No. 15
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
98th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2016
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, February 16, 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—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
Pastor Tiffany McCafferty of First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw offered the following invocation:
Holy One, we give You thanks for Your presence in this world and for a creation that reflects Your glory and love for all who dwell here. We thank You for the beauty of this great state—lakes, forests, fields, and cities—vibrant even now when all is covered with snow. We thank You and praise You for creating us in Your likeness. We thank You for giving us the capacity for intellect and compassion, the responsibility to care for all whom You have created, and the power to make a difference through our actions and decisions.
Thank you for the men and women who govern our state; for the Senators gathered here today, as well as any who may be away; for their staffs, their families, and all who support them in leadership. God, be present with these Senators and all who come here today to participate in this process. Help them to speak without fear of judgment and to listen with open minds. Guide them in their understanding so that they might lend guidance to one another.
Help them to overcome any differences and to find unity of purpose. Give them the diligence to seek out multiple perspectives, the time to process and discern, and the perseverance to work toward solutions that meet the needs of all.
In Your holy name we pray. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Young entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Kowall moved that Senator Casperson be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bieda moved that Senators Hood and Johnson 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 Hune 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.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:05 a.m.
10:54 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
During the recess, Senator Hune introduced the Hartland Rising Eagles FIRST LEGO League Robotics Team, 2015 State Champions, Head Coach Steve Majors, and Assistant Coach Brian Prokuda; and presented them with a Special Tribute.
Coaches Majors and Prokuda responded briefly.
During the recess, Senators Casperson, Hood and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Curtis Hertel Jr.
February 10, 2016
I am writing to request my addition in co‑sponsorship of Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Senator Emmons.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
Curtis Hertel Jr.
State Senator
District 23
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The Secretary announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Friday, February 12, for his approval the following bill:
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 513 at 10:06 a.m.
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, February 11, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 780 781
House Bill Nos. 5352 5353 5354 5355 5356
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, Lieutenant Governor Calley, designated Senator Gregory as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
Senate Bill No. 569, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 30, entitled “An act to provide for the creation and use of budget stabilization funds by counties, cities, villages, and townships,” by amending section 3 (MCL 141.443).
House Bill No. 4758, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 40, entitled “The drain code of 1956,” by amending sections 132, 221, 275, 277, 278, 280, 476, 528, and 569 (MCL 280.132, 280.221, 280.275, 280.277, 280.278, 280.280, 280.476, 280.528, and 280.569), sections 275, 278, and 280 as amended by 2002 PA 406.
The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 606, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7cc (MCL 211.7cc), as amended by 2014 PA 40.
Substitute (S-2).
The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Green introduced
Senate Bill No. 782, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 783, 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 of certain appropriations 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. 784, 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 2015 PA 85.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Proos introduced
Senate Bill No. 785, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 786, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 787, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environmental quality for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 788, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, 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 rights, the department of talent and economic development, and certain state purposes related thereto for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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 Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 789, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of health and human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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 Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 790, 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 2015 PA 85.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 791, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 792, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 793, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 794, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 795, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 796, 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 2015 PA 139 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. 797, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 798, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of talent and economic development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 799, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the state transportation department for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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. 800, 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, 2017 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. 801, 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), section 11 as amended by 2015 PA 139, section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137, and sections 201 and 236 as amended by 2015 PA 85.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 802, 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. 803, 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 2015 PA 139 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. 804, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; 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.
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. 599
Senate Bill No. 600
Senate Bill No. 601
Senate Bill No. 602
Senate Bill No. 603
Senate Bill No. 604
Senate Bill No. 737
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 599, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2567 (MCL 600.2567), as amended by 2004 PA 538.
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. 50 Yeas—31
Ananich Hildenbrand Kowall Schmidt
Bieda Hood MacGregor Schuitmaker
Booher Hopgood Marleau Shirkey
Casperson Horn Meekhof Smith
Green Johnson Nofs Stamas
Gregory Jones O’Brien Warren
Hansen Knezek Proos Zorn
Hertel Knollenberg Robertson
Nays—7
Brandenburg Emmons Pavlov Young
Colbeck Hune Rocca
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. 600, entitled
A bill to amend 1937 PA 146, entitled “An act to establish, protect and enforce by lien the rights of laborers, contractors, sub-contractors and material men and other persons furnishing labor, tools, or materials, or other things of value, for the drilling, boring, torpedoing, acidizing, completing, operating or repairing of any oil or gas well, or the constructing or repairing of any oil or gas pipe line, oil or gas derrick, or oil tank,” by amending section 4 (MCL 570.254).
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. 51 Yeas—33
Ananich Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Bieda Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Booher Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Casperson Johnson Nofs Smith
Green Jones O’Brien Stamas
Gregory Knezek Pavlov Warren
Hansen Knollenberg Proos Young
Hertel Kowall Robertson Zorn
Hildenbrand
Nays—5
Brandenburg Emmons Hune Rocca
Colbeck
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:09 a.m.
11:16 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 601, entitled
A bill to amend 1983 PA 102, entitled “Uniform federal lien registration act,” by amending section 6 (MCL 211.666).
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. 52 Yeas—33
Ananich Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Bieda Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Booher Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Casperson Johnson Nofs Smith
Green Jones O’Brien Stamas
Gregory Knezek Pavlov Warren
Hansen Knollenberg Proos Young
Hertel Kowall Robertson Zorn
Hildenbrand
Nays—5
Brandenburg Emmons Hune Rocca
Colbeck
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 602, entitled
A bill to amend 1968 PA 203, entitled “State tax lien registration act,” by amending section 5 (MCL 211.685).
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. 53 Yeas—33
Ananich Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Bieda Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Booher Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Casperson Johnson Nofs Smith
Green Jones O’Brien Stamas
Gregory Knezek Pavlov Warren
Hansen Knollenberg Proos Young
Hertel Kowall Robertson Zorn
Hildenbrand
Nays—5
Brandenburg Emmons Hune Rocca
Colbeck
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 603, entitled
A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled “Michigan employment security act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 421.15), as amended by 2011 PA 269.
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. 54 Yeas—32
Ananich Hildenbrand Kowall Schmidt
Bieda Hood MacGregor Schuitmaker
Booher Hopgood Marleau Shirkey
Casperson Horn Meekhof Smith
Green Johnson Nofs Stamas
Gregory Jones O’Brien Warren
Hansen Knezek Pavlov Young
Hertel Knollenberg Proos Zorn
Nays—6
Brandenburg Emmons Robertson Rocca
Colbeck Hune
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 604, entitled
A bill to amend 1962 PA 174, entitled “Uniform commercial code,” by amending section 9525 (MCL 440.9525), as amended by 2004 PA 212.
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. 55 Yeas—33
Ananich Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Bieda Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Booher Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Casperson Johnson Nofs Smith
Green Jones O’Brien Stamas
Gregory Knezek Pavlov Warren
Hansen Knollenberg Proos Young
Hertel Kowall Robertson Zorn
Hildenbrand
Nays—5
Brandenburg Emmons Hune Rocca
Colbeck
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 737, entitled
A bill to amend 1941 PA 122, entitled “An act to establish the revenue collection duties of the department of treasury; to prescribe its powers and duties as the revenue collection agency of this state; to prescribe certain powers and duties of the state treasurer; to establish the collection duties of certain other state departments for money or accounts owed to this state; to regulate the importation, stamping, and disposition of certain tobacco products; to provide for the transfer of powers and duties now vested in certain other state boards, commissions, departments, and offices; to prescribe certain duties of and require certain reports from the department of treasury; to provide procedures for the payment, administration, audit, assessment, levy of interests or penalties on, and appeals of taxes and tax liability; to prescribe its powers and duties if an agreement to act as agent for a city to administer, collect, and enforce the city income tax act on behalf of a city is entered into with any city; to provide an appropriation; to abolish the state board of tax administration; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to declare the effect of this act,” by amending section 25 (MCL 205.25), as amended by 2002 PA 657.
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. 56 Yeas—30
Ananich Hildenbrand MacGregor Schuitmaker
Bieda Hood Marleau Shirkey
Booher Hopgood Meekhof Smith
Casperson Horn Nofs Stamas
Green Johnson O’Brien Warren
Gregory Jones Proos Young
Hansen Knezek Schmidt Zorn
Hertel Knollenberg
Nays—8
Brandenburg Emmons Kowall Robertson
Colbeck Hune Pavlov Rocca
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
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
Senate Resolution No. 121
The motion prevailed.
Senators Jones and Hertel offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 143.
A resolution honoring the accomplishments of the General Motors Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant and its workforce on their recent awards and achievements.
Whereas, The Michigan Senate recognizes the outstanding contributions of the dedicated workforce of the General Motors Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant; and
Whereas, The plant received the 2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year (Chevrolet Camaro), the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year (Cadillac CTS Sedan), and the 2013 North American Car of the Year (Cadillac ATS); and
Whereas, The General Motors Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant was constructed in 1999 and is one of General Motors’ newest plants. The Grand River plant was designed around General Motors, Global Manufacturing System (GMS) and focuses on maximum performance in safety, people systems, quality, customer responsiveness, cost, and environment; and
Whereas, The Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS, and Cadillac ATS are built on the Lansing Grand River Plant’s 2.5 million square feet and 111 acres; and
Whereas, General Motors recently announced it will be adding a third shift to the Lansing Grand River plant and hiring more than 500 employees to keep up with the demand of the 2016 Camaro; and
Whereas, In 2015, a $175 million investment was made for new tooling and equipment for the Camaro, and hundreds of jobs were created at that time; and
Whereas, The Lansing Grand River Assembly UAW Local 652 will be increasing membership with these good-paying jobs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby honor the accomplishments of the men and women of the General Motors Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant; and be it further
Resolved, That we offer words of praise and gratitude for the continuation of Michigan’s legacy as a leader in the automotive industry.
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 Booher, Brandenburg, Green, Gregory, Hansen, MacGregor, Marleau, Proos and Warren were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Statements
Senators Hertel and Bieda asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hertel’s statement is as follows:
Colleagues, I rise today with a heavy heart. Once again, the Lansing Fire Department has suffered a great tragedy. On February 3, at the age of 65, Captain Steve Babcock passed away. A 23-year veteran of the Lansing Fire Department, Captain Babcock was serving in the Emergency Management Division, but he was also the department historian and had overseen the information officers for the department. Babcock passed away surrounded by family and friends after a short but courageous battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was known and very loved by so many in the department and this community. We thank Captain Babcock for his service and dedication. He will be greatly missed by our community.
Unfortunately, this tragedy is all too common among firefighters. Numerous studies show that firefighters are two to three times more likely to develop cancer than the average person because they are exposed to numerous cancer-causing agents in the line of duty. Public Act 515 of 2014 created the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund that will cover the care for firefighters who develop respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood, thyroid, testicular, prostate, or lymphatic cancer. This legislation puts Michigan among 35 other states that have funds in place to take care of firefighters who have been diagnosed.
However, Public Act 515 of 2014 specifies that the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs may not implement the fund until the Legislature has appropriated money to do it. We have not done so yet. It has been over a year since the Governor signed the bill into law, and the money still has not been appropriated. It is further disturbing that in his signing letter, the Governor called on the Legislature to appropriate that money quickly. But when that did not happen, he has the opportunity to make it part of his budget priorities, and he failed to do so. How long will we wait to act? There have been six firefighters who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer since the first responders fund was created. Unfortunately, Captain Babcock lost his battle. Inaction has consequences—real consequences.
Doug Battey, a firefighter who was diagnosed with leukemia is 2015 and looking for answers to why he wasn’t covered, said, “Firefighters show up at the scene of a fire, get to work, and keep at it until the job is done. We don’t leave when the fire if 95 percent extinguished. We are asking the Legislature to do the same for us: Finish what you started. Make good on a promise that firefighters will be taken care of when facing a work-related health crisis.” Firefighters run into burning buildings and risk their lives to save others. The least we can do is to make this simple appropriation to protect them.
This Legislature can come up with $5 million to block a voter referendum, but we can’t fund coverage for firefighters who work to help protect us? We have the power to act. We have the power to make an impact on these five firefighters and so many who will contract cancer in the future. All we have to do is choose to act. I make this promise to all of you today, everyone in this chamber, and more importantly, to the firefighters across this state: I will be making an amendment to every appropriation, every supplemental, every opportunity that I have to fight to fund the first responders fund. We will have a vote in this body this year. Let’s fulfill this promise that we made, and do something small to protect those who protect us.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Lansing firefighter Captain Steve Babcock.
Senator Bieda’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to reiterate my call for a legislative investigation into the Flint water crisis. I am proud that this chamber has unanimously approved funds on multiple occasions to help the people of Flint. I am also pleased that the Governor has included additional funding in his 2016 budget proposal. While those funds won’t fully cover the huge costs of this man-made tragedy, they are a step in the right direction.
But, colleagues, I am here to remind you that our responsibilities don’t end after the problem is fixed and Flint residents have safe drinking water. Let’s be clear, the problem is hardly fixed. We have to examine the genesis of this crisis to ensure that a disaster of this scale never happens again. I will say it again: We, the Legislature, need to stand up for the voters who sent us here.
This means creating and convening a bipartisan special joint committee with subpoena power. It also means performing a full investigation so that we can determine who the bad actors are and hold them accountable. That will mean closing the Freedom of Information Act loophole that exempts the Governor and the Legislature by passing Senate Bill No. 716, which I am proud to co‑sponsor along with my colleague from the 1st District.
The people of Michigan, especially the people of Flint, deserve transparency, accountability, and most importantly, answers. We need to restore their trust in our great state.
Committee Reports
The Committee on Transportation reported
Senate Bill No. 496, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 312a (MCL 257.312a), as amended by 2013 PA 177.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Thomas A. Casperson
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Casperson, Horn, Pavlov, Marleau and Hopgood
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Transportation submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Casperson (C), Horn, Pavlov, Marleau and Hopgood
The Committee on Agriculture reported
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.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Joe Hune
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Hune, Green, Schmidt, Booher and Johnson
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Agriculture reported
Senate Bill No. 671, entitled
A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled “Michigan liquor control code of 1998,” by amending sections 303 and 543 (MCL 436.1303 and 436.1543), section 543 as amended by 2010 PA 213.
With the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.
Joe Hune
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Hune, Green, Schmidt, Booher and Johnson
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.
The Committee on Agriculture reported
House Bill No. 4408, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 18813.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Joe Hune
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Hune, Green, Schmidt, Booher and Johnson
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Agriculture reported
House Bill No. 4999, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 7405, 16192, 16201, 16349, 17708, 17751, and 17763 (MCL 333.7405, 333.16192, 333.16201, 333.16349, 333.17708, 333.17751, and 333.17763), sections 7405, 17708, and 17763 as amended by 2012 PA 209, section 16192 as amended by 2013 PA 268, section 16201 as amended by 1988 PA 462, section 16349 as added by 1993 PA 79, and section 17751 as amended by 2014 PA 525.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Joe Hune
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Hune, Green, Schmidt, Booher and Johnson
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Agriculture submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Hune (C), Green, Schmidt, Booher and Johnson
The Committee on Oversight reported
Senate Bill No. 564, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 2690 (MCL 333.2690).
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Peter F. MacGregor
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators MacGregor, Kowall, Stamas and Schuitmaker
Nays: Senator Gregory
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Oversight reported
Senate Bill No. 565, entitled
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 13k of chapter XVII (MCL 777.13k), as amended by 2012 PA 539.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Peter F. MacGregor
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators MacGregor, Kowall, Stamas and Schuitmaker
Nays: Senator Gregory
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Oversight submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators MacGregor (C), Kowall, Stamas, Schuitmaker and Gregory
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the following:
Joint meeting held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Pavlov (C), Knollenberg, Booher, Colbeck and Knezek
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on K-12, School Aid, Education submitted the following:
Joint meeting held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at 8:30 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Hansen (C), Pavlov and Hopgood
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations - Wednesday, February 17, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1801)
Subcommittees -
Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesdays, February 23, March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Community Colleges - Tuesday, February 23, 9:15 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building; 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)
Corrections - Wednesday, February 17, 12:30 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
General Government - Thursdays, February 18, February 25, and March 3, 8:30 a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-2768)
Health and Human Services - Tuesdays, February 23 and March 1, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower; Thursday, March 3, 1:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building; Tuesday, March 8, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower; and Thursday, March 10, 1:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesday, February 17, 8:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
State Police and Military Affairs - Tuesdays, February 23, March 1, March 8, and March 15, 8:30 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 - Thursday, February 18, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism - Wednesday, February 17, 12:30 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1721)
Transportation - Thursday, February 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5312)
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:35 a.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
JEFFREY F. COBB
Secretary of the Senate
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