STATE OF MICHIGAN
JOURNAL
OF THE
House of Representatives
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2023
House Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, February 9, 2023.
10:00 a.m.
The House was called to order by the Speaker.
The roll was called by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who announced that a quorum was present.
Aiyash—present Dievendorf—present Markkanen—present Schriver—present
Alexander—present Edwards—present Martin—present Schuette—present
Andrews—present Farhat—present Martus—present Scott—present
Aragona—present Filler—present McFall—present Shannon—present
Arbit—present Fink—present McKinney—present Skaggs—present
Beeler—present Fitzgerald—present Meerman—present Slagh—present
BeGole—present Fox—present Mentzer—present Smit—present
Beson—present Friske—present Miller—present Snyder—present
Bezotte—present Glanville—present Morgan—present St. Germaine—present
Bierlein—present Grant—present Morse—present Steckloff—present
Bollin—present Green, P.—present Mueller—present Steele—present
Borton—present Greene, J.—present Neeley—present Stone—present
Brabec—present Haadsma—present Neyer—present Tate—present
Breen—present Hall—present O’Neal—present Thompson—present
Brixie—present Harris—present Outman—present Tisdel—present
Bruck—excused Hill—present Paiz—present Tsernoglou—present
Byrnes—present Hoadley—present Paquette—present VanderWall—present
Carra—present Hood—present Pohutsky—present VanWoerkom—present
Carter, B.—present Hope—present Posthumus—present Wegela—present
Carter, T.—present Hoskins—present Prestin—present Weiss—present
Cavitt—present Johnsen—present Price—present Wendzel—present
Churches—present Koleszar—present Puri—present Whitsett—present
Coffia—present Kuhn—present Rheingans—present Wilson—present
Coleman—present Kunse—present Rigas—present Witwer—present
Conlin—present Liberati—present Rogers—present Wozniak—present
DeBoer—present Lightner—present Roth—present Young—present
DeBoyer—present MacDonell—present Schmaltz—present Zorn—present
DeSana—present Maddock—present
e/d/s = entered during session
Rep. Kelly Breen, from the 21st District, offered the following invocation:
“Saint Patrick wrote, ‘I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul’s desire.’
The wonders we can achieve in this chamber if we can look past individual imperfections and recognize the good in all of us, and the good we wish to deliver to the people we serve.
Let us invite God, in all His forms and names, into our hearts and minds.
With His guidance we can walk clear and true paths of service. We ask that God help us find the compassion, wisdom, and patience to recognize our individual soul’s desires to truly help one another and humankind.
It is with understanding, that love, wisdom, compassion and patience we can take action to keep our children, our loved ones, our families, our health care workers, first responders, and men and women in uniform safe, to help them be healthy and bring them happiness.
We plead with the Lord to find His way into the souls, hearts and minds of the people far away in Turkey & Syria – still unearthing bodies from horrific earthquakes – as well as to parents who grieve the loss of their children to violence here in Michigan and the United States- to give them the strength to endure and comfort when all seems lost.
And we ask that the Lord grant us the grace to do as we are meant to - not just as legislators, but as parents, as spouses, as sons and daughters, as humans - to do all the good we can, as often as we can, wherever we can, for as many as we can, for as long as we can.
‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’”
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The Speaker called the Speaker Pro Tempore to the Chair.
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Rep. Posthumus moved that Rep. Bruck be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Motions and Resolutions
Reps. Mentzer, Shannon, Aragona, McKinney, St. Germaine, DeBoyer, Kuhn, Wozniak, Farhat, Snyder, Witwer, Martus, Fitzgerald, Edwards, Young, Byrnes, Miller, Puri, Skaggs, Price, Wilson, Andrews, Steckloff, O’Neal, Neeley, Brenda Carter, Pohutsky, Aiyash, Arbit, MacDonell, Hoskins, Grant, Rheingans, Brabec, McFall, Hill, Morgan, Tyrone Carter, BeGole, Kunse, Schmaltz, Weiss, Haadsma, Scott, Tsernoglou, Rogers, Coleman, Glanville, Koleszar, Whitsett and Stone offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 33.
A resolution to express our commitment, in partnership with the United States Air Force, to accelerating change in order to compete with, deter, and, if necessary, defeat a peer adversary, and to urge the United States Air Force to replace the A-10s with an advanced generation fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Whereas, Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is intrinsically designed to meet the priorities of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. Selfridge ANGB offers an immediate fighter aircraft basing solution with existing infrastructure, manpower, and unconstrained access to advanced multi-domain training ranges. A fighter mission at Selfridge ANGB complements Michigan’s All-Domain Warfighting Center, which prepares warfighters for future conflicts against peer adversaries and is strategically located between 42 and 48 degrees latitude. Michigan is the backstop for defense of the homeland and is capable of projecting power in all domains through a combat-credible force, in cooperation with allies and partners; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB has a long and
proud history of flying fighter aircraft dating back over 100 years.
Selfridge ANGB is home to the 127th Wing, a highly respected warfighting unit
currently flying A-10s and KC-135s. The 127th Wing has been essential in
providing combat air support in the Middle East in recent years; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB derives significant value from its location in proximity to both military and civilian assets. Selfridge ANGB is a joint military community with existing infrastructure, efficient flight times to the largest overland airspace complex east of the Mississippi, significant overwater and littoral training opportunities, and easy access to northern Michigan training facilities in Alpena and Grayling. The base is located north of Detroit on the shore of Lake Saint Clair, in close proximity to the Detroit metropolitan area and a major airline hub, offering a focal point for gaining and retaining the highest-quality pilots and maintenance personnel; and
Whereas, Divestment of the A-10s in fiscal year 2027, as the Air Force plans, would be a great loss to our state. There are currently 21 A-10s at Selfridge ANGB. The operation of these aircraft is supported by 611 personnel, including 246 full-time employees, with an economic impact of $44,520,000 annually to the state of Michigan; and
Whereas, Selfridge ANGB is a multifaceted asset to Michigan and the nation. The base is a source of community pride and jobs, with a local economic benefit worth more than $700 million to residents and businesses in several surrounding cities and townships. In addition, Selfridge ANGB is a key component of disaster response for the entire state and a vital base for our nation’s homeland defense; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express our commitment, in partnership with the United States Air Force, to accelerating change in order to compete with, deter, and, if necessary, defeat a peer adversary; and be it further
Resolved, That we strongly urge the United States Air Force to replace the A-10s with an advanced generation fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the Michigan congressional delegation and the Secretary of the Air Force.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Reps. O’Neal, Haadsma, Hood, Shannon, Dievendorf, Martus, Neeley, Tyrone Carter, Koleszar, Conlin, Price, Brixie, Hoskins, Arbit, Liberati, Snyder, Fitzgerald, McFall, Tsernoglou, Breen, Farhat, Roth, Hill, Rheingans, Brenda Carter, Martin, Bierlein, BeGole, Phil Green, Young, Grant, Churches, Weiss, Stone, Glanville, Aiyash, Bezotte, Fitzgerald, Hope, Rogers and Shannon offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 34.
A resolution to declare February 11, 2023, as White Shirt Day in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, We recognize Michigan’s members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as they gather to mark the 85th anniversary of their first contract with General Motors. This anniversary is a reflection of the extreme sacrifice, commitment, and determination of those first UAW members who paved the way for higher pay and improved benefits that have created a positive atmosphere for all of America’s working men and women. We remember those historic members on this anniversary; and
Whereas, On February 11, 2023, UAW members and retirees will wear white shirts to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the famous Flint Sit-Down Strike in 1937. While the members of this distinguished organization celebrate the 85th anniversary of this event, we offer our thanks for the outstanding contributions they have made to the Flint community, our state, and our nation; and
Whereas, The origin of the UAW’s White Shirt Day can be traced back to 1948 when Bert Christensen, a UAW member of Local 598, first suggested it. His idea was to ask that workers wear the white shirts traditionally worn by managers to show the company that they were equally important to the business. The shirts represent equal respect and treatment for blue-collar workers and the unity and strength of UAW members; and
Whereas, With ceremonies to celebrate its history, the members and officers of the UAW will remember the vision of its founders and the commitment of its workers that have brought them to this point. Fittingly, as they look to the past, they will also be casting an eye to the future and to the many ways in which United Auto Workers will continue to serve the working men and women of this great country; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 11, 2023, as White Shirt Day in the state of Michigan. We commemorate the 85th anniversary of the first United Auto Workers contract with General Motors and commend everyone who has contributed to the UAW’s success. We applaud their accomplishments and thank them for helping to strengthen and build Michigan’s communities, workforce, and economy.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Rep. Aiyash moved that Rule 71 be suspended and the resolution be considered at this time.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Reps. McKinney, Young, Neeley, Grant, Edwards, Farhat, Coleman, O’Neal, Aiyash, Rheingans, Martus, Brabec, Coffia, Puri, McFall, Byrnes, Wegela, Glanville, Tsernoglou, Morgan, Tate, Andrews, Hood, Dievendorf, Miller, Fitzgerald, Schuette, Arbit, Pohutsky, Wilson, Brenda Carter, Price, Haadsma, Morse, Hoskins, Hope, MacDonell, Tyrone Carter, Whitsett, Churches, BeGole, Breen, Koleszar, Liberati, Rogers, Shannon, Snyder and Weiss offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 35.
A resolution to declare February 2023 as Black History Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, The origins of Black History Month began in 1915 after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery in the United States. Since 1976, every U.S. 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 the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the burdens of racial prejudice and explore, understand, and appreciate the identities and cultures across and within the African diaspora; and
Whereas, We pay tribute to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who organized a national Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history, evolving 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 House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 2023 as Black History Month in the state of Michigan; 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 we join other organizations throughout the state of Michigan and this country to use this occasion to raise awareness about the hardships African-Americans have endured, celebrate the milestones achieved, and to continue the unrelenting pursuit of equality and justice for all.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Rep. Aiyash moved that there be a Call of the House.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members present voting therefor.
Proceedings Under the Call
The roll of the House was called by the Clerk and Rep. Bruck was reported absent.
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Rep. Aiyash moved that the House proceed with the business under the Call.
The motion prevailed.
Reports of Select Committees
The Speaker laid before the House the conference report relative to
House Bill No. 4001, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act
of 1967,” by amending sections 30 and 51 (MCL 206.30 and 206.51), section 30 as
amended by 2022 PA 5 and section 51 as amended by 2020 PA 75.
(The conference report was reported by the conference committee on February 8.)
(For conference report, see House Journal No. 13, p. 153.)
The question being on the adoption of the conference report,
After debate,
Rep. Aiyash demanded the previous question.
The demand was supported.
The question being, “Shall the main question now be put?”
The previous question was ordered.
The question being on the adoption of the conference report,
The conference report was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Edwards McFall Rogers
Andrews Farhat McKinney Scott
Arbit Fitzgerald Mentzer Shannon
Brabec Glanville Miller Skaggs
Breen Grant Morgan Snyder
Brixie Haadsma Morse Steckloff
Byrnes Hill Mueller Stone
Carter, B. Hood Neeley Tate
Carter, T. Hope O’Neal Tsernoglou
Churches Hoskins Paiz Weiss
Coffia Koleszar Pohutsky Whitsett
Coleman Liberati Price Wilson
Conlin MacDonell Puri Witwer
Dievendorf Martus Rheingans Young
Nays—53
Alexander Filler Maddock Schuette
Aragona Fink Markkanen Slagh
Beeler Fox Martin Smit
BeGole Friske Meerman St. Germaine
Beson Green, P. Neyer Steele
Bezotte Greene, J. Outman Thompson
Bierlein Hall Paquette Tisdel
Bollin Harris Posthumus VanderWall
Borton Hoadley Prestin VanWoerkom
Carra Johnsen Rigas Wegela
Cavitt Kuhn Roth Wendzel
DeBoer Kunse Schmaltz Wozniak
DeBoyer Lightner Schriver Zorn
DeSana
In The Chair: Pohutsky
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Rep. Markkanen, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
While an expansion of the EITC is
something I can support and have previously, the Democrats have decided to hold
that hostage in exchange for an income tax increase for every Michigander when
we have $8 billion in state surplus. Everyone deserves a tax cut now.”
Rep. VanderWall, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
The Democrats have changed significant portions of a tax bill that I had previously voted in favor of last term by changing it from a tax relief bill to a bill that essentially raises new taxes. I’m voting no this time because it puts pressure on families at a time when they need as much relief as possible.”
Rep. Bierlein, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
The bill in question has been a textbook example of why there is distrust of government in Michigan. Throughout this process, behind closed doors, this bill was perverted from tax relief for seniors, to a spending bill that directly increases the burden on Michigan families. The process alone would merit a no vote. However, the content of the bill makes it completely unpalatable. Through this legislation we are giving hard-earned dollars that could go towards gas and groceries for struggling families to large corporations with no legislative oversite. I cannot in good conscience vote for a piece of legislation that so blatantly punishes the hard-working men and women of this state.”
Rep. Bezotte, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
House Bill 4001 has changed. Cutting the retirement tax is something that I support. Lowering taxes for working families is also something I support 100% Forcing every single Michigan taxpayer to pay higher income taxes so the governor can fund secret corporate projects is unacceptable. I support eliminating public pension taxes but not at the expense of every taxpayer in Michigan “
Rep. Schmaltz, having reserved the right to explain her nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
After supporting the retirement tax cut in the initial version of HB 4001, I am now voting against the legislation in its current form. With the drastic changes that have been made to it, this bill will force people in my district to continue paying higher income taxes at a time when they just simply cannot afford it. I am a strong supporter of tax relief for Michigan retirees and working families, but I simply cannot support an income tax hike for all Michigan taxpayers. Michigan residents and small businesses deserve an income tax cut.”
Rep. Kuhn, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I previously supported portions of this bill, but voted no today because it was amended to take away a crucial income tax cut that families in my district deserve. Democrats altered the plan to block an income tax rate reduction for all taxpayers and to add hundreds of millions of dollars for some undisclosed corporate welfare spending. Our citizens need permanent, long-lasting relief now, and an open transparent government, not political games.”
Rep. Tisdel, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I have already, proudly, voted for the retirement tax cut. I have already, proudly, voted to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit. Unfortunately, this new version of House Bill 4001 contains a convoluted $800 million redirection that would block a permanent income tax cut for every Michigan resident and small business. What’s more, this legislation includes funding for corporate development projects, which are completely unrelated to the tax relief that was the original goal of this bill. I proudly vote ‘no’ on this pieced-together, Frankenstein’s monster version of HB 4001.”
Rep. Thompson, having reserved the right to explain her nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I previously voted yes on the EITC to give families in my district more of their hard earned money back. Unfortunately, this important relief is being held hostage by the majority party so that the governor can add an 800-million-dollar slush fund to help big corporations instead of the people that need help the most: working families and small businesses.
My district has let me know they believe a
one-time $180 check is a huge slap in the face and not enough to help them make
ends meet. Today, I voted no because this package takes away the permanent
relief they were promised and deserve.”
Rep. Steele, having reserved the right to explain her nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I previously supported portions of this bill, but voted No today because it was amended to take away a crucial income tax cut that families in my district wholeheartedly deserve. Democrats purposely altered the plan to block an automatic income tax rate reduction for all taxpayers. People need permanent, long- lasting relief, not more political games and corporate welfare.
No floor discussion, no free speech, no speeches were allowed, the board didn’t work either.”
Rep. DeBoer, having reserved the right to explain her nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
As we sit on a record 9-billion-dollar surplus we are denying working families and small businesses the permanent income tax relief they were promised. I can’t in good conscience negate this promise of immediate relief for every taxpayer and job creator across the state of Michigan. I regret the fact that the pension relief and the EITC tax credit I previously voted in favor of were added into this behemoth of a bill. This bill ultimately will cost taxpayers 800 billion over the next 10 years. And that’s why I voted against this.”
Rep. St. Germaine, having reserved the right to explain her nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I previously supported portions of this bill, but voted no today because it now blocks permanent income tax relief for working families and small businesses. Democrats failed to keep this important tax relief promise, and created a corporate slush fund that does not benefit small-business owners. For these reasons, I votes no and urge the governor to veto this misguided scheme.”
Rep. BeGole, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
This bill prioritizes short-term stunts, corporate handouts and closed-door processes over needed, long-lasting income tax relief for people across my area. I will continue efforts in the Legislature to help people keep more of what they earn – instead of supporting unchecked, irresponsible spending plans.”
Rep. Martin, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
The Democrat majority has crammed a lot into House Bill 4001 – including tax cuts for retirees and working families that I support. What I can’t support is the accounting tricks they’re trying to pull. By shifting money around, this bill blocks the permanent income tax cut that every Michigander and every small business in our state had coming their way.”
Rep. Cavitt, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I previously supported this bill as it gave needed tax cuts to folks in my district. I’m voting no today because instead of tax breaks for my constituents, House Bill 4001 now gives tax-breaks to corporations.”
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Rep. Aiyash moved that the House adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 3:10 p.m.
The Speaker Pro Tempore declared the House adjourned until Tuesday, February 14, at 1:30 p.m.
RICHARD J. BROWN
Clerk of the House of Representatives