No. 35

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

98th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2015

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, April 21, 2015.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Margaret E. O’Brien.

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

Senator Coleman A. Young II of the 1st District offered the following invocation:

Father God, I just want to say thank You so much for allowing me to be a State Senator. Thank You so much for us having the honor to be here and serve the people every day. Father God, we know that the people of the state face all kinds of challenges, whether it be paying the bills, whether it be sending the kids to college, whether it be getting a job. Some maybe feel that the American Dream is slipping away, but, Father God, I am just thankful that I believe in a God who said, “The thief might come to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come so that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

So let it be this day, right here, at 10 in the morning in the Michigan State Senate, the greatest State Senate on earth, that we claim our victory and we seize our destiny and we achieve the abundant life and we expand our territory like the prayer of Jabez, because, Father God, I believe in the God who said all I have to do is rely on You. We shall grow wings like eagles. We will walk and not faint. We will run and will not grow weary.

Father God, we believe that now is our time to have an economic transformation and a supernatural breakthrough. We say thank You, we appreciate You, and we love You.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motions and Communications

Senator Green entered the Senate Chamber.

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

The motion prevailed.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Colbeck admittance to the Senate floor, including the center aisle.

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

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor.

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

Senators Ananich and Casperson entered the Senate Chamber.

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Thursday, April 16:

House Bill Nos. 4271 4272 4273 4274 4276 4385

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, April 16, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 265 266 267 268 269 270

House Bill Nos. 4448 4449 4450 4451 4452 4453 4454 4455 4456 4457 4458 4459 4460 4461

4462

The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolution were printed and filed on Friday, April 17, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:

Senate Bill Nos. 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281

Senate Joint Resolution J

House Bill Nos. 4463 4464 4465 4466 4467 4468 4469 4470 4471 4472 4473 4474 4475

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.

10:42 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senator Colbeck introduced a delegation from the Health Ministry of the Republic of Ghana; Gavin Brown of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association; Rear Admiral Scott Sanders, USN (Ret.); Terrence Fogarty of Kaman Aerosystems; and representatives from St. John’s Medical Center and Lockheed Martin; and presented the delegation from Ghana with a Special Tribute.

Dr. Afisah Zakaria and Mr. Brown responded briefly.

During the recess, Senator Hopgood entered the Senate Chamber.

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

April 6, 2015

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

Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board

Justin A. Carlson of 94 Cedar Lane, Negaunee, Michigan 49866, county of Marquette, representing the township of Negaunee, succeeding Jennifer Huetter, is appointed for a term expiring October 4, 2016.

April 7, 2015

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

Board of Barber Examiners

Kelly Y. Mitchell of 2687 Woodmeadow Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 45946, county of Kent, representing the general public, succeeding Tawnya Marketti, is appointed for a term expiring September 30, 2015.

April 7, 2015

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

Michigan Onion Committee

Mike Meyer of 5382 Lawndale Avenue, Hudsonville, Michigan 49426, county of Ottawa, representing growers-at-large, succeeding Glenn Leep, is appointed for a term expiring August 16, 2016.

Eric J. Schreur of 4501 New Holland, Hudsonville, Michigan 49426, county of Ottawa, representing growers-at-large, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring August 16, 2016.

Mark J. Nail of 21705 O Drive North, Marshall, Michigan 49068, county of Calhoun, representing growers-at-large, succeeding himself, is reappointed for a term expiring August 16, 2016.

April 7, 2015

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

Michigan Tax Tribunal

Valerie F. Lafferty of 4097 Shoals Drive, Okemos, Michigan 48864, county of Ingham, representing real estate appraisers, succeeding Marcus L. Abood, is appointed for a term commencing May 10, 2015, and expiring June 30, 2018.

Sincerely,

Rick Snyder

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Messages from the House

Senate Bill No. 12, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending section 68c (MCL 38.68c), as amended by 2013 PA 112.

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.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

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

Senate Resolution No. 22

Senate Resolution No. 23

Senate Resolution No. 25

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 36

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

Senators Warren, Knezek, Gregory and Ananich offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 36.

A resolution to support the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence in bringing attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender name-calling, bullying, and harassment faced by individuals in schools.

Whereas, The National Day of Silence is a day in which students take a vow of silence to bring attention to the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender name-calling, bullying, and harassment faced by individuals in schools; and

Whereas, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network designates the third Friday of every April as the National Day of Silence; and

Whereas, Hundreds of thousands of students at more than 8,000 schools have participated in the National Day of Silence in past years; and

Whereas, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s 2013 National School Climate Survey illustrates the pervasive harassment and victimization faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students by documenting their experiences within the preceding academic year; and

Whereas, Nearly 75 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students reported being verbally harassed by their peers at school because of their sexual orientation and more than 55 percent because of their gender expression; and

Whereas, 36 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students reported being physically harassed by their peers at school because of their sexual orientation and over 20 percent because of their gender expression; and

Whereas, Over 15 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students reported being physically assaulted by their peers at school because of their sexual orientation and more than 10 percent because of their gender expression; and

Whereas, Nearly 60 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students reported that they felt unsafe in school, and nearly 30 percent reported missing at least one entire school day in the preceding month because of safety concerns; and

Whereas, Transgender students were more likely than all other students to report feeling unsafe at school because of their gender expression; and

Whereas, According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, those who expressed a transgender identity or gender nonconformity while in grades K-12 reported alarming rates of harassment, physical assault, and sexual violence so severe that almost 15 percent of those surveyed had to leave school; and

Whereas, Student academic performance is affected such that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students who experienced high levels of verbal harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender expression report a grade point average nearly a half grade lower than those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students who experienced low levels of such harassment; and

Whereas, The presence of supportive staff contributed to a range of positive indicators, including fewer reports of missing school, fewer reports of feeling unsafe, greater academic achievement, higher educational aspirations, and a greater sense of school belonging; and

Whereas, A growing number of cities and local education authorities in the state of Michigan are adopting laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression; and

Whereas, Children should be guaranteed an education free from name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination, regardless of his or her sexual orientation and gender identity or expression; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That this legislative body hereby acknowledges the third Friday of every April as the National Day of Silence. We request that the Governor issue a proclamation calling on the people of the Michigan to observe the National Day of Silence with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities; and be it further

Resolved, That city and local education authorities in the state of Michigan are urged to adopt laws and policies to prohibit name-calling, bullying, harassment, and discrimination against students, teachers, and other school staff, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, so that the state’s schools are institutions where all individuals are able to focus on learning; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, House Minority Leader, Michigan Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

Senator Kowall moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Education.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Bieda, Hertel and Hopgood were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 37.

A resolution to commemorate April 21, 2015, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The horror of the Holocaust should never be forgotten; and

Whereas, The Holocaust was the state-sponsored systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the years 1933 through 1945. Six million Jews were murdered and millions more, including Gypsies, the handicapped, Poles, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war, and political dissidents, suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny; and

Whereas, Many decades have passed since the Holocaust came to an end, yet the trauma of this horrible event is still experienced by all who survived. Their numbers dwindle with each passing year, and it is up to others to keep the world aware and to firmly avow that the atrocities of the Holocaust will never be repeated; and

Whereas, The history of the Holocaust offers an opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies, and governments, and serves as an important reminder of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred, and indifference reign; and

Whereas, When the goodness of mankind was in question, there were individuals who selflessly risked their lives in order to save others from the evils of Nazi Germany; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate April 21, 2015, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of this legislative body remember the Holocaust and its many survivors and the bravery of those who fought to help the persecuted; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Jewish Conference as evidence of our profound respect and 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 Ananich, Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Casperson, Gregory, Hansen, Hertel, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Horn, Jones, Knollenberg, Kowall, MacGregor, Marleau, Nofs, O’Brien, Pavlov, Proos, Robertson, Rocca, Schmidt, Stamas, Warren and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

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

The motion prevailed.

Senator Meekhof’s statement is as follows:

Today we remember all of those impacted by the horror of the Holocaust, a tragedy that should never be forgotten. Decades have passed since the Holocaust came to an end, yet the trauma of this horrible event is still experienced by all those who survived and by the families of those who perished.

With sadness, while that number of survivors dwindles each and every year, it is critical that we continue to remind the world and firmly avow that the tragedy of the Holocaust shall never be repeated. The memory of this event provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our moral responsibilities as individuals, societies, and governments.

So I ask my colleagues in the Michigan Senate to declare April 21, 2015, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan; to honor and serve those who lost their lives to this tragedy.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

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. 64

Senate Bill No. 65

Senate Bill No. 66

Senate Bill No. 67

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 64, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20155, 21703, and 21734 (MCL 333.20155, 333.21703, and 333.21734), section 20155 as amended by 2012 PA 322 and section 21734 as added by 2000 PA 437.

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—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. 65, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20109, 21703, and 21715 (MCL 333.20109, 333.21703, and 333.21715), section 20109 as amended by 1996 PA 224.

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—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. 66, entitled

A bill to amend 1993 PA 23, entitled “Michigan limited liability company act,” by amending section 102 (MCL 450.4102), as amended by 2012 PA 568.

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. 105 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. 67, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 284, entitled “Business corporation act,” by amending section 109 (MCL 450.1109), as amended by 2012 PA 569.

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. 106 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

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Casperson, Horn, Knezek, O’Brien, Stamas, Schmidt, Schuitmaker, Ananich, Kowall and Shirkey introduced

Senate Bill No. 282, entitled

A bill to regulate the siting and construction of certain electric transmission lines; to prescribe powers and duties of certain state and local entities and officials; to create a board; to prescribe the board’s powers and duties; and to provide for certain fees.

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

Senator Casperson introduced

Senate Bill No. 283, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 505 (MCL 324.505).

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

Senators Young, Knezek, Bieda and Gregory introduced

Senate Bill No. 284, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 1561 and 1578 (MCL 380.1561 and 380.1578), section 1561 as amended by 2009 PA 204.

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

Senators Hertel, Knezek, Ananich, Bieda, Gregory and Hopgood introduced

Senate Bill No. 285, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 453, entitled “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” (MCL 37.2101 to 37.2804) by adding section 202b.

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

Senator Proos introduced

Senate Bill No. 286, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending section 25 (MCL 205.75), as amended by 2012 PA 226.

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

Senators Marleau, Colbeck, Robertson, Proos, Nofs, Brandenburg, Casperson, O’Brien, Emmons, Hune, Green, Pavlov, Hildenbrand, Booher, Zorn, Knollenberg, Gregory, Rocca and Jones introduced

Senate Bill No. 287, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding sections 17019, 17519, 20187, and 21418.

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

House Bill No. 4271, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 570a (MCL 168.570a).

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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 4272, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 642 (MCL 168.642), as amended by 2013 PA 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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 4273, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 641 (MCL 168.641), as amended by 2015 PA 2.

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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 4274, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 970e (MCL 168.970e), as added by 2012 PA 417.

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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 4276, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 963 (MCL 168.963), as amended by 2012 PA 417.

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 Elections and Government Reform.

House Bill No. 4385, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 322 (MCL 168.322), as amended by 2012 PA 276.

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 Elections and Government Reform.

Statements

Senators Proos and Colbeck asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Proos’ statement is as follows:

I appreciate the chance to take a moment of the Senate’s time to discuss an important topic which, quite frankly, falls in line with the resolution that passed today that the Majority Leader spoke of, specifically related to Holocaust Remembrance Day. This week is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week that was established in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan in order to increase public awareness about the rights and services that are available to victims. In fact, our own past member of the Senate, William Van Regenmorter, established the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund here in the state of Michigan and was a champion for crime victims.

As the chair of the Corrections and Judiciary budgets, I have the unique opportunity—and really, the challenge—to look at the very difficult issues surrounding crime victims and the issues that face those individuals who are affected by crime in our communities. It isn’t just those individuals who are directly affected or their families. It’s the communities themselves who are victims. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the United States Department of Justice, strives each day to support all of the victims by engaging communities and empowering those victims.

The Office for Victims of Crime maintains the Crime Victim’s Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted offenders. Gifts and donations and bequests are also included. These are not straight tax dollars. They are from individuals who have committed those crimes.

Each April, we stop for a few moments to observe the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which this year, of course, falls on April 19-25. In fact, tomorrow here in the Capitol, there will be a vigil held in the west wing of our rotunda from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to honor crime victims and to remember those individuals who have been victims of crime in our communities.

In fact, it’s important for each and every one of us. Why is it important? It’s important because engaging our entire community will enable us to remember victims, and expand their options for services to ensure those victims are not victimized yet another crime. By promoting these victims’ rights and honoring crime victims, we also advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. It helps to increase the awareness about issues that we face in our communities, and it helps to encourage that victims’ rights and laws are part of what we do in the state of Michigan.

We also provide technical assistance and training through publications and additional resources for law enforcement to provide support for victims and victims’ families. After all, by listening and learning and understanding these victims, we have an ability to figure out just how best to serve, how best to provide support, and in what other ways we can help victims not become victims any longer, but instead, survivors of the tragedy of crime.

Please join the members of the Michigan Senate and House, the Governor’s office, and many others who will come together tomorrow for Crime Victims’ Week in the west wing rotunda from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please, each and every one of us, take a moment and think about how we can be helpful in creating survivors and not victims in our communities.

Senator Colbeck’s statement is as follows:

Today, I would like to talk about a little-known monument hidden away in a subdivision in Plymouth, MA, where the Pilgrims first landed in America. The monument is known as the National Monument to the Forefathers, but is also known as the Matrix of Liberty.

The monument was designed in 1853 and dedicated on August 1, 1889. The monument was paid for by the U.S. Congress and the State Legislature of Massachusetts. It is the largest granite monument in America, and most of us have no idea it exists. I know that my wife and I didn’t when we visited Plymouth several years ago. We saw a replica of the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, but we did not have a clue that this monument even existed.

Ironically, the monument was established as a reminder for how liberty was built in America, should we ever lose our way. On it resides the following inscription: “National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty.”

The monument consists of a forty-five-foot high octagonal shaft of rusticated granite blocks topped by a huge allegorical figure representing faith. Around the base of the shaft are four buttresses, each adorned with a seated allegorical figure that represents the principles upon which the Pilgrims founded their commonwealth: faith, morality, law, education, and liberty. Small relief figures representing justice, mercy, wisdom, youth, and experience are located on the sides of the seated figures.

Faith is a thirty-six-foot high female figure standing at the top of the monument, with her proper left foot resting on Plymouth Rock. She holds a copy of the Geneva Bible in her proper left hand, and she points toward heaven with her raised proper right hand. The pages of the Bible are opened up, which symbolizes that it didn’t sit on a shelf. They read it. All of the other figures on the monument are tied to faith.

On the northeast side, at the base of the shaft, is a seated female figure representing morality. She is dressed in long robes, and in her hands, she holds the Ten Commandments and the scroll of Revelation. She has no eyes. She is looking inwardly. It recognizes that the journey towards morality is an internal struggle rooted in the word of God. It reflects how American society is based on an internal desire to do what is right, rather than having to be forced to do what is right by a king.

On the northwest side, at the base of the shaft, is a seated male figure representing law. He is dressed in classical robes, and in his left hand, he holds a tablet. His right hand is extended in mercy. The tablet represents the civil law that we need to provide order. This civil law was built upon mercy and grace.

On the southwest side, at the base of the shaft, is a seated female figure representing education. With her proper right hand, she points to a book of knowledge that she holds in her proper left hand. She has trained her children in the way that they should go. The statue conveys that it was the parents’ responsibility to educate our youth. Knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. Our elders and ancestors are represented via a small carving under which the word “wisdom” is shown holding a copy of the Ten Commandments and an open Bible.

On the southeast side, at the base of the shaft, is a seated male figure representing liberty. This figure is also known as Liberty Man. He is clothed as a centurion, and in his arms, he holds a sword. Beneath his heel, he crushes the chains of bondage. He holds broken chains in his left hand. He is draped in a lion skin which represents the monarchy. Liberty Man conquered tyranny and sits confidently on a throne of victory.

So the formula for America’s success is represented in this monument: faith, morality, law, education, and liberty. This formula starts with faith. Our faith guides the development of an internal morality of heart. This morality reveals itself as a standard of good and bad. It is this standard of good and bad that results in a moral system of law that enforces order and extends grace. It is education that is supposed to teach these principles to future generations so that we may continue to live in freedom.

This is the only recipe for freedom that has ever worked. Not only has it worked, but it has brought more joy, more prosperity, and more generosity to more people than any other system of government in the history of the world. We would do well to remember these principles. We would do well to go beyond remembering these principles and committing ourselves to once again embrace these principles, if not for ourselves, then for the sake of future generations of Americans.

Committee Reports

The Committee on Elections and Government Reform reported

Senate Bill No. 8, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” by amending section 213 (MCL 18.1213), as amended by 2006 PA 269.

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.

David B. Robertson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Robertson, Emmons, Shirkey and Hood

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 Elections and Government Reform submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Robertson (C), Emmons, Shirkey and Hood

Excused: Senator Colbeck

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau and Knezek

Nays: Senators Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel and Young

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Knollenberg, Nofs, Green, Marleau and Knezek

Nays: Senators Schuitmaker, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Gregory and Hopgood

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Hopgood, Hertel and Knezek

Nays: Senator Young

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau, Gregory, Hopgood, Hertel, Knezek and Young

Nays: None

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

The Committee on Appropriations reported

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.

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.

David S. Hildenbrand

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Hansen, Stamas, Schuitmaker, Knollenberg, Booher, Shirkey, Proos, Nofs, Green, Marleau and Knezek

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 Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, April 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.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 Energy and Technology submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 3:15 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower

Present: Senators Nofs (C), Proos, Shirkey, Zorn, Hopgood and Knezek

Excused: Senators Horn, Schuitmaker, Hune and Smith

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations - Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, 2:00 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1801)

Families, Seniors and Human Services - Wednesday, April 22, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5323)

Health Policy - Wednesday, April 22, 8:30 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-1721) (CANCELED)

Michigan Law Revision Commission - Wednesday, May 13, 11:30 a.m., Legislative Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Boji Tower (373-0212)

Natural Resources - Wednesday, April 22, 12:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5314)

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism - Wednesday, April 22, 12:30 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1721)

Regulatory Reform - Wednesday, April 22, 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5323)

Transportation - Thursday, April 23, 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5323)

Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security - Thursday, April 23, 2:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-5314)

Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.

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

The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.

JEFFREY F. COBB

Secretary of the Senate

474 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 475

476 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 477

478 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 479

480 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 481

482 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 483

484 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35

No. 35] [April 21, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 485

486 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 21, 2015] [No. 35