STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
101st Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2021
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, February 4,
2021.
10:00
a.m.
The
Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Garlin D. Gilchrist
II.
The
roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was
present.
Alexander—present Hollier—present Outman—present
Ananich—present Horn—present Polehanki—present
Barrett—present Irwin—present Runestad—present
Bayer—present Johnson—present Santana—present
Bizon—present LaSata—present Schmidt—present
Brinks—present Lauwers—present Shirkey—present
Bullock—present MacDonald—present Stamas—present
Bumstead—present McBroom—excused Theis—present
Chang—present McCann—present VanderWall—present
Daley—present McMorrow—excused Victory—present
Geiss—present Moss—present Wojno—present
Hertel—present Nesbitt—present Zorn—present
Senator Rick Outman of the 33rd
District offered the following invocation:
Father,
thank You for this day and for yet another chance to serve this nation, this
state, and another chance to serve You. We certainly seem to find ourselves in
unprecedented times, although I’m sure every generation found much the same
way. Just like those generations, we seem to be facing insurmountable
obstacles, or giants. Luckily for us, You have instructed us in Your Word on
how to deal with these so-called giants. Much like David facing Goliath, or
Moses facing Pharaoh, or even Gideon facing the Midianites, these men of old
called upon You. They knew that their giants were much smaller than their God,
or their God was way bigger than their giants. You promised us that if we reach
out to you and ask, You would give us Your Spirit, and in Your Word, You said
You didn’t give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind.
Today
we’re facing some giants also. We’re facing giants in our personal lives—family
struggles, unexpected deaths—the COVID-19 pandemic, also giants that seem to be
related to our jobs here, such as legislation we’re working on or our budget,
but probably the biggest giant we seem to be facing in this nation, this state,
and this world is our divisiveness. But again, this giant is not a giant to
You. You are much bigger than any problem we face, and so once again I would
beseech You to fill us with Your Spirit, to give us a sense of unity, so that
we can continue to be one body that’s united, one state that’s united, and one
nation that’s united, so that we can serve Your will.
Thank
you Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The
President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, led the members of the Senate in
recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that
Senator McBroom be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang moved that Senator
McMorrow be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The
following communications were received:
Department
of State
Administrative Rules
Notices of Filing
May 21, 2020
In
accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public
Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6,
this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and
Rules filed Emergency Administrative Rule Extension #2019-201-LR (Secretary of
State Filing #20-05-05) on this date at 8:58 a.m. for the Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Manufacturing of Marihuana Products
Intended for Inhalation.”
These
rules take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in
effect for 6 months.
May 21, 2020
In
accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public
Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6,
this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and
Rules filed Emergency Administrative Rule Extension #2019-202-LR (Secretary of
State Filing #20-05-06) on this date at 9:04 a.m. for the Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Testing of Marihuana Products
Intended for Inhalation.”
These
rules take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in
effect for 6 months.
July 1, 2020
In
accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public
Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6,
this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and
Rules filed Emergency Administrative Rule #20-207-HS (Secretary of State Filing
#20-07-01) on this date at 1:09 p.m. for the Department of Health and Human
Services entitled, “Creating A Schedule of Fines for Violation of June 15, 2020
EO 2020-123, 2020-136 formerly 2020-108.”
These
rules take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in
effect for 6 months.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn
Benson
Secretary
of State
Melissa
Malerman, Departmental Supervisor
Office
of the Great Seal
The
communications were referred to the Secretary for record.
The
following communication was received:
Office of Senator Jim Ananich
February 3, 2021
I would
like to request that my name be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 52, a bill
to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments
and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021; and to provide
for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Sincerely,
Jim
Ananich
Senate
Minority Leader
District
27
The
communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
Recess
Senator
Lauwers moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The
motion prevailed, the time being 10:05 a.m.
The
Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
Senate Resolution No. 9
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Senate Bill No. 30, entitled
A bill
to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001
to 250.2083) by adding section 1070a.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor, and the bill was placed on the order of
General Orders.
Senate Bill No. 30
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
General Orders
The
motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, designated
Senator Bayer as Chairperson.
After
some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant
Governor Gilchrist, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to
the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:
A bill
to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001
to 250.2083) by adding section 1070a.
The bill was placed on the order
of Third Reading of Bills.
By unanimous consent the Senate
returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
Senate Bill No. 30
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Third Reading of Bills
The following bill was read a
third time:
Senate Bill No. 30, entitled
A bill
to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001
to 250.2083) by adding section 1070a.
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. 7 Yeas—34
Alexander Daley MacDonald Schmidt
Ananich Geiss McCann Shirkey
Barrett Hertel Moss Stamas
Bayer Hollier Nesbitt Theis
Bizon Horn Outman VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Polehanki Victory
Bullock Johnson Runestad Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Santana Zorn
Chang Lauwers
Nays—0
Excused—2
McBroom McMorrow
Not
Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of
the bill.
Senator
Hollier asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved
that the statement be printed in the Journal.
Senator Hollier’s statement is as follows:
I just want to say thank you and to just read again the Firefighter’s Prayer. This memorial highway is for the father of Representative Tate. He passed 40 years ago on February 21 while being injured in the line of duty on February 17. The Firefighter’s Prayer is something that my dad and I used to pray together as he went out on these runs. And so it simply says:
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
And this is a prayer that my dad and I used to say fairly regularly. And I thank God every day that he was always able to come home, but we know so many firefighters who are unable to do that because they protect us. And so I just really appreciate all of you for taking the time and the effort to recognize Representative Tate’s father who did 40 years ago just a few weeks from now when Representative Tate was eight weeks old. Because we lose so many firefighters and folks who spend all their time protecting us. And so as you think about this I hope that you will consider honoring some other firefighters and emergency personnel in this time and in this way because these are people who are often forgotten as we think about the people who every day put their lives on the line for us.
By unanimous consent the Senate
proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
A
resolution to request that that the Secretary of State and the Bureau of
Elections complete the signature review process for the Unlock Michigan
initiative petition.
(This
resolution was reported by the Committee on Elections on February 3. See p. 130.)
The question being on the
adoption of the following committee substitute:
Substitute
(S-1).
The
substitute was adopted.
The resolution as substituted was adopted.
The
motion prevailed.
Senator Bumstead’s statement is as follows:
Senate Resolution No. 9 is a resolution to request the Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections to begin the signature review and process for the Unlock Michigan initiative petition. One hundred twenty‑five days ago, on October 2, 2020, Unlock Michigan filed over 500,000 signatures for its petition, and no progress has been made to verify the signatures of our residents. Earlier this week, the Secretary of State’s staff said the deadline to review the Unlock Michigan petition is July 2022. The Michigan Bureau of Elections currently remains focused on the final procedures of the 2020 general election. While I appreciate that the department is focused on the 2020 election, I find it hard to believe that they can’t work on the signature-verification process at the same time.
Further, just yesterday a spokesman for the Secretary of State said no amount of grandstanding or political pressure for special treatment will impact the work of the dedicated public servants at the Bureau of Elections. We are not asking Secretary Benson for special treatment. We are asking her to do the job she was elected to do.
In her 2021 State of the State Address, Governor Whitmer said, “While we had to focus on the virus, we proved that we can walk and chew gum at the same time.” I couldn’t agree more with the Governor’s statement. We as a state are more than capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. I urge Secretary Benson to get this process going and completed.
Throughout the years, there have been citizen petitions I supported and others I did not. My political opinion and those of the Secretary and her staff should not matter. The process to review and verify the signatures of lawful petitions should be the same, and I believe the department should begin the necessary work to get the job done.
Colleagues, I urge you to support the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 9 so that the voices of over half a million residents can be heard.
Senator Chang’s statement is as follows:
I just want to point out for everyone in this body that there is a signature review process that is already underway and that we’re at 124 days. But if you look back in history not too long ago about review of other petition signatures, in 2018 the redistricting petition took 184 days to verify, the Right to Life petition in 2019 took 175 days to verify, and as noted, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that we are looking at the 2020 election. So I think we’ve got a very busy, yet understaffed Secretary of State’s office that is doing a very good job and working extremely hard and I think it’s very disappointing that this resolution is unnecessary and is questioning the swiftness and sincerity of the office when it’s very clear that they are working actively to review these signatures.
Senators
Bullock, Santana, Irwin, Wojno, Alexander, Hertel, Hollier, Ananich, Brinks,
Polehanki, Bayer, Moss, Chang, Zorn, Daley, VanderWall, Victory, Barrett,
MacDonald, Horn, Bizon, Shirkey, Lauwers, Johnson, McBroom, Outman and Schmidt
offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 11.
A
resolution to recognize February 2021 as Black History Month.
Whereas, The origins of Black
History Month began first as a concept in 1915 and in earnest in 1924 when Dr.
Carter G. Woodson, through his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., created
Negro History and Literature Week in the United States. Since 1976, every
United States President has adopted the month of February as Black History
Month, an annual celebration of African-American achievements and roles in our
history; and
Whereas, As a result of growing
awareness of Black identity and the contributions of the Civil Rights Movement,
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the burdens of racial prejudice and
to explore, understand, and appreciate the identities and cultures across and
within the African diaspora; and
Whereas, We pay tribute to, not
only the many African-American historical figures in our nation’s history, but
also the hidden figures that have contributed to American ingenuity and
innovation throughout the existence of this great nation, the celebration of
which has evolved into a month-long celebration of Black progress and power;
and
Whereas, President Gerald R. Ford
officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize
the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black
Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”; and
Whereas, Michigan recognizes the
injustices that African-Americans have endured and commends the
African-American community for the continuous pursuit of overcoming those
injustices, while changing the course and nature of history. We honor the
prominent leaders and activists who have paved the way for equality and
justice; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the
members of this legislative body recognize February 2021 as Black History
Month; and be it further
Resolved, That we honor the
contributions and sacrifices made toward building pride in Black history and
educating all Americans; and be it further
Resolved, That during a national
pandemic which disproportionately affects African-Americans, we join other
organizations throughout the state of Michigan and this country to raise
awareness about the hardships African-Americans have endured, celebrate the
milestones achieved, and continue the unrelenting pursuit of equality and
justice for all.
Senator
Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Senators Geiss, Stamas and Theis
were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senators Schmidt, Bizon, Moss,
Santana, Wojno, Hertel and LaSata offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 12.
A
resolution to recognize February 2021 as School-Based Health Care Awareness
Month.
Whereas, Michigan’s school-based
and school-linked health centers (also known as child and adolescent health
centers) have delivered comprehensive primary health care, mental health care,
and prevention services for over 30 years; and
Whereas, There are over 125
school-based and school-linked health centers and programs in the state of
Michigan that deliver a range of primary, preventive, early intervention, and
mental health services to children and youth of all grade levels in urban,
rural, and suburban schools across the state; and
Whereas, Children and youth
served by school-based and school-linked health centers show improved rates of
school attendance, enhanced scores on standardized tests, less absenteeism due
to illness, and increased immunization rates, while having their wellness and
health care needs addressed; and
Whereas, School-Based Health Care
Awareness Month acknowledges the commitment and passion that school-based and
school-linked health center staff and parents/guardians have for all Michigan
children and youth; and
Whereas, We also recognize the
critical role that these individuals play in improving the health and well‑being
of all Michigan children and youth; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the
members of this legislative body recognize February 2021 as School-Based Health
Care Awareness Month.
Senator
Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
Senators Bayer, Chang, Geiss and
Stamas were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Introduction and Referral of Bills
A bill
to amend 1974 PA 258, entitled “Mental health code,” by amending sections 100d,
281c, 282, 408, 409, 426, 427a, 427b, 429, 436, 438, 469a, 498k, 498t, 516,
519, and 537 (MCL 330.1100d, 330.1281c, 330.1282, 330.1408, 330.1409, 330.1426,
330.1427a, 330.1427b, 330.1429, 330.1436, 330.1438, 330.1469a, 330.1498k,
330.1498t, 330.1516, 330.1519, and 330.1537), section 100d as amended by 2020
PA 99, section 281c as added by 2014 PA 200, section 282 as amended by 2014 PA
200, sections 408, 427a, and 498k as amended by 1995 PA 290, sections 409, 436,
438, and 469a as amended by 2018 PA 593, sections 426 and 429 as amended by
2016 PA 320, section 498t as added by 1988 PA 155, and sections 516, 519, and
537 as amended by 2018 PA 596, and by adding sections 170 and 172.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Health Policy and Human Services.
Senators
Ananich, McCann, Wojno, Polehanki, Chang, Hertel, Bullock, Bayer and Hollier
introduced
A bill
to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section
1272b (MCL 380.1272b), as amended by 2015 PA 42.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Education and Career Readiness.
Senators
Schmidt and Hertel introduced
A bill
to provide for the rights of certain electric transmission line owners.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Technology.
Senators
Hollier, Chang, Moss, Santana, Wojno, Alexander, Ananich, Hertel, Bullock,
Polehanki, Bayer, McBroom, Horn, Zorn, Outman and Schmidt introduced
A bill
to amend 2014 PA 259, entitled “Michigan national guard tuition assistance act,”
by amending the title and sections 3 and 4 (MCL 32.433 and 32.434), section 3
as amended by 2016 PA 531.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Families, Seniors, and Veterans.
Senators
Irwin, Brinks, Wojno, Santana, Bullock, Moss and Chang introduced
A bill
to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section
272 (MCL 206.272), as amended by 2011 PA 38.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Senator
VanderWall introduced
A bill
to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection
act,” by amending sections 73102, 73104, and 73105 (MCL 324.73102, 324.73104,
and 324.73105), section 73102 as amended by 1998 PA 546 and sections 73104 and
73105 as added by 1995 PA 58.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources.
Senator
MacDonald introduced
A bill
to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to
380.1852) by adding section 1170c.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Education and Career Readiness.
Senators
Chang, Irwin, Wojno, Polehanki, Bayer, Ananich, Alexander and Brinks introduced
A bill
to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection
act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 5525b.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Environmental Quality.
Senators
Chang, Irwin, Wojno, Polehanki, Bayer, Ananich, Alexander and Brinks introduced
A bill
to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection
act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 5506b.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Environmental Quality.
Statements
The
motion prevailed.
Senator Wojno’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to ask for your help and support that at this time we all come together and act promptly to take up Senate Bill No. 2 which is currently in the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development. This bill that I have introduced will restore unemployment benefits from the current 20 weeks to 26 weeks. I know that all of us here in this chamber has a story we can share of the hardship from those who have been unemployed in our districts. We have the opportunity and responsibility to work with each other to deliver relief for so many out there right now who are experiencing financial challenges to this pandemic to be helped. Restoring unemployment benefits an extra six weeks helps to provide that. People need hope and something to look forward to. We can help. People know that with some extra support, they’ll be able to keep a roof over their heads, and we can help. People need to know that we are here in Lansing to work on other issues that matter to them, and we can help with that too.
Please, I ask you not to forget those we represent, and I urge passage of this legislation soon because we can’t afford to let so many wait much longer. Michigan’s hard-working families are counting on us, and I’m asking that we deliver the support they deserve.
Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:
Last week a Democrat Attorney General issued a searing report about the deadly nursing home policy of her state’s Democrat Governor. Of course, this didn’t happen here in Michigan, because our own Attorney General has flatly denied requests to investigate our Governor’s decision to expose nursing home patients to COVID-19. No, this was New York, whose Governor also issued a similarly-disastrous order—a policy that New York corrected long before our Governor corrected Michigan’s policy.
So what did New York’s investigation find? That at least four thousand nursing home residents died after their Governor issued an executive order requiring the facilities re-admit still suffering from COVID-19 patients. And, shockingly, that the Governor’s health department had underreported COVID deaths in nursing homes by as much as 50 percent. Their Attorney General said,
It is imperative that we understand why the residents of nursing homes in New York unnecessarily suffered at such an alarming rate. While we cannot bring back the individuals we lost to the crisis, this report seeks to offer transparency that the public deserves and to spur increased action to protect our most vulnerable residents.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Chair of the Senate Investigation Committee in New York said he will use his subpoena power if necessary to get answers out of the Governor’s office about this tragedy. This is what bipartisanship and accountability should actually look like. I applaud our counterparts in the New York Senate and their Attorney General for putting people before party. It is shameful that our own Attorney General here in Michigan has done the same exact opposite in refusing to investigate this tragic loss of life. The good news for Attorney General Nessel and my Democrat colleagues who have resisted looking into Governor Whitmer’s decision is that it’s not too late. We can still do this. You can still join us in demanding answers for the thousands of Michiganders who unnecessarily died from this virus. Michiganders who spent their last moments not surrounded by their loved ones, but suffering alone.
Senator Bullock’s statement is as follows:
Colleagues I simply rise to thank you for your support of the resolution to recognize February 2021 as Black History Month. The theme this year is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”
My brother, the Senator from the 27th District gave you a brief overview yesterday of Black History Month so I’m just going to help you with paying homage to Carter Godwin Woodson, the “Father of Black History,” where in 1924 through the beloved Omega Psi Phi fraternity, of which I am a proud member, organized Negro History and Literature Week. Then in February of 1926 he launched the celebration of Negro History Week, which was the precursor to what we now say is Black History Month. February was chosen to bracket President Abraham Lincoln’s and activist and scholar Frederick Douglass’s birthdays, which is why February was chosen. Brother Woodson was also one of the first scholars to study African American history, collected thousands of artifacts and publications for historical research, and eventually founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Black History Month would not be the celebration it is today without his tireless contribution. Brother Woodson’s intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.
President Gerald
Ford, a Michigan man, officially recognized Black History Month in 1976,
calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often
neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout
our history” and beyond. And every U.S. President has adopted the month of
February as Black History Month throughout. It’s an annual celebration of
achievements and roles in our history where we pay tribute to not only the many
Black American historical figures in our nation’s history, but also the hidden
figures that have contributed to American ingenuity and innovation throughout
the existence of this great nation and beyond. This celebration has evolved
into a month-long celebration of Black progress and power, however, those that
truly understand, Black history is every day. Black history is a part of
American history, which is why I also want to encourage you to follow the
Senator from the 3rd District in making Juneteenth a state holiday.
Here in Michigan we recognize the injustices that Black Americans have endured and commend Black excellence for the continuous pursuit of overcoming these injustices while changing the course and nature of history. It should not go unnoticed that during a national pandemic which disproportionately affects Black America, to mention the lead scientist, Dr. Corbett, a Black woman on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to use this occasion to raise awareness about the hardships Black Americans have endured, we honor the prominent leaders and activists who have paved the way for equality and justice. We have a shining example right here in this chamber—Garlin Gilchrist being the first Black Lieutenant Governor in Michigan history. And on the national stage, Kamala Harris being the first Black woman Vice President, so let’s celebrate the milestones achieved and continue the unrelenting pursuit of equality and justice for all. With that being said, a few members have not signed onto this resolution, so turn to your left, get on your laptop, and sign on so we have a unanimous decision there.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill Nos. 4089 4090 4091 4092 4093 4094 4095 4096 4097 4098 4099 4100 4101 4102 4103 4104 4105 4106 4107 4108 4109 4110 4111 4112 4113 4114 4115 4116 4117 4118 4119 4120 4121
Committee Reports
The Committee on Elections
reported
Senate Resolution No. 9.
A resolution to request that that
the Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections complete the signature
review process for the Unlock Michigan initiative petition.
(For text of resolution, see
Senate Journal No. 4, p. 90.)
With the recommendation that the
following substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the resolution then be adopted:
A resolution to request that the
Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections complete the signature review
process for the Unlock Michigan initiative petition.
Whereas, Government must always
respond to citizens in a timely and accurate manner. Democracy demands that
government serve its citizens with the utmost efficiency; and
Whereas, Over three months ago,
on October 2, 2020, Unlock Michigan filed over 500,000 signatures for its
petition to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act, 1945 PA 302, MCL 10.31
to 10.33, entitled “an act authorizing the governor to proclaim a state of
emergency, and to prescribe the powers and duties of the governor with respect
thereto; and to prescribe penalties”; and
Whereas, Multiple statewide
petition proposals from recent years have been processed in less than three months,
including some in much less time. The Director of the Bureau of Elections
stated in an affidavit that “it takes approximately 60 days to complete the
random sampling and challenge process.” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has
said petition review could take 105 days; and
Whereas, When citizens lawfully
petition their government in an action of direct democracy, it is imperative
that the government act swiftly and sincerely; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we
request that the Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections complete the
signature review process for the Unlock Michigan initiative petition; and be it
further
Resolved, That copies of this
resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of State, the Director of the Bureau
of Elections, and the Board of State Canvassers.
Ruth
A. Johnson
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Johnson, McBroom
and VanderWall
Nays: None
The resolution and the substitute
recommended by the committee were placed on the order of Resolutions.
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The
Committee on Elections submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations
Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present:
Senators Johnson (C), McBroom, VanderWall and Wojno
The Committee on Families,
Seniors, and Veterans reported
Senate
Bill No. 10, entitled
With
the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then
pass.
John
Bizon, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report
Out:
Yeas:
Senators Bizon, Barrett, Runestad, Johnson, Zorn, Bullock and Alexander
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 Families, Seniors, and Veterans submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., Room 403, Fourth Floor, Capitol
Building
Present:
Senators Bizon (C), Barrett, Runestad, Johnson, Zorn, Bullock and Alexander
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The
Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections and Judiciary submitted
the following:
Meeting
held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office
Building
Present:
Senators Bizon (C), Runestad and Hollier
COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee
on Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting
held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground
Floor, Boji Tower
Present:
Senators Stamas (C), Bumstead, Barrett, Bizon, LaSata, MacDonald, Nesbitt,
Outman, Runestad, Schmidt, Victory, Daley, Hertel, Bayer, Hollier, Irwin,
McCann and Santana
Advice and Consent – Thursdays, February 11, February 18, and February 25, 12:00 noon, Room
1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314
Subcommittees –
Corrections
and Judiciary – Wednesday, February 10, 11:30 a.m. or
immediately following session, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517)
373-2768
General
Government – Wednesday,
February 10, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Universities
and Community Colleges –
Thursday, February 11, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor,
Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Education and Career Readiness with House Education – Tuesday, February 9, 12:00 noon, Senate Hearing
Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (517) 373-5314
Energy and Technology – Tuesday, February 9,
2:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (517) 373-1721
Families, Seniors, and Veterans – Wednesday, February 10, 3:00 p.m., Room 403, 4th
Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-1721
Senator LaSata moved that the
Senate adjourn.
The
motion prevailed, the time being 11:09 a.m.
The
President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday,
February 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.
MARGARET O’BRIEN
Secretary of the Senate