STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2023
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present
Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present
Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present
Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present
Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present
Bumstead—present Johnson—present Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present
Cherry—present McBroom—present Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—present McDonald Rivet—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present McMorrow—present
Senator Thomas A. Albert of the 18th District offered the following invocation:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, assumed the Chair.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Johnson be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Singh moved that Senator Geiss be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The following communication was received and read:
Office of the Auditor General
May 26, 2023
Enclosed is a copy of the following report:
• Report on internal control, control, compliance and other matters of the State of Michigan Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (071-0010-23).
Sincerely,
Doug Ringler
Auditor General
The audit report was referred to the Committee on Oversight.
Messages from the Governor
Senator Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.
The following message from the Governor was received on June 2, 2023, and read:
EXECUTIVE ORDER
No. 2023-4
Growing Michigan Together Council
Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
For much of the 20th century, people came to Michigan seeking opportunity. Michiganders could earn family-sustaining wages and build generational wealth with just a high school diploma. Our population and incomes grew faster than the rest of the country, supporting strong schools, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant communities.
Michigan’s population growth began to slow in the 1970s, and in the 21st century, Michigan grew more slowly than all but one state. For Michigan to thrive in the decades ahead, we must ensure that our state is a place that everyone can and wants to call home.
Michiganders are Michigan’s most important resource. Children playing with blocks today will be the workers, designers, and engineers of tomorrow, building bridges and defining the skylines of cities right here in Michigan. Recent graduates from Michigan’s world-class institutions of higher education must be able to see a path to a prosperous future and a good-paying, high-skilled job right here in Michigan. Retirees who have worked hard over decades starting businesses, raising families, and building their communities should be able to enjoy their golden years right here in Michigan. Our friends, family, and neighbors are also the customers that patronize our businesses, the workers who staff our factories, and the innovators who will define our future.
To usher in a better tomorrow, we must collaborate to grow Michigan together today.
Growing Michigan together is a Team Michigan task. We must shore up our talent pipeline, build on our strong manufacturing base, leverage our rich natural resources, and draw more people from across the nation and around the world, all while maintaining our state’s high quality of life and low cost of living. Michigan must be a place that attracts all, welcomes all, and includes all. Together we can again make Michigan a magnet for jobs, people, and prosperity. To achieve these critical goals – to make Michigan bigger, better, stronger – we need a cohesive strategy; a long-term vision that addresses current and future challenges and sets Michigan up for success in the 21st century.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed and places each principal department under the governor’s supervision.
For these reasons, and acting pursuant to the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
1. Creating the Growing Michigan Together Council
(a) The Growing Michigan Together Council (“Council”) is created as an advisory body within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (“Department”).
(b) The Council should include twenty-eight (28) total members, with twenty-one (21) voting members and seven (7) non-voting members as follows:
(1) The Council should include twenty-one (21) voting members appointed by the governor:
(a) Two (2) members who will be designated by the governor as the chairs of the Council;
(b) The director of the Department, or the director’s designated representative from within the Department;
(c) Four (4) members of the legislative branch of state government may participate as voting members of the Council:
(i) Two members from the Michigan House of Representatives, one from each party; and
(ii) Two members from the Michigan Senate, one from each party;
(d) The remaining fourteen (14) voting members should be selected to represent the interests of the private sector, labor, workforce development and talent, infrastructure, non-profit or philanthropy, and education. One (1) such voting member should be under 25 years old.
(2) The Council should include seven (7) non-voting members:
(a) The director of the State Budget Office, or the director’s designated representative from within that office;
(b) The state treasurer, or the treasurer’s designated representative from within the Michigan Department of Treasury;
(c) The director of the Department of Transportation, or the director’s designated representative from within that department;
(d) The Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer (“CEO”) of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (“MEDC”), or the CEO’s designated representative from within the MEDC;
(e) The executive director of the Office of Global Michigan, or the executive director’s designated representative from within that office;
(f) Two (2) non-voting members appointed by the governor:
(i) An individual with a background in economics; and
(ii) An individual with a background in demography.
(c) The Council’s membership should reflect the socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, occupational, political, and geographic diversity of Michigan.
(d) If a vacancy occurs on the Council, the governor must make an appointment for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(e) The governor may remove a member of the Council for any reason.
2. Charge to the Council
(a) The Council must act in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the Department and do the following:
(1) Identify concrete, data-driven, and evidence-based goals to grow the state’s population, improve educational outcomes from preschool through postsecondary education, attract and retain talent, and build long-term, sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of the population;
(2) Define the gap between Michigan and the best
performing states on the goals identified by the Council;
(3) Identify specific short-term, medium-term, and long-term policies needed to close these gaps and meet the goals identified by the Council; and,
(4) Analyze the effectiveness of existing programs and spending dedicated to achieving the goals identified by the Council, and make recommendations on how to address any gaps between projected revenues and recommended expenditures.
(b) The Council must establish four workgroups: jobs, talent and people; infrastructure and places; preK‑12 education; and higher education. These workgroups may include voting or non-voting Council members, representatives of state departments or agencies, or members of the public as deemed necessary by the Council. In its designated area of focus, each workgroup must make recommendations with respect to the duties of the Council described in section 2(a) of this order and the report described in section 2(d) of this order.
(c) The Council may adopt, reject, or modify recommendations made by the workgroups.
(d) By December 1, 2023, the Council must prepare and submit a report to the governor, the Michigan House of Representatives, and the Michigan Senate on the following categories and, in each of these categories, the report will identify priorities with short-term, medium-term, and long-term policies to achieve the goals identified by the Council consistent with section 2(a) of this order:
(1) Jobs, Talent, and People: Propose a specific population goal for 2050 that is based on comprehensive economic development strategies that create safe, vibrant communities and lead to great opportunities and upward economic mobility for every Michigander. The report must contain policy recommendations to drive concrete, equitable investments that reflect the state’s growth in communities of color; ensure domestic migration to Michigan (a combination of retaining our young talent and attracting talent to come to Michigan), as well as international migration to Michigan (creating additional pathways for new Americans); give direction on how to leverage Michigan’s rich natural resources and expected climate migration from other states; and identify potential future workforce shortages and create targeted programs to attract the talent to fill these gaps.
(2) Infrastructure and Places: Propose long-term, sustainable, and equitable funding solutions for Michigan’s multi-modal transportation systems and aging water infrastructure network to help meet the 2050 population goal identified in the report. When proposing policy, planning, and funding recommendations, the report must consider the need for sustainable investment amongst the emergence of more fuel-efficient vehicles and an unprecedented influx of one-time federal money. The workgroup also must propose solutions on how to create attainable housing options for Michiganders in every income bracket and create investment‑ready sites across the state.
(3) PreK-12 Education: Propose statewide goals and policy recommendations on how Michigan can improve student outcomes to help every student reach their full potential, strengthen accountability to meet shared goals, and attract people and businesses to our state. The report must propose how Michigan’s statewide performance will be benchmarked against top performing states and countries and develop specific initiatives that guarantee every child realizes their full potential that allows them to be a lifelong Michigan resident.
(4) Higher Education: Propose long-term, sustainable, and equitable funding solutions for Michigan’s postsecondary education system, including student financial aid, to help meet the 2050 population goal identified in the report. The report must consider the need to improve college access and success, lower costs, and provide education and training that meets the demands of the state’s economy. The report must also consider and build on the existing efforts within the Office of Sixty by 30 and make recommendations to achieve and exceed this goal.
(5) Revenue: Identify or propose different revenue sources to address gaps identified between revenues and recommended expenditures to meet the goals identified by the Council, as well as any recommended changes in existing programs to ensure effectiveness and alignment with the goals identified by the Council.
3. Operations of the Council
(a) The Council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Council may review best practices from other states and consult with issue-area experts and outside experts to perform its duties, including, but not limited to, experts in the private sector, government departments and agencies, and the nonprofit sector.
(b) The Department must assist the Council in the performance of its duties and provide personnel to staff the Council, as appropriate. The Council may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, consistent with this order and applicable law, rules, and procedures, subject to available funding. Any budgeting, procurement, or related management functions of the Council will be performed under the direction and supervision of the director of the Department.
(c) The Council must adopt procedures, consistent
with this order and applicable law, governing its organization and operations.
(d) The Council shall comply with the Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, as amended, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(e) The chairs of the Council, in coordination with each other, will call the first meeting of the Council, which must occur on or before July 1, 2023. At the first meeting, the chairs and the Council must set goals and a schedule. After the first meeting, the Council must meet at the call of the chairs or if requested by a majority of the members.
(f) A majority of the members of the Council serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Council. The Council must act by a majority vote of its serving members.
(g) The Council may accept grants of funds, donations of funds, property, labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any grants or donations may only be accepted and expended in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and procedures.
(h) Members of the Council must not receive additional compensation for participation on the Council. Members of the Council may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with applicable law, rules, and procedures, subject to available funding.
4. Implementation
(a) All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state must give to the Council, or to any member or representative of the Council, any necessary assistance required by the Council, or any member or representative thereof, in the performance of the official duties of the Council so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this order and applicable law. Free access also must be given to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Council, consistent with applicable law.
(b) This order is not intended to abate a proceeding commenced by, against, or before an officer or entity affected by this order. A proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the successor of any officer or entity affected by this order.
(c) If any portion of this order is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable provision should be disregarded and the rest of the order should remain in effect as issued.
(d) This order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan.
Date: June 1, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Gretchen Whitmer
[SEAL] Governor
By the Governor:
Jocelyn Benson
Secretary of State
The executive order was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
The following messages from the Governor were received and read:
May 30, 2023
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 204 of 1994, MCL 722.923:
Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman
Mr. Ryan Speidel of 12946 Chartreuse Drive, DeWitt, Michigan 48820, county of Clinton, appointed for a term commencing May 30, 2023 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
May 30, 2023
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Article V § 3 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963:
Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation
Mr. Bradley Wieferich of 1385 W. Dill Road, DeWitt, Michigan 48820, county of Clinton, appointed for a term commencing May 30, 2023 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
Respectfully,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
The appointments were referred to the
Committee on Government Operations.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Daley’s statement is as follows:
Today I have the special privilege and honor of hosting national champions in the Michigan Capitol. The Lapeer Strike Zone robotics team recently traveled to Houston, Texas, and achieved the remarkable feat of winning their division of the 2023 First Robotics National Competition and being the overall runner-up at the national championship.
Despite facing fierce competition from renowned teams across the country, the Lapeer robotics team’s innovation, perseverance, and unwavering determination led them to secure first place in their division and runner-up position overall. Their achievements not only reflect their technical expertise, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, but have shown on the national stage the true value of STEM programs in our schools.
Today, I urge you all to join me in applauding the Lapeer Strike Zone robotics team students and their coaches for their exceptional performance. Let us celebrate their outstanding accomplishments and recognize their dedication to excellence, which not only brings pride to the Lapeer community but also our great state of Michigan.
Please help me in recognizing and welcoming the Lapeer Strike Zone robotics team at the Capitol who are located in the west Gallery.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senators Hoitenga, Runestad, Theis and Johnson offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 56.
A resolution to strongly condemn the May 2023 changes to the upfront fees on home mortgages charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Whereas, The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), collectively known as the Enterprises. The Enterprises are charged with facilitating responsible access to mortgages, which they accomplish by guaranteeing borrowers’ mortgage payments, a practice that ultimately reduces interest rates on home loans. To cover the risk of borrowers defaulting on a mortgage, the Enterprises charge fees, including upfront fees that vary based on the borrower’s credit score and the down payment made on the loan; and
Whereas, On January 19, 2023, the FHFA announced changes to the upfront fees that the Enterprises charge on mortgages sought to finance the purchase of a home, effective May 1, 2023. Comparing the fee matrices of Freddie Mac before and after this change, two general trends are revealed. First, there were sharp decreases in upfront fees charged to those who make very small down payments of less than 5 percent of the value of the home. In some cases, these fees have decreased by as much as 2 percent. Second, these fees were redistributed, so that upfront fees generally increased for those with better credit scores and decreased for those with poorer credit scores. Paradoxically, those with strong demonstrated financial track records are punished with increased fees, while those with lower credit scores will now pay considerably less; and
Whereas, The May 2023 changes to the Enterprises’ upfront fees favor riskier borrowers at the expense of those who are more financially stable, a policy shift that could decrease the security and safety of the housing market. The FHFA should not adopt policies that diminish the incentives for responsible budgeting and long-term planning by those pursuing the dream of home ownership. Rather, the FHFA should honor the Enterprises’ mission to facilitate responsible access to mortgages by distributing fees in a way that appropriately incentivizes responsibility; and
Whereas, Increasing upfront mortgage fees for financially responsible homebuyers is actively harmful to many Michiganders. The housing market in Michigan is already highly competitive, with insufficient supply to meet demand, making it difficult for our residents to purchase homes, even after years of planning. As inflation eats away at Michiganders’ earnings and savings, hiking up the fees paid by many homebuyers has only exacerbated these economic hardships, adding to the worries of Michigan’s middle class; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we strongly condemn the May 2023 changes to the upfront fees on home mortgages charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution
be transmitted to the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senator Singh moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bellino was named co-sponsor of the resolution.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:06 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
During the recess, Senator Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 662, 668b, and 674 (MCL 168.662, 168.668b, and 168.674), section 662 as amended by 2022 PA 219, section 668b as added by 2018 PA 614, and section 674 as amended by 2018 PA 120, and by adding sections 8, 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720h, 720i, and 720j.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators McBroom, McMorrow, Polehanki, Moss, McCann, Geiss, Shink and Brinks introduced
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 11d of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11d), as amended by 2018 PA 661.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators Singh, Moss, Brinks, Wojno, Cavanagh, Hertel, Chang, Geiss, Polehanki, Irwin, McCann, Camilleri, Cherry, Shink, McDonald Rivet and McMorrow introduced
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 499, 509aa, and 811 (MCL 168.499, 168.509aa, and 168.811), section 499 as amended by 2004 PA 92, section 509aa as amended by 2012 PA 270, and section 811 as amended by 2018 PA 603, and by adding sections 6, 759e, 759f, and 759g.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators Santana, Moss, Singh, Brinks, Wojno, Cavanagh, Hertel, Chang, Geiss, Polehanki, Irwin, McCann, Camilleri, Shink, Cherry, McDonald Rivet and McMorrow introduced
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 759, 761, and 766 (MCL 168.759, 168.761, and 168.766), sections 759 and 761 as amended by 2020 PA 302 and section 766 as amended by 2018 PA 120, and by adding sections 766a and 766b; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Elections and Ethics.
Senators Santana, Moss, Singh, Brinks, Wojno, Cavanagh, Hertel, Chang, Geiss, Polehanki, Irwin, McCann, Camilleri, Shink, Cherry, McDonald Rivet and McMorrow introduced
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 11d of chapter XVII (MCL 777.11d), as amended by 2018 PA 661.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators Camilleri, Moss, Singh, Brinks, Wojno, Cavanagh, Chang, Hertel, Geiss, Polehanki, Irwin, McCann, Cherry, Shink, McDonald Rivet and McMorrow introduced
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 761d (MCL 168.761d), as amended by 2022 PA 195.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators Chang, Moss, Singh, Brinks, Wojno, Cavanagh, Hertel, Geiss, Polehanki, Irwin, McCann, Camilleri, Cherry, Shink, McDonald Rivet, McMorrow and McBroom introduced
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 2 (MCL 168.2), as amended by 2018 PA 603.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Senators Moss, McMorrow, Polehanki, McCann, Geiss, Shink and Brinks introduced
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 658 and 661 (MCL 168.658 and 168.661), as amended by 2012 PA 270.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the House
A bill to amend 1978 PA 390, entitled “An act to regulate the time and manner of payment of wages and fringe benefits to employees; to prescribe rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and the powers and duties of the department of labor; to require keeping of records; to provide for settlement of disputes regarding wages and fringe benefits; to prohibit certain practices by employers; to prescribe penalties and remedies; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 8 (MCL 408.478).
(This bill was returned from the House on Thursday, May 25 with a substitute (H-2) and immediate effect, and was laid over under the rules. See Senate Journal No. 51, p. 956.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,
The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 322 Yeas—38
Albert Daley Lauwers Polehanki
Anthony Damoose Lindsey Runestad
Bayer Geiss McBroom Santana
Bellino Hauck McCann Shink
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry Klinefelt
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,
The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, assumed the Chair.
General Orders
The motion prevailed, and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Chang as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
House Bill No. 4176, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 390, entitled “An act to regulate the time and manner of payment of wages and fringe benefits to employees; to prescribe rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and the powers and duties of the department of labor; to require keeping of records; to provide for settlement of disputes regarding wages and fringe benefits; to prohibit certain practices by employers; to prescribe penalties and remedies; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 8 (MCL 408.478).
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 1084 and 1091 (MCL 600.1084 and 600.1091), section 1084 as amended by 2017 PA 161 and section 1091 as amended by 2018 PA 591.
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 83 and 304 (MCL 257.83 and 257.304), section 83 as added by 2020 PA 383 and section 304 as amended by 2020 PA 376.
A bill to amend 1945 PA 327, entitled “Aeronautics code of the state of Michigan,” by amending section 80f (MCL 259.80f), as added by 2001 PA 225.
A bill to amend 1982 PA 432, entitled “Motor bus transportation act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 474.115), as amended by 2016 PA 349.
A bill to designate February 1 of each year as “Blue Star Mothers Day”.
The bills were placed on the order of
Third Reading of Bills.
Senate Bill No. 339, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 764c (MCL 168.764c), as amended by 2018 PA 120.
Substitute (S-2).
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
House Bill No. 4176
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Third Reading of Bills
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 4176, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 390, entitled “An act to regulate the time and manner of payment of wages and fringe benefits to employees; to prescribe rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and the powers and duties of the department of labor; to require keeping of records; to provide for settlement of disputes regarding wages and fringe benefits; to prohibit certain practices by employers; to prescribe penalties and remedies; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 8 (MCL 408.478).
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. 323 Yeas—37
Albert Daley Klinefelt Outman
Anthony Damoose Lauwers Polehanki
Bayer Geiss Lindsey Runestad
Bellino Hauck McBroom Santana
Brinks Hertel McCann Shink
Bumstead Hoitenga McDonald Rivet Singh
Camilleri Huizenga McMorrow Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Webber
Chang Johnson Nesbitt Wojno
Cherry
Nays—1
Theis
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In
The Chair: Geiss
Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Statements
The motion prevailed.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
Recently I was called by two different reporters about the lack of any transparency bills moving in the Senate. After some discussion about my transparency bills, they asked me if I was Johnny-come-lately to transparency. I provided them with my transparency bills, not inclusive of other bills I also co-sponsored and voted for going back to my first years in office about eight-and-a-half years ago. As the interview concluded, in each case they both asked essentially, Neither you nor any of the transparency bills are moving in the chamber, so what do you suggest needs to be done to change the system in Michigan? I responded that the media should follow the good advice of my mother given to me back in my youth. Back then I related to my mom about some kid or whoever who was untruthful or deceptive or had caused me some trauma. My mother was one of the smartest people I had ever known and she counseled me, Jimmy, there’s one thing you must learn about people; there are many kinds of people out in the big world and many will have secret, hidden agendas that will conflict with what they tell you; in other words, Jimmy, they are insincere and they are dishonest, she said. But if you are ever uncertain about anyone’s motives or sincerity, closely watch their feet, but not their lips. She said, The lips, they often lie, but the feet never do. She said, Watch what they do, not what they say. My mother had great insight and wisdom, which I still try to follow today.
So when these reporters asked me about the seemingly intractable lack of progress on transparency bills here in Michigan and what can be done to fix it, I responded that the one thing that would be of great help is if the media stops watching politicians’ mouths and begins focusing on the feet. When committee chairs bottle up bills and then dissemble, that they simply don’t have time to hold a hearing. And when the chairs bloviate that they’re overwhelmed with grave concern about Michigan’s lack of transparency and it’s one of their top priorities—but they need additional months to further digest and study bills. The same bills, by the way, that for years have been previously vetted through multiple sessions and multiple committees and sometimes voted unanimously out of a chamber. Yet, they need vast numbers of additional months to ponder and pray about and think about and meditate on these transparency bills before having a hearing—then there needs to be some follow-up questions about this incongruity between their words and their actions. When these chairs fatuously complain that they are desperate to find some time in their clogged, full committee agendas, then what you, the media, can do to help fix the problem is—as I’m sure my good mother would have counseled—to stop waiting impotently with baited breath and wringing hands and start calling out the foot-dragging culprits. That is if the media is truly caring about sunshine and transparency in Michigan.
But on the other hand, if there are members of the media whose ultimate goal is simply cheerleading for the current leftist political majority, well then of course watching the politicians on Mackinac with their lips expressing all the cagey, deceptive platitudes, that having any hearings on any transparency bills are too early and it’s not possible this year even, and that this gridlock is absolutely unavoidable. And if many in the media are co-opted and find this dissembling by the legislative Democrats is perfectly defensible and justifiable, then their motivation for buying all this BS and ignoring the interminable lack of action by their liberal dance partner is—by the media—clear and just the ticket.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill Nos. 4687 4688 4689 4690 4691 4692 4693
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, May 31, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Appropriations –
Subcommittee –
Capital Outlay, Joint – Wednesday, June 7, 9:00 a.m., Room 352, 3rd Floor, House Appropriations Room, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Economic and Community Development – Thursday, June 8, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Elections and Ethics – Wednesday, June 7, 2:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building, and Thursday, June 8, 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection – Wednesday, June 7, 1:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314
Health Policy – Wednesday, June 7, 12:30 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5323
Veterans and Emergency Services – Wednesday, June 7, 9:00 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:24 a.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate