand (C), MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Economic Development submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Horn (C), Schmidt, Brandenburg, Stamas, Emmons and Bieda
Excused: Senator Smith
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on Human Services submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building
Present: Senators MacGregor (C), Proos and Gregory
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs submitted the following:
Joint meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Nofs (C), Colbeck and Knezek
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations - Wednesday, February 18, 2:00 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1801)
Subcommittees -
Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesdays, March 10, March 17, and March 24, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Community Colleges - Wednesdays, February 18 and March 25, 9:00 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Community Colleges and House Community Colleges Appropriations Subcommittee - Thursday, February 26, 3:00 p.m., Lansing Community College, Arts and Sciences Building, Rooms 104-105-106, 419 N. Washington Square, Lansing (373-2768)
Community Health - Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)
Corrections - Thursdays, February 19 (CANCELED), March 5, and March 26, 9:00 a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building; February 26, March 12, and March 19, 9:00 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)
General Government - Thursdays, February 19, 9:15 a.m., February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19, and March 26, 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)
Higher Education - Thursday, February 19, 1:30 p.m., Central Michigan University, Park Library, 250 West Preston Street, Mount Pleasant; Monday, March 2, 1:30 p.m., Ferris State University, University Center, Room 203, 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids; and Wednesday, March 18, 9:30 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Higher Education and House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee - Tuesday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. or later immediately following session, Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Judiciary - Wednesdays, February 18 (CANCELED), February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25, 1:00 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesdays, February 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building; February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25, 8:30 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - Wednesday, February 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-2768)
State Police and Military Affairs - Thursdays, February 19 (CANCELED), February 26 (CANCELED), March 5 (CANCELED), March 12 (CANCELED), and March 26 (CANCELED), 1:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 24, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Transportation - Thursdays, February 19, March 12, March 19, March 26, 8:30 a.m.; February 26, 11:00 a.m.; and March 5, 9:00 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Commerce - Wednesday, February 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5312)
Economic Development - Thursday, February 19, 1:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5312)
Families, Seniors and Human Services - Wednesday, February 18, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5323)
Legislative Council - Thursday, February 26, 9:00 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373‑0212)
Michigan Competitiveness - Wednesday, February 18, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-5314)
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:58 a.m.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
JEFFREY F. COBB
Secretary of the Senate
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