STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2024
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
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—excused Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—excused McDonald Rivet—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present McMorrow—present
Senator Lana Theis of the 22nd District offered the following invocation:
It is said that good leaders must possess seven characteristics: Wisdom, humility, fear of God, hatred of unjust gain, love of truth. They should be respected, and be of upstanding reputation.
Our God and God of our ancestors, with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government. Pour out Your blessings upon this land, upon its inhabitants, upon its leaders, its judges, officers, officials, and those who faithfully devote themselves to the needs of the public. Help them to understand the rules of justice You have decreed, so that peace and security, happiness and freedom will never depart from this land. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Senators Camilleri, Johnson and Runestad entered the Senate Chamber.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Nesbitt be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Damoose and McBroom be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Nesbitt and Cavanagh entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senators Geiss, Anthony and Chang entered the Senate Chamber.
Senators Irwin, Cavanagh, Santana, Chang, McMorrow, Shink and Anthony introduced
A bill to amend 1994 PA 203, entitled “Foster care and adoption services act,” (MCL 722.951 to 722.960) by adding section 8f.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and
ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of labor and economic opportunity for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 3, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 15, 20, 20d, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22k, 22l, 22m, 22p, 23g, 23i, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27g, 27m, 27n, 27o, 27p, 28, 29, 30d, 30e, 31a, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 33, 35a, 35d, 35j, 39, 39a, 41, 41b, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61s, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 95b, 97a, 97i, 97k, 98, 98d, 99a, 99b, 99e, 99g, 99h, 99s, 99t, 99u, 99x, 99aa, 99gg, 99hh, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, and 163 (MCL 388.1603, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1611s, 388.1611x, 388.1615, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1621h, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622d, 388.1622k, 388.1622l, 388.1622m, 388.1622p, 388.1623g, 388.1623i, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1625f, 388.1625g, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1626d, 388.1627a, 388.1627b, 388.1627c, 388.1627d, 388.1627g, 388.1627m, 388.1627n, 388.1627o, 388.1627p, 388.1628, 388.1629, 388.1630d, 388.1630e, 388.1631a, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1631j, 388.1631n, 388.1631p, 388.1631aa, 388.1632d, 388.1632n, 388.1632p, 388.1633, 388.1635a, 388.1635d, 388.1635j, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1641, 388.1641b, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1651g, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1654b, 388.1654d, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1661b, 388.1661c, 388.1661d, 388.1661s, 388.1662, 388.1665, 388.1667, 388.1667f, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694, 388.1694a, 388.1695b, 388.1697a, 388.1697i, 388.1697k, 388.1698, 388.1698d, 388.1699a, 388.1699b, 388.1699e, 388.1699g, 388.1699h, 388.1699s, 388.1699t, 388.1699u, 388.1699x, 388.1699aa, 388.1699gg, 388.1699hh, 388.1704, 388.1704h, 388.1707, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747c, 388.1747e, 388.1752a, 388.1752b, and 388.1763), sections 3, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 15, 20d, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22m, 22p, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 28, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 35a, 35d, 39, 39a, 41b, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 62, 65, 67, 74, 81, 94, 97a, 98, 99h, 99s, 99t, 99u, 99x, 99aa, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, and 163 as amended and sections 22k, 23g, 23i, 27g, 27m, 27n, 27o, 27p, 29, 30d, 30e, 33, 35j, 67f, 97i, 98d, 99a, 99b, 99e, 99g, 99gg, and 99hh as added by 2023 PA 103, sections 11, 20, 22l, 31a, 41, 51a, 51c, 61s, 94a, 95b, 97k, and 147a as amended by 2023 PA 320, and section 27d as added by 2022 PA 144, and by adding sections 27f, 27r, 27s, 27t, 31gg, 51h, 54f, 55, 67b, 67d, 94e, 97m, 99, 99c, 99bb, 99nn, 147g, and 164j; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving
voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201, 205, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 216c, 217, 217b, 222, 223, 229, 229a, and 230 (MCL 388.1801, 388.1805, 388.1806, 388.1807a, 388.1807b, 388.1807c, 388.1816c, 388.1817, 388.1817b, 388.1822, 388.1823, 388.1829, 388.1829a, and 388.1830), section 201 as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 205 and 217 as amended by 2020 PA 165, sections 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 223, 229a, and 230 as amended and sections 216c and 217b as added by 2023 PA 103, section 222 as amended by 2021 PA 86, and section 229 as amended by 2022 PA 144; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 236, 236b, 236c, 236j, 236m, 241, 241a, 241c, 244, 248, 248a, 250, 251, 252, 253, 255, 256, 258, 259, 260, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270c, 275b, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 (MCL 388.1836, 388.1836b, 388.1836c, 388.1836j, 388.1836m, 388.1841, 388.1841a, 388.1841c, 388.1844, 388.1848, 388.1848a, 388.1850, 388.1851, 388.1852, 388.1853, 388.1855, 388.1856, 388.1858, 388.1859, 388.1860, 388.1863, 388.1863b, 388.1864, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870c, 388.1875b, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, and 388.1882), sections 236, 236m, and 248 as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 236b, 236c, 236j, 241, 248a, 251, 252, 256, 259, 260, 263, 264, 268, 269, 270c, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 as amended and sections 241a, 241c, and 263b as added by 2023 PA 103, section 244 as amended and section 250 as added by 2017 PA 108, sections 253 and 255 as amended by 2012 PA 201, section 258 as amended by 2013 PA 60, and section 275b as amended by 2022 PA 144, and by adding section 270; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11, 17b, 201, 206, 236, and 241 (MCL 388.1611, 388.1617b, 388.1801, 388.1806, 388.1836, and 388.1841), sections 11, 201, and 236 as amended by 2023 PA 320, section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137, and sections 206 and 241 as amended by 2023 PA 103.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of
corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for
the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving
voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of technology, management, and budget, the department of civil rights, and certain other state purposes for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to make appropriations for the state transportation department for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A bill to amend 1990 PA 195, entitled “An act entering into the midwestern higher education compact; and for related purposes,” by amending section 2 (MCL 390.1532).
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
A bill to make appropriations for the department of health and human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title.
Senator Singh moved that rule 3.203 be suspended and that the bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the order of General Orders.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:14 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Motions and Communications
House Bill No. 5499
House Bill No. 5500
House Bill No. 5501
House Bill No. 5502
House Bill No. 5503
House Bill No. 5504
House Bill No. 5505
House Bill No. 5506
House Bill No. 5507
House Bill No. 5508
House Bill No. 5509
House Bill No. 5510
House Bill No. 5511
House Bill No. 5512
House Bill No. 5513
House Bill No. 5514
House Bill No. 5515
House Bill No. 5516
House Bill No. 5517
House Bill No. 5556
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
General Orders
The motion prevailed, and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, designated Senator Klinefelt as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
House Bill No. 5499, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5500, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5501, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5502, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of labor and economic opportunity for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5503, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 3, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 15, 20, 20d, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22k, 22l, 22m, 22p, 23g, 23i, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27g, 27m, 27n, 27o, 27p, 28, 29, 30d, 30e, 31a, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 33, 35a, 35d, 35j, 39, 39a, 41, 41b, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61s, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 95b, 97a, 97i, 97k, 98, 98d, 99a, 99b, 99e, 99g, 99h, 99s, 99t, 99u, 99x, 99aa, 99gg, 99hh, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, and 163 (MCL 388.1603, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1611s, 388.1611x, 388.1615, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1621h, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622d, 388.1622k, 388.1622l, 388.1622m, 388.1622p, 388.1623g, 388.1623i, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1625f, 388.1625g, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1626d, 388.1627a, 388.1627b, 388.1627c, 388.1627d, 388.1627g, 388.1627m, 388.1627n, 388.1627o, 388.1627p, 388.1628, 388.1629, 388.1630d, 388.1630e, 388.1631a, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1631j, 388.1631n, 388.1631p, 388.1631aa, 388.1632d, 388.1632n, 388.1632p, 388.1633, 388.1635a, 388.1635d, 388.1635j, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1641, 388.1641b, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1651g, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1654b, 388.1654d, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1661b, 388.1661c, 388.1661d, 388.1661s, 388.1662, 388.1665, 388.1667, 388.1667f, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694, 388.1694a, 388.1695b, 388.1697a, 388.1697i, 388.1697k, 388.1698, 388.1698d, 388.1699a, 388.1699b, 388.1699e, 388.1699g, 388.1699h, 388.1699s, 388.1699t, 388.1699u, 388.1699x, 388.1699aa, 388.1699gg, 388.1699hh, 388.1704, 388.1704h, 388.1707, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747c, 388.1747e, 388.1752a, 388.1752b, and 388.1763), sections 3, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 15, 20d, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22m, 22p, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 28, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 35a, 35d, 39, 39a, 41b, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 62, 65, 67, 74, 81, 94, 97a, 98, 99h, 99s, 99t, 99u, 99x, 99aa, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, and 163 as amended and sections 22k, 23g, 23i, 27g, 27m, 27n, 27o, 27p, 29, 30d, 30e, 33, 35j, 67f, 97i, 98d, 99a, 99b, 99e, 99g, 99gg, and 99hh as added by 2023 PA 103, sections 11, 20, 22l, 31a, 41, 51a, 51c, 61s, 94a, 95b, 97k, and 147a as amended by 2023 PA 320, and section 27d as added by 2022 PA 144, and by adding sections 27f, 27r, 27s, 27t, 31gg, 51h, 54f, 55, 67b, 67d, 94e, 97m, 99, 99c, 99bb, 99nn, 147g, and 164j; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5504, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201, 205, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 216c, 217, 217b, 222, 223, 229, 229a, and 230 (MCL 388.1801, 388.1805, 388.1806, 388.1807a, 388.1807b, 388.1807c, 388.1816c, 388.1817, 388.1817b, 388.1822, 388.1823, 388.1829, 388.1829a, and 388.1830), section 201 as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 205 and 217 as amended by 2020 PA 165, sections 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 223, 229a, and 230 as amended and sections 216c and 217b as added by 2023 PA 103, section 222 as amended by 2021 PA 86, and section 229 as amended by 2022 PA 144; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5505, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 236, 236b, 236c, 236j, 236m, 241, 241a, 241c, 244, 248, 248a, 250, 251, 252, 253, 255, 256, 258, 259, 260, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270c, 275b, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 (MCL 388.1836, 388.1836b, 388.1836c, 388.1836j, 388.1836m, 388.1841, 388.1841a, 388.1841c, 388.1844, 388.1848, 388.1848a, 388.1850, 388.1851, 388.1852, 388.1853, 388.1855, 388.1856, 388.1858, 388.1859, 388.1860, 388.1863, 388.1863b, 388.1864, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870c, 388.1875b, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, and 388.1882), sections 236, 236m, and 248 as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 236b, 236c, 236j, 241, 248a, 251, 252, 256, 259, 260, 263, 264, 268, 269, 270c, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 as amended and sections 241a, 241c, and 263b as added by 2023 PA 103, section 244 as amended and section 250 as added by 2017 PA 108, sections 253 and 255 as amended by 2012 PA 201, section 258 as amended by 2013 PA 60, and section 275b as amended by 2022 PA 144, and by adding section 270; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5506, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5507, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11, 17b, 201, 206, 236, and 241 (MCL 388.1611, 388.1617b, 388.1801, 388.1806, 388.1836, and 388.1841), sections 11, 201, and 236 as amended by 2023 PA 320, section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137, and sections 206 and 241 as amended by 2023 PA 103.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5508, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5509, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5510, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5511, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5512, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, adjust, and consolidate appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5513, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5514, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5515, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5516, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of technology, management, and budget, the department of civil rights, and certain other state purposes for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5517, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the state transportation department for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 5556, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of health and human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess until 12:30 p.m.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:10 a.m.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 12:31 p.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the House
A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 1, 2b, and 2c (MCL 722.111, 722.112b, and 722.112c), section 1 as amended by 2022 PA 208, section 2b as amended by 2007 PA 217, and section 2c as amended by 2017 PA 257.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1), ordered that it be given immediate effect and amended the title to read as follows:
A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled “An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 1, 2b, and 2c (MCL 722.111, 722.112b, and 722.112c), section 1 as amended by 2023 PA 173, section 2b as amended by 2007 PA 217, and section 2c as amended by 2017 PA 257.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
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. 143 Yeas—36
Albert Cherry Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Daley Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Geiss Lindsey 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
Nays—0
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
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 as amended.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1531i (MCL 380.1531i), as amended by 2020 PA 316.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
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 full title.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 753
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was announced:
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201, 205, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 216c, 217, 217b, 222, 223, 229, 229a, and 230 (MCL 388.1801, 388.1805, 388.1806, 388.1807a, 388.1807b, 388.1807c, 388.1816c, 388.1817, 388.1817b, 388.1822, 388.1823, 388.1829, 388.1829a, and 388.1830), section 201 as amended by 2023 PA 320, sections 205 and 217 as amended by 2020 PA 165, sections 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 223, 229a, and 230 as amended by 2023 PA 103, sections 216c and 217b as added by 2023 PA 103, section 222 as amended by 2021 PA 86, section 229 as amended by 2022 PA 144, and by adding sections 216e, 217c, and 217d; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
(This bill was read a third time on Thursday, May 9, amendments offered and consideration postponed. See Senate Journal No. 44, p. 529.)
The question being on the adoption of the amendments offered by Senator Webber,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 144 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 2, line 7, by striking out “$470,341,700.00.” and inserting “$485,341,600.00.”.
2. Amend page 2, line 9, after “is” by striking out “$470,341,700.00.” and inserting “$485,341,600.00.”.
3. Amend page 2, line 16, by striking out “$469,141,600.00.” and inserting “$484,141,600.00.”.
4. Amend page 2, line 18, by striking out “$1,200,100.00.” and inserting “$1,200,000.00.”.
5. Amend page 10, line 23, after “to” by striking out the balance of the line through “216d,” on line 24 and inserting “section 216c,”.
6. Amend page 10, line 24, after “for” by inserting “debt,”.
7. Amend page 10, line 25, after “maintenance,” by striking out “housing, and safety” and inserting “safety and capital outlay grants”.
8. Amend page 10, line 26, by striking out “$100.00,” and inserting “$15,000,000.00”.
9. Amend page 10, line 26, after “from” by striking out the balance of the line through “money.” on line 27 and inserting “the state school aid fund.”.
10. Amend page 15, line 1, by striking out all of section 216c and inserting:
“Sec. 216c. (1) Subject to subsection (2), funds appropriated in section 201(7) for debt, infrastructure, technology, equipment, maintenance, safety, and capital outlay grants are intended to be used for necessary improvements and deferred maintenance of community college buildings, facilities, and other physical infrastructure; necessary improvements and deferred maintenance of information technology, other technology infrastructure, and other equipment; and other purposes related to infrastructure, technology, equipment, and maintenance. A community college may also use these funds for debt or to upgrade safety and security infrastructure. These funds are not intended to be used for any other purpose than what is specified in this section.
(2) Each community college must receive grant awards under this section as follows:
(a) A capital outlay grant of $345,000.00 that may be used for any purpose allowed under section 237a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1237a.
(b) A debt, infrastructure, equipment, maintenance and safety grant equal to $5,340,000.00 multiplied by each community college’s respective share of total fiscal year equated students as reported to the Michigan community college data inventory for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 for all community colleges that receive a payment under this section. A grant under this subdivision may be used for any purpose detailed under subsection (1). Not less than 15% of grant funds received under this subdivision must be used to repay debt.
(3) Payments to community colleges under this section must be distributed in 1 lump sum to each institution with the October 16, 2024 payment described in section 206(1).
(4) By September 30, 2025, each community college that receives a grant under this section must submit a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director that details the use of funds received under this section. If, at the time the report is submitted, a community college has unspent grant funds received under this section, the community college must indicate that in the report, and provide a summary of the purposes for which the community college intends to use those funds, if an intended use has been identified.
(5) It is the intent of the legislature that capital outlay grants as described under subsection (2)(a) be included as an ongoing appropriation for future fiscal years, and that those grants be used to replace bonds issued by the state building authority as the financing mechanism for the state’s share of capital outlay project costs.”.
11. Amend page 35, line 4, after “at” by striking out “$470,341,700.00” and inserting “$485,341,600.00”.
12. Amend page 35, line 6, after “at” by striking out “$469,491,700.00.” and inserting “$484,491,600.00.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
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. 145 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Webber’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, an educated and skilled workforce is critical to the future of our state. Our community colleges play a key role in helping meet our workforce needs by providing great educational and training opportunities for current workers and future generations. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford the ever-increasing cost of tuition at our community colleges. My amendment would help reduce this cost burden by lowing the tuition restraint in this budget to the rate of inflation. I urge members to support affordable learning and vote “yes” on this amendment.
Senator Albert’s statement is as follows:
This amendment mirrors an amendment I offered for the higher education budget, but the dollar amounts are different: $15 million overall of funding is added for capital outlay and items funding—$9.6 million for capital outlay and $5.4 million is divided up by student count for infrastructure, technology, equipment, maintenance, and safety, or ITEMS for short. For the same reasons I expressed in the higher education budget, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment.
Senator Singh moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 766
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 766, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of labor and economic opportunity for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 12, following line 8, by inserting:
2. Amend page 12, following line 14, by inserting:
“Strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund 500,000,000”.
3. Amend page 112, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 1022. (1) The funds appropriated in part 1 for fentanyl mitigation and prevention grants, $250,000,000 shall be allocated to local health departments to respond to public health effects of fentanyl use. The funding provided in this section shall be distributed in the same manner as the distribution formula for allocating essential local public health services funding to local health departments in made in the current fiscal year. Funds made available in this section shall be used for, but is not limited to, the adoption of comprehensive public health approaches to address the fentanyl crisis and to establish treatment and prevention services to avert future crises. The department may work with DHHS for assistance in distributing funds to local health departments.
(2) The funds appropriated in part 1 for fentanyl mitigation and prevention grants, $250,000,000 shall be allocated to local law enforcement agencies to assist in local efforts to address fentanyl mitigation activities. The department may work with the department of state police and the ANGEL program to assist in the allocation of funds to the communities most in need.
(3) Funds in the strategic outreach reserve fund shall be reduced by an equal amount.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 146 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Hauck offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 12, following line 8, by inserting:
“Bridge repair fund 1,000,000,000”.
2. Amend page 12, following line 14, by inserting:
“Strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund 1,000,000,000”.
3. Amend page 112, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 1020. From the funds appropriated in part 1 for bridge repair fund, up to $1,000,000,000.00 is deposited into the bridge repair fund upon enactment of Senate Bill Nos. 852 and 853 of the 102nd Legislature. Funds in the strategic outreach and attraction reserve funds shall be reduced by an equal amount. Funds appropriated in this section must be used to support the activities outlined under Senate Bill No. 853 of the 102nd Legislature.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 147 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 12, following line 8, by inserting:
“Reading scholarships 500,000,000”.
2. Amend page 12, following line 14, by inserting:
“Strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund 500,000,000”.
3. Amend page 112, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 1022. The funds appropriated in part 1 for reading scholarships shall be allocated on an equal per-pupil basis to all districts and public school academies to support reading tutors and scholarships for reading services to the pupils enrolled in those districts and public school academies. Funds in the strategic outreach reserve fund shall be reduced by an equal amount.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting
therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 148 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Webber offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 12, following line 8, by inserting:
“Inflation relief fund 1,000,000,000”.
2. Amend page 12, following line 14, by inserting:
“Strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund 1,000,000,000”.
3. Amend page 112, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 1021. It is the intent of the legislature that the funds appropriated in part 1 for inflation relief fund be used to lower the individual income tax rate to 4.05%.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 149 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 12, following line 8, by inserting:
“Inflation relief fund 500,000,000”.
2. Amend page 12, following line 14, by inserting:
“Strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund 500,000,000”.
3. Amend page 112, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 1023. It is the intent of the legislature that the funds appropriated in part 1 for inflation relief fund be used to create Michigan child care tax credits that are equal to 200.00% of the Federal dependent care credit and to increase the homestead property tax credit by increasing the offset of property taxes in excess of 3.2% of income to 100%. Funds in the strategic outreach reserve fund shall be reduced by an equal amount.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 150 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Bellino offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 31, following line 25, by inserting:
“Sec. 406. The funds appropriated in part 1 for housing and rental assistance shall not be allocated to or used to support individuals who do not have a documented legal status.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 151 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Hoitenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 5, following line 19, by inserting:
“Food bank council 5,000,000”.
2. Amend page 5, line 23, after “15.0” by striking out the balance of the bill and inserting “39,949,800”.
3. Amend page 68, following line 10, by inserting:
“Sec. 602. The funds appropriated in part 1 for food bank council must be allocated to the food bank council to support food banks throughout the state.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments
were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as
follows:
Roll Call No. 152 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Hauck offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 27, following line 21, by inserting:
“Sec. 310. Funds appropriated under part 1 must not be used to provide legal assistance to individuals who do not have a documented legal status.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 153 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Nesbitt offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 89, following line 9, by inserting:
“Sec. 954. The funds appropriated in part 1 for office of global Michigan must not be used to support individuals who do not have a documented legal status.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 154 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 111, line 12, after “(4)” by inserting “and (5)”.
2. Amend page 111, following line 24, by inserting:
“(5) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for talent
attraction and youth development grants, $500,000.00 shall be awarded to a
conductive learning center to provide intensive education-based physical
rehabilitation for children with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina
bifida, and other brain injuries through a holistic conductive education model.
The funds would provide students with physical rehabilitation services for 3 to
6 hours per day for a four-week session.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 155 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 111, line 12, after “(4)” by inserting “and (6)”.
2. Amend page 111, following line 24, by inserting:
“(6) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for talent attraction and youth development grants, $1,000,000.00 shall be awarded to the fostering success Michigan to increase capacity to collect data on the foster youth population, increase access to resources, provide support in navigating resources, and provide technical assistance to campuses and professionals serving foster youth.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 156 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 90, line 18, after “(” by striking out “7” and inserting “8”.
2. Amend page 91, following line 20, by inserting:
“(8) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for business attraction and workforce development, $10,000,000.00 must be allocated to Michigan works! agencies to assist Michigan residents with tuition assistance to obtain an industry-recognized credential and certifications in high-demand occupations to achieve Michigan’s 60 by 30 goal. Funds may be used to support career coaching, supportive services to remove barriers such as transportation, childcare, and housing, and matching jobs with employers following the completion of a training program.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Lindsey offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 32, following line 20, by inserting:
“Sec. 500. (1) As a condition of receiving funds in part 1, the MEDC shall notify the standard report recipients within 30 days of an employee engaging with an individual or entity as a prospective project for funding who is a citizen of or based in a nation on the list of counties of particular concern, special watch list counties, or affiliated with entities of particular concern as defined by the infrastructure investment and jobs act, by the United States department of energy.
(2) With 30 days of an employee engaging with an individual or entity as a prospective project for funding who is a citizen of or based in a nation on the list of counties of particular concern, special watch list counties, or affiliated with entities of particular concern as defined by the infrastructure investment and jobs act, by the united states department of energy, the employee must make a voluntary declaration in accordance with the procedures under 31 C.F.R. § 800.403. The declaration must include the information required under 31 C.F.R. § 800.404, with the United States department of treasury to disclose information about the parties and processes involved with any transactions.
(3)The MEDC must receive a letter of safe harbor from the United States department of treasury to in order to be permitted to qualify an individual or entity as a prospective project for funding who is a citizen of or based in a nation on the list of counties of particular concern, special watch list counties, or affiliated with entities of particular concern as defined by the infrastructure investment and jobs act, by the United States department of energy, with funding from the MEDC.
(4) The MEDC must notify the standard reports recipients within 30 days of receiving or being denied a letter of safe harbor and prior to scheduling a vote on funding for any prospective project.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment
was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as
follows:
Roll Call No. 157 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
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. 158 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protest
Senator Huizenga, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 766 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, I’m kind of a nerd so numbers matter to me, so you can imagine my disappointment as I read through this proposed budget that doubles down on a strategy that does not seem to be working for the taxpayers of our state. It’s said that a budget is a statement of priorities, and nowhere is this more evident than in a budget. Instead of prioritizing what truly matters to hardworking families, like child care, making sure our kids get a good education, fixing crumbling bridges, and combating the ongoing fentanyl crisis, this proposed budget would give away taxpayers’ hard-earned money on deals that do not provide a good return on investment.
Mr. President, I’m all for working across the aisle to get things done, so let’s get back to the drawing board on this budget to resolve problems for families that they’re facing due to inflation and rising costs. I recommend a “no” vote at this time as we work together to provide real solutions that support economic growth in our state.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Huizenga’s first statement is as follows:
Mr. President, a former Appropriations Chair in this chamber was fond of saying that budgets are statements of priorities. My amendment is such a statement of priorities. It’s an opportunity to send the message loud and clear that we are putting the people of the state Michigan before big international corporations. Mr. President, there is no corner of this state untouched by the fentanyl crisis. Every day, we lose eight Michiganders to overdoses, almost all of which involve fentanyl. This scourge is taking children, parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and neighbors. And it’s overwhelming local law enforcement, health care, and social service organizations.
Mr. President, my amendment redirects dollars from the program known as SOAR and instead invests that money in fighting the fentanyl crisis. It puts the people of this state, eight more of whom we will tragically lose today, before multi-billion-dollar corporations. I ask for a “yes” vote on this statement of our priorities.
Senator Hauck’s first statement is as follows:
Mr. President, a few weeks ago Gotion High-tech issued a press release from China celebrating their 2023 profit report. According to the release, the company’s operating profit was up 391 percent in 2023. Three hundred ninety-one percent. Meanwhile, a different report highlights the conditions of Michigan bridges. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association says we now have more structural defective bridges in our state than we did in 2019—nearly 1,300. Now, looking at this data point, it seems obvious where we should and shouldn’t be investing tax dollars. Corporations touting 391 percent profit margins don’t need hundreds of millions of tax dollars while our crumbling bridges certainly do. Spoiler alert: the Governor’s budget and the budget being advanced by the majority do the exact opposite. They looked at record corporation profits and structurally-deficient bridges and decided it was corporations that needed more tax dollars.
Mr. President, my amendment
will stop sending taxpayer money to profitable multinational corporations and
instead invest in fixing the damn bridges our constituents cross every day on
the way to work and school. I ask for a “yes” vote.
Senator Huizenga’s second statement is as follows:
Mr. President, this amendment is another opportunity to put the people—specifically the children—of our state before multi-billion-dollar, multinational corporations. Reading is the foundation for success in our schools and beyond, but Michigan’s reading scores are simply unacceptable. Regularly ranking amongst the bottom ten states for reading outcomes is setting our kids and grandkids up for failure.
Instead of sending more taxpayer dollars to profitable corporations, my amendment will instead invest that money into reading scholarships. Now, if you think Michigan’s reading outcomes are acceptable, by all means vote against this amendment. But if you agree with me that our next generation deserves better than being among the ten-worst states for reading in the nation, I ask you to back that up with a “yes” vote.
Senator Webber’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, I don’t know about my colleagues but I haven’t had one constituent tell me they’re worried about whether big corporations are getting by OK. What I do hear is people who are frustrated—frustrated with inflation, with gas prices, with interest rates, with grocery prices, frustrated because they’re not sure how they’ll pay their rent and put food on the table, frustrated with how little their government is doing to help them, frustrated because government only seems to work if you’re a massive corporation or politically connected. This budget does nothing to help Michiganders struggling to get by every day. In fact, it makes their situation worse, whether it’s raising the income tax or the garbage tax or raiding teacher pensions. Enough is enough. My amendment shows working Michiganders that we’re putting them first. It turns off the corporate welfare spigot and puts that money back in the pockets of taxpayers. I ask for a “yes” vote.
Senator Huizenga’s third statement is as follows:
Mr. President, my amendment is another attempt to send a message to Michiganders about our priorities. Access to child care is one of the biggest obstacles facing families in our state and it certainly shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I know my colleagues across the aisle from Bay City, St. Clair Shores, and Lansing recently introduced legislation that includes a child care tax credit. That’s something we’ve long championed on our side of the aisle, so let’s get the ball rolling right here and right now. Michigan families can’t afford to wait for more committee hearings or for bills to slowly creep their way through the Legislature. And with the rate of inflation reaching historic levels, homeowners are paying more in property taxes than ever before. Homeownership is one of the most important investments a family will make and is key to long-term economic security.
Let’s provide some relief from this increased burden so families can remain in their homes and rooted in their communities. Instead of sending $500 million more to wealthy corporations, let’s help Michigan families with the astronomical cost of child care and homeownership.
Senator Bellino’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, my amendment is very simple. Governor Whitmer’s team insists people in our state illegally are not eligible for newcomer rental assistance of up to $500 per month. But a report in the Detroit News indicates the published guidelines for the program do not in fact “restrict people who cross our border illegally and apply for defensive asylum.” They, in fact, do not restrict these people from accessing the subsidies. My amendment will simply clarify what the Whitmer administration claims is their policy—that no one in our state will illegally receive rental assistance. Let’s save that money for Michigan families who need it.
Senator Hoitenga’s statement is as follows:
We’ve been given another reminder of just how many Michiganders continue to struggle with inflation, housing costs, and putting food on the table. Crain’s reported that demand for emergency food assistance now exceeds the record levels that we set during the pandemic. Think about that. More Michiganders need help feeding their families today than at the height of a pandemic when nearly 1 in 4 people in our state were unemployed. Despite our Governor’s claims, Bidenomics is not working and my amendment is an opportunity for us to help the families being crushed by this broken economy.
Instead of providing more
money to the Office of Global Michigan—which may or may not be using tax
dollars to assist people who are in our state illegally—my amendment will increase
support for our state’s food banks. Many of these nonprofits are operating at a
deficit due to record demand, because just like the people they serve, they’ve
depleted their savings under the crush of inflation and food prices. The budget
before us does a lot for big corporations, bureaucrats, and newcomers as some
may call them, but my amendment is an opportunity to put the people we work
for—the people of Michigan—first. I ask for a “yes” vote.
Senator Hauck’s second statement is as follows:
Mr. President, there continues to be tremendous confusion about whether Michigan taxpayers are footing the bill to help people in our state illegally. Most of that is due to our Governor not wanting to rankle the feathers of the extremists in her party who want open borders. This amendment will make it clear that if you come here illegally, you are not eligible for taxpayer-funded legal assistance. I am a strong advocate for legal immigration, but those jumping the line—or jumping the border fence—do a disservice to those waiting their turn and going through the proper channels. The last thing we should be doing is picking up the legal bills for those who are cheating the system. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment.
Senator Huizenga’s fourth statement is as follows:
This amendment would provide $500,000 in funding for conductive education programming to expand education-based physical rehabilitation services for children with motor disorders. This funding would ensure that children with motor disorders have access to tailored educational programs that cater to their specific needs. It would empower these children by providing them with the tools and support they need to improve their motor skills and overall quality of life.
Senator Huizenga’s fifth statement is as follows:
Seventy percent of emancipated foster care teens want to attend college, but less than ten percent who graduate from high school enroll in college, and of those less than one percent graduate. This amendment would provide a $1 million increase in funding to Fostering Success Michigan to improve capacity, data collection, and support for kids in foster care to attend and graduate from college. This wonderful program has been a vital support to helping these students succeed and make positive contributions to our state. I ask for your support of this amendment to invest in a brighter future for these great kids.
Senator Huizenga’s sixth statement is as follows:
Mr. President, Michigan needs more skilled workers to meet the current workforce needs and to meet the growing demand for talent in the future. In order for us to help build a stronger economy for all Michigan families and entrepreneurs, we need to help connect workers with in-demand careers.
My amendment would help achieve that goal by adding $10 million for the Michigan Skills Fund to help support extra capacity for training and credentialing individuals in high-demand fields. I urge members to meet the demand for skilled workers by voting “yes” on my amendment.
Senator Lindsey’s statement is as follows:
National security experts from both sides of the aisle have issued warning after warning about attempts by the Chinese government to infiltrate our country and compromise our nation’s safety and security through industrial espionage. The rational response to this would be to take that threat seriously as tensions continue to rise around the globe. Instead, here in Michigan, we’ve invited them right into our backyard, and to add insult to injury, we’ve used taxpayer dollars to bribe them into doing so. And of course, China is not the only threat. We need to take this seriously.
My amendment would require any citizen of, or company based in, foreign countries of concern—as defined at the federal level—to be properly vetted to qualify to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. It’s a simple step, it’s a reasonable one, and would help to ensure the safety of our state and our country. I ask members for their support of this amendment.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 767, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of health and human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Webber offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 132, following line 13, by inserting:
“Sec. 1057. Not later than October 1 of the current fiscal year, the department shall submit a report to the standard report recipients on the discipline or termination of employment of staff at the center for forensic psychiatry or other state-operated psychiatric facility. The report must include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(a) The number of employees disciplined in the previous fiscal year, broken down by facility and date of discipline.
(b) The number
of employees terminated in the previous fiscal year, broken down by facility
and date of termination.
(c) The type of incident resulting in discipline, broken down by facility.
(d) The type of incident resulting in termination, broken down by facility.
(c) The number of incidents that involved the violation of a work rule, broken down by facility.
(d) The number of incidents that involved the violation of a criminal statue, broken down by facility.”.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Webber offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 24, following line 13, by inserting:
“State psychiatric hospital security upgrades 2,000,000”.
2. Amend page 24, line 19, after “$” by striking out “159,750,200” and inserting “161,750,200”.
3. Amend page 24, line 23, after “$” by striking out “96,750,200” and inserting “98,750,200” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 218, following line 11, by inserting:
“Sec. 1999. From the funds appropriated in part 1 for state psychiatric hospital security upgrades, the department shall allocate $2,000,000.00 to improve security and transparency at the state psychiatric hospitals and centers. Funds allocated in this section may be used for any measures necessary to ensure the safety of all employees, residents, and visitors while maintaining respect for privacy including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Implementing measures designed to prevent escapes.
(b) Implementing measures to monitor staff behavior using audio or video methods.
(c) Implementing measures to monitor patient behavior using audio or video methods.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Theis offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 156, line 12, by striking out all of section 1508.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Bellino offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 24, following line 11, by inserting:
“Pregnancy resource centers 2,500,000”.
2. Amend page 24, line 13, by striking out all of line 13.
3. Amend page 211, line 4, after “1973.” by inserting “(1)”.
4. Amend page 211, line 5, by striking out “reproductive health grant” and inserting “pregnancy resource centers”.
5. Amend page 211, line 6, after “$2,500,000.00” by striking out the balance of the line through the second “services” on line 11 and inserting “as grants to pregnancy resource centers operating in this state. In order to be eligible for grants under this section, a pregnancy resource center must provide family counseling and ultrasound imaging and must not provide medication assisted or surgical abortions.
(2) As used in this section, “pregnancy resource center” means a private nonprofit organization organized under the laws of this state that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, that promotes childbirth and alternatives to abortion, provides referrals and information, and may also provide other services related to pregnancy or postpregnancy.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Albert offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 45, following line 26, by inserting:
“Sec. 237. From the funds appropriated in part 1, the department and any contractors that provide employment services for home help caregivers are prohibited from making any deductions from the wages of home help caregivers deductions for the dues of a bargaining representative. The intent of this boilerplate is to protect the hard earned wages of home help caregivers.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 159 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Lindsey offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 1, line 9, after “positions” by striking out “15,883.5” and inserting “15,900.5”.
2. Amend page 2, line 2, after “$” by striking out “37,710,684,000” and inserting “37,712,184,000”.
3. Amend page 2, line 6, after “$” by striking out “37,695,976,100” and inserting “37,697,476,100”.
4. Amend page 2, line 17, after “$” by striking out “6,683,117,500” and inserting “6,684,617,500”.
5. Amend page 20, line 8, after “positions” by striking out “487.0” and inserting “504.0”.
6. Amend page 20, line 9, after “administration--FTEs” by striking out “59.0” and inserting “76.0”.
7. Amend page 20, line 9, after “$” by striking out “11,129,400” and inserting “12,629,400”.
8. Amend page 20, line 11, after “$” by striking out “135,043,600” and inserting “136,543,600”.
9. Amend page 20, line 19, after “$” by striking out “44,947,700” and inserting “46,447,700” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 160 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Runestad offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 3, line 26, after “positions” by striking out “193.7” and inserting “333.7”.
2. Amend page 3, line 27, after “operations--FTEs” by striking out “187.7” and inserting “327.7”.
3. Amend page 3, line 27, after “$” by striking out “26,773,600” and inserting “46,023,600”.
4. Amend page 4, line 3, after “$” by striking out “191,164,900” and inserting “210,414,900”.
5. Amend page 4, line 8, after “$” by striking out “25,494,300” and inserting “44,744,300” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 161 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 24, following line 9, by inserting:
“Pediatric psychiatric urgent care center 15,000,000”.
2. Amend page 24, line 19, after “$” by striking out “159,750,200” and inserting “174,750,200”.
3. Amend page 24, line 23, after “$” by striking
out “96,750,200” and inserting “111,750,200” and adjusting the subtotals,
totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 218, following line 11, by inserting:
“Sec. 2001. From the funds appropriated in part 1 for pediatric psychiatric urgent care center, the department shall allocate $15,000,000.00 to a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of this state that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, that was founded in 1910, and that offers a full continuum of behavioral health services, including psychiatric urgent care; inpatient and partial hospitalization; residential, outpatient, and teletherapy services; addiction treatment and recovery; extensive child and adolescent programs; senior care services; and specialized assessment and treatment clinics. The funds allocated under this section must be used to open a pediatric psychiatric urgent care center to provide all of the following:
(a) Psychiatric assessments.
(b) Referrals into inpatient and other services.
(c) Prescriptions.
(d) Aftercare planning, workforce development, and telehealth technology improvements.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 162 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Outman offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 23, following line 22, by inserting:
“Hospital grant matching funds 6,8950,000”.
2. Amend page 24, line 19, after “$” by striking out “159,750,200” and inserting “166,645,200”.
3. Amend page 24, line 23, after “$” by striking out “96,750,200” and inserting “103,645,200” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 218, following line 11, by inserting:
“Sec. 2003. From the funds appropriated in part 1 for hospital grant matching funds, the department shall allocate $6,895,000.00 to a hospital located in a village with a population between 250 and 1,000 within a county with a population between 61,300 and 63,900 according to the most recent federal decennial census as matching funds for a Federal grant.”.
The amendments
were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Outman offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 135, following line 12, by inserting:
“(s) The number of individuals under the age of 19 receiving services at the center for forensic psychiatry or other state-operated facility.
(t) Of the individuals identified in subdivision (s), the number of individuals who are in foster care.”.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 13, line 20, after “costs” by striking out “700,000” and inserting “1,290,300”.
2. Amend page 13, line 25, after “$” by striking out “372,463,800” and inserting “373,054,100”.
3. Amend page 14, line 5, after “$” by striking out “286,349,400” and inserting “286,939,700” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 137, line 7, after “No.” by striking out the balance of the line through “167” on line 8 and inserting “497”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Runestad offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 119, following line 4, by inserting:
“Sec. 930. (1) Any contractor, subcontractor or other entity that receives appropriations from the Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund in part 1 is prohibited from utilizing those funds for purposes other than those described in Exhibit E of the Janssen settlement.
(2) Any local entity that receives funds related to an opioid settlement either as a direct disbursement or as a pass-through from the State is prohibited from utilizing those funds for a scope or purposes other than those strictly delineated in Exhibit E of the Janssen settlement.
(3) As used in the section “Janssen settlement” means the master settlement agreement arising out of In re Nat’l Prescription Opiate Litigation, multidistrict litigation consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:17-MD-2804, and entered into by this state with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 163 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
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. 164 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protest
Senator Outman, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 767 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Outman’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, what we have before us today is a good start, but I believe we missed some opportunities with this budget. No doubt, there are some good things included, but in the end I don’t think we got the best value for the amount of money we’re spending. We offered a number of amendments to reel in that spending or to repurpose some of it, and those amendments were shot down by the majority.
I realize this is just one
step in the process, and there will likely be more work to do, but at this
point our priorities aren’t lining up and I simply can’t support this level of
spending. We have a duty to the state taxpayers and unfortunately, I think this
budget missed that mark. I recommend a “no” vote at this time.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Webber’s first statement is as follows:
This amendment would establish discipline reporting requirements concerning employees at our state psychiatry hospitals. It was only recently confirmed, by DHHS, that one employee involved in the traumatic execution of a December 2022 active shooter drill at the former Hawthorn Center is still employed by the state. This is an incident that prompted a criminal investigation that cost the state $13 million for a lawsuit settlement. Additionally, the state faces a $100 million lawsuit over patient abuse and lack of staff accountability surrounding an alleged incident involving a 10-year-old resident at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital. DHHS has recently confirmed that two of the employees involved in that incident are no longer employed by the state. Individual members of the Legislature should not have to put pressure on the department for these kinds of answers and reporting. DHHS must be more transparent. This amendment will provide much-needed oversight and accountability. I ask for a “yes” vote.
Senator Webber’s second statement is as follows:
To borrow a quote from our Governor, It’s been a tough few years, especially for our kids, and it’s so important that we do whatever we can to support Michiganders who have struggled. That’s why I am committed to improving behavioral health services, especially for children. This amendment would provide additional funding for needed security and transparency upgrades, especially escape prevention for our state psychiatric hospitals. DHHS recently indicated several important safety enhancements and areas for improvement when questioned about the concerning patterns of escapes from the former Hawthorne Center in the current areas where minors are housed at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital. Families shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their loved ones at these facilities. To borrow another quote from the MDHHS director, Elizabeth Hertel recently said, Everyone deserves access to behavioral healthcare where and when they need it. I echoed the Governor and director’s comments and believe this funding is necessary to provide important protection for vulnerable young people in the state’s care. I ask for a “yes” vote on this amendment.
Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:
My amendment would safeguard existing health and safety protections for women seeking reproductive care. It strikes a section of language that is utterly inexplicable. This language would take away a woman’s right to receive her medical file through subpoena if the provider refused to give it to her and if she later lived out of state, thereby shielding providers from rightful accountability and leaving patients vulnerable to harm without access to the information needed for appropriate recourse. Any woman receiving reproductive care should expect the same access to medical information they are entitled to for any other medical care. Our priority should be protecting women’s access to safe health care rather than putting their lives in danger. I hope you’ll join me in voting “yes” on my amendment.
Senator Bellino’s statement is as follows:
My amendment would replace current language and provide funding to a wider range of pregnancy resource centers to improve greater access to care rather than catering to one specific organization. This would help provide family counseling and other services to a broader range of people and help more Michigan families. I ask my colleagues for support of my amendment.
Senator Albert’s statement is as follows:
This amendment would protect
the hard-earned wages of dedicated home health caregivers. It would prohibit
the department or any of its contractors from making any deductions from the
wages of home health caregivers for dues to union labor. Why is this protection
necessary? Because bills have been introduced to reinstate an unjust practice
that our state eliminated roughly a decade ago. This old scheme was used to pad
union bank accounts by deducting millions of dollars from paychecks of home
health care workers, many of whom were caring for sick or elderly members of
their own families. The setup did not provide any tangible benefit to the
caregivers or the people they provided for. It simply helped unions tap into
federal funding at workers’ expense. These same caregivers were among those
eligible for direct care wage increases given in the past because they were so
underfunded. Why would we turn around now and allow a process to skim their
wages? If we truly want to support caregivers, please support my amendment and
protect their wages from unjust and unnecessary deductions.
Senator Lindsey’s statement is as follows:
As a fiscal conservative, I rarely argue that we need to spend a little bit more money. Last year, I couldn’t even support the budget because of what I saw as irresponsible spending. However, government should play a very active role in protecting citizens’ rights, and sometimes that involves us stepping up and putting some resources behind it. My amendment would allocate further resources to the state’s Long Term Care Ombudsman. These individuals are sometimes the difference between our seniors having their rights protected or not. For instance, this office played a crucial role in uncovering information regarding the treatment of seniors in long-term care facilities during the pandemic. But, I want everyone before we vote to just consider one statistic about this. The recommended ratio for these individuals serving seniors is that we have no more than 2,000 beds for each ombudsman serving. In Michigan, that ratio is—we actually require each of these people to serve closer to 6,000 beds. This makes it impossible for them to provide the services they need to for our seniors to fill that critical role of helping protect those seniors’ rights. I hope to see this amendment get included in the budget so we can improve the quality of life for our residents living in long‑term care facilities and ensure that they are getting quality care, and that their rights are protected. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment.
Senator Runestad’s first statement is as follows:
My amendment will help ensure we are adequately providing vital dollars in the right place in order to protect Michigan’s children. I’m asking that we provide more money to Child Protective Services to hire more caseworkers. The DHHS budget is the biggest in the state and spends billions of dollars, but it seems we never get to stop reading almost weekly reports of children who have died with CPS interaction. The most recent case I read about was a 2-year-old boy in Macomb County who was starved to death by the parents. I was able to find out that these parents had been having interaction with CPS but had met the minimum requirements to go off monitoring. It sure sounds to me like we need to provide a lot more additional money to provide follow-up after parents are released from CPS monitoring to do some minimal interaction to ensure that these children are still safe.
I have cited many cases of CPS’ failure to adequately protect our children and I have talked with CPS workers who felt they did not have adequate staffing to effectively and safely do their job. CPS workers often complain about workload and agency officials recently reported a shortage of around 280 case workers—280 case worker shortage, and look what we’re going to be spending money on down the road. We all know about the $4,500 coffee maker, the funding for the health center money laundering operation out of Flint, and the hundreds of millions in special pork-barrel projects, but I urge you all to put aside pet projects in this budget, and wasteful spending this budget that we’ll almost certainly see in this upcoming ’25 budget and to put these dollars where they can do some good, some tremendous good.
For these kids, these dollars are vitally needed. Fund these case workers. I ask you to vote “yes” on my amendment to increase funding for CPS.
Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:
My amendment would offer additional resources for pediatric mental health support. With rising levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges among children, additional funding can ensure timely interventions and access to quality care. It’s no secret that there is a shortage of available mental health services available for those in need. This funding would help children get the help they need.
I ask members for their support on this amendment.
Senator Outman’s first statement is as follows:
Rural hospitals often face unique struggles because of their location; we see it all over the state. Often times, if someone is in an emergency, their local hospital can be forty-five or more minutes away, a problem that can be even further exacerbated in the winter months. I’m working with Congressman John Moolenaar to secure the federal portion of this funding match for shared hospitals and I hope we can do our part here on the state level to get this approved. We need to continue working to improve access to emergency care in rural areas and prevent instances like what happened with emergency services in Ontonagon. I encourage a “yes” vote on my amendment.
Senator Outman’s second statement is as follows:
This amendment would require
MDHHS to inform the Legislature of the number of minor patients in foster care
receiving treatment in state psychiatric hospitals. Youth in foster care are
more likely to struggle with negative psychological effects, and it’s our duty
to ensure that we are taking care of our most vulnerable children. This data
will help the Legislature make more informed decisions on how best to serve
these children receiving care in state facilities. I ask for a “yes” vote.
Senator Runestad’s second statement is as follows:
I wish I had some more time to have prepared this, but I got this information having gleaned through the gigantic DHHS budget and in reading the Janssen settlement—that’s the settlement of the lawsuit against all these big opioid providers and the billions of dollars that were won to be utilized by states for opioid treatment. The recommendations from the Janssen settlement were fabulous. They walked through a very thoughtful and scientific approach with that document that focused on individuals with these addictions, only differentiating between men and women, but focusing on the individual. With constant references to evidence-based results, I was very pleased with that document.
My amendment is simply to require that those recommendations from the Janssen settlement be followed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services minority report says that in the substance and use disorder by race and ethnicity says these things are hitting every community. The national survey data shows across all reported racial, ethnic, and demographic groups more than half of adults aged 18 and older reported some past alcohol abuse—that’s No. 1. The next most-common substance abuse that year was marijuana, ranging from the low in the Asian community of 7.5 percent to the white community of 15.9 percent, and the Native American at 25.26 percent in terms of their abuse.
You can see from alcohol to past substance disorder rates from Asian was 4.3, 7.5 for Native American, 7.5 for Hispanic/Latino, 7.5 for Black, 8.2 for white, and you go through all the different types of addictions. They cut across every group; I’m not going to read all the statistics. I was so disappointed when I was reading the Opioid Advisory Commission that was making all these things into race, race, race, and all the dollars needed to be race, race, race, when as you just can tell from the statistics I just read, these cut across every demographic. We should be constantly focusing on the individual. We shouldn’t say, Well, if you’re this race, you get this amount, if you’re that race, you get that amount of money, when this is an issue that affects every single community in the state of Michigan. We should be focusing on the individuals wherever the problem, whoever the problem is, that’s what should be done on evidence-based as the report had asked, to the individual as the report had asked us to do.
Senator Santana’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to support Senate Bill No. 767. Senate Bill No. 767 is the Department of Health and Human Services appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025. I am proud of this bipartisan, commonsense proposal that is laid out before us in this bill. This bipartisan budget impacts Michiganders from birth to earth, and I want to thank all my colleagues who have provided feedback on this budget.
I want to take a moment to highlight some of the items I am most proud of in this budget. This budget increased access to our health care systems for our most vulnerable constituents by increasing reimbursements to the federally qualified health centers for private duty nursing, speech language providers, anesthesia, and it encourages providers to take Medicaid patients by increasing first-time and ongoing office visits. We are increasing access to mental health services by expanding certified community behavioral health clinics across the state. We provide an increase in funding for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program and stabilize our water affordability program to ensure no one in the state is unable to pay their water bill or their utilities. For our constituents who are saddled with unpaid medical debt, we expand medical debt relief pilot program that has been wildly successful in its first year. We spend TANF where TANF is supposed to be spent—protecting and assisting our most in-need citizens. We expand the eligibility of cash assistance to six years and create a payment program for families that have children from the age of 6 through 13, and increase payments to combat rising costs to families of children under the age of 6.
We aggressively tackle homelessness and pilot projects and address chronic homelessness and provide stable housing in the community. We invest in the DHHS frontline workers by establishing a hybrid pension that will go a long way in recruiting and retaining workers that every day impact the lives of our constituents. We want our state employees to feel valued and respected for the most difficult and sensitive work that they do day in and day out. To curb gun violence and death and gun deaths across the state, we continue the community violence intervention grants but target grassroots groups that have been performing this work for years and create an office of suicide prevention to work to prevent further loss of life. We know that there is a shortage of juvenile beds and establish a fund to assist in bringing more beds online and allow for upgrades to ensure that we are treating our juvenile offenders and not locking them up and throwing away the key.
I encourage my colleagues to vote “yes” on Senate Bill No. 767.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 760, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of technology, management, and budget, the department of civil rights, and certain other state purposes for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Bellino offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 6, line 18, after “$” by striking out “1,000,000” and inserting “1,500,000” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 165 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Huizenga offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 32, line 27, after “safety” by striking out “recruitment and best practices” and inserting “training and equipment upgrades”.
2. Amend page 34, line 18, after “safety” by striking out “recruitment and best practices” and inserting “training and equipment upgrades”.
3. Amend page 152, line 1, by striking all of section 992 and inserting:
“Sec. 992. (1) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for public safety training and equipment upgrades, the department of treasury shall establish and administer a program to provide grants to local law enforcement agencies for the following purposes:
(a) Recruitment and training of licensed law enforcement officers.
(b) Upgrades to equipment utilized by licensed law enforcement officers.
(2) Grants shall be awarded to local units of government on
a competitive basis. The department of treasury must prioritize demonstrated
need when selecting grant recipients.
(3) The department of treasury shall develop and post a grant application on a publicly accessible page of the department website no later than November 15, 2024. The deadline for receipt of applications must be no later than December 31, 2024. Funds must be awarded no later than March 1, 2025.
(4) The department of treasury shall post a list of award recipients and funding amounts on a publicly accessible webpage.
(5) The unexpended portion of funds appropriated for public safety training and equipment upgrades are designated as a work project appropriation, and any unencumbered or unallotted funds shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and shall be available for expenditure for the project under this section until the project has been completed. The following is in compliance with section 451a(1) of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a:
(a) The purpose of the project is to provide grants to local law enforcement agencies to support the recruitment and training of licensed law enforcement officers and the purchase, improvement, or repair of equipment utilized by licensed law enforcement officers.
(b) The project will be accomplished by utilizing state resources and grants.
(c) The total estimated cost of the project is $15,000,000.00.
(d) The tentative completion date is September 30, 2029.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 166 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Bellino offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 79, following line 18, by inserting:
“Sec. 710. The MDOS shall not use any state funds to process or provide a state issued driver license or a state issued identification card to any individual who is not a legal citizen of the United States and who also cannot provide proof of legal resident status in the United States.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting
therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 167 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Hauck offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 86, line 13, by striking out all of section 803a.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 168 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 20, line 17, after “137.0” by striking out “49,373,100” and inserting “72,373,100” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
2. Amend page 110, following line 5, by inserting:
“Sec. 895. (1) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for Michigan public safety communications system, $13,000,000.00 shall be used for matching grants to local units of government for the construction of new public safety communication towers. The Michigan public safety communications system (MPSCS) shall coordinate with the department of treasury to develop a grant program for this purpose. The grant program must be structured as follows:
(a) Grants shall be awarded to local units of government on a competitive basis. The MPSCS shall have the authority to review applications and select grant recipients from applications received.
(b) In order to be eligible for a grant under this section, a local unit of government must commit $1.00 for every $1.00 of grant funding received for the purposes described in subsection (1).
(c) The department of treasury shall administer the payment of grants on behalf of the MPSCS. The department of treasury shall expend not more than 1% of the funds allocated in part 1 for public safety facility grants for administrative purposes.
(2) The MPSCS shall develop and post a grant application on a publicly accessible page of the department website no later than November 15, 2024.
(3) The MPSCS must set a deadline for receipt of applications of December 31, 2024. Funds must be awarded no later than March 15, 2025.
(4) The MPSCS must give priority to areas that have the greatest demonstrated need for communication towers.
(5) The unexpended portion of funds appropriated to the Michigan public safety communications system for grants for new public safety communications towers is designated as a work project appropriation, and any unencumbered or unallotted funds shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and shall be available for expenditure for the project under this section until the project has been completed. The following is in compliance with section 451a(1) of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a:
(a) The purpose of the project is to provide grants to support the construction of new public safety communications towers by local units of government.
(b) The project will be accomplished by utilizing state resources, grants, contracts with service providers, or some combination thereof.
(c) The total estimated cost of the project is $13,000,000.00.
(d) The tentative completion date is September 30, 2029.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Albert offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 19, line 12, by striking out all of line 12 and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 169 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 32, following line 25, by inserting:
“Public safety facility grants 50,000,000”.
and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
2. Amend page 157, following line 12, by inserting:
“Sec. 995. (1) From the funds appropriated in part 1 for public safety facility grants, the department of treasury shall establish and administer a program to provide matching grants to local units of government for the purpose of consolidating or renovating local law enforcement or fire fighter facilities. The grant program must be structured as follows:
(a) Grants shall be awarded to local units of government on a competitive basis. The department of treasury must prioritize demonstrated need and cost savings when selecting grant recipients.
(b) In order to be eligible for a grant under this section, a local unit of government must commit $1.00 for every $1.00 of grant funding received for the purposes described in subsection (1).
(c) The maximum award for a grant shall be $5,000,000.00 per local unit of government.
(d) The department of treasury shall expend not more than 1% of the funds allocated in part 1 for public safety facility grants for administrative purposes.
(2) The department of treasury shall develop and post a grant application on a publicly accessible page of the department website no later than November 15, 2024.
(3) The department of treasury must set a deadline for receipt of applications of December 31, 2024. Funds must be awarded no later than March 15, 2025.
(7) The unexpended portion of funds appropriated for public safety facility grants are designated as a work project appropriation, and any unencumbered or unallotted funds shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and shall be available for expenditure for the project under this section until the project has been completed. The following is in compliance with section 451a(1) of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a:
(a) The purpose of the project is to provide grants to support the consolidation and renovation of law enforcement and fire department facilities owned and operated by local units of government.
(b) The project will be accomplished by utilizing state resources and grants.
(c) The total estimated cost of the project is $50,000,000.00.
(d) The tentative completion date is September 30, 2029.”.
The amendments
were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 13, line 14, by striking out all of line 14.
2. Amend page 13, line 15, after “$” by striking out “20,000,100” and inserting “100”.
3. Amend page 13, line 17, after “$” by striking out “20,000,100” and inserting “100” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 69, line 9, by striking out the balance of the page through “2028.” on line 21 of page 71.
The question being on the adoption of the amendments,
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 170 Yeas—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Nays—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
Senator Albert offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 32, line 26, by striking out all of line 26 and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
2. Amend page 156, line 28, by striking out all of section 993.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Albert offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 60, following line 19, by inserting:
“(r) Oil and gas litigation.”.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
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. 171 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Protest
Senator Albert, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of Senate Bill No. 760 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
Senator Albert’s statement is as follows:
First I want to credit the bill sponsor, the Senator from the 27th District. You saved me from having to introduce at least half a dozen more amendments by not concurring with some of the Governor’s worst ideas and by proposing new ones such as adding resources to support local prosecutors, and the revenue sharing proposal has some merit. In several ways, this budget proposal is much better than what the Governor recommended, but I cannot support it overall.
The biggest problems with this proposal for the next year is that the general government budget, and most other departmental budgets, begin with bloated spending for our current year. Democrats blew through a $9 billion budget surplus. They created an unsustainable state government by adding new programs and adding roughly 700 new state employees overall. I warned that doing so would create problems for years to come, and that is happening already. The surplus and the federal aid that supported the current-year budget is all but gone, but Democrats want to continue spending at artificially-high levels that they’ve become accustomed to since taking power. How do you continue excessive spending when you don’t have the money? You start looking in all the wrong places and adding to the budget planning mistakes.
For starters, Democrats want to keep taxes higher than they should be. The state’s income-tax rate for this calendar year is 4.05 percent, and it should remain at that rate. Democrats are returning to the rate of 4.25 percent by misinterpreting or ignoring state law. That takes at least $650 million away from Michigan taxpayers and families—money that should be able to be kept and saved or spent as they see fit.
In other budgets, the plan is
to raid the pension fund or to add long-term debt to continue irresponsible
spending. This general government budget before us today does not reflect that
some one-time spending would not continue in the upcoming fiscal year. That
lowers the overall cost for the general government budget, but its misleading
to some degree. It does not address the unsustainable, ongoing costs that were
built into the budget last year would continue on into the next fiscal year.
The number of state employees within this general government budget, for
example, ticks upward by more than 70 employees in the upcoming fiscal year.
What could possibly go wrong, you ask? Well, a lot.
Now is not the time to be forcing mandates for state governments to buy electric vehicles or to add mandates on small business with new government programs, or to build a $20 million park at the State Capitol. Now is not the time to be adding debt, even for water infrastructure or road projects, because it will inevitably lead to higher costs for taxpayers in the future.
At the State of the State, I could not believe my eyes when I saw Democrats cheer the Governor’s call to take the remaining $3.5 billion of road debt. I was equally astonished to see the governments gushing at the idea of taking out the last $290 million of the Great Lakes water quality protection debt. The idea of having to pay all of this back, plus interest, seems to not be part of the equation at all. We must find more responsible ways to fund these projects. I urge a “no” vote.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bellino’s first statement is as follows:
Mr. President, justice delayed is justice denied. The Attorney General’s office stated they were seeking $1 million to pursue defendants in sexual misconduct and assault cases who had fled and to coordinate with police on those cases. According to the Attorney General’s office, there are about 1,600 defendants who fit that description and there is good information about the location of 700 of them. While it’s good that this budget includes $1 million, my amendment would add an additional $500,000 to help track down all of these cases and bring justice to the victims. I urge members to support victims of sexual assault by voting “yes” on my amendment.
Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, Alexander Hamilton said that the first duty of society is justice. That was true 200 years ago and remains true today. Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines in the effort to hold criminals accountable for their actions and ultimately to help prevent crime from happening in the first place. They have tough jobs and many of them literally put their lives on the line every day. Requirements on how they protect communities would be debated like other serious policy issues, not forced through in budget boilerplate. My amendment would revise the boilerplate language for public safety and police reform grants and uses $15 million to provide additional support for police officers in areas that need help the most. I urge members to support law enforcement by voting “yes” on my amendment.
Senator Bellino’s second statement is as follows:
My amendment is straightforward and simply protects taxpayer dollars from issuing valid Michigan driver licenses to illegal aliens. Being a legal Michigan resident and U.S. citizen comes with certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities, both for those naturally born within our borders and those who rightly seek legal paths to citizenship, like many of my own ancestors. The effort to provide illegal aliens with valid state driver licenses at the expense of Michigan taxpayers comes ripe with opportunities for fraud and raises national security and public safety concerns—unfortunately, like the tragic events we have experienced here recently in our own state.
Senator Hauck’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, unnecessary and unfair government mandates can hinder opportunities for workers and increase costs to taxpayers—sometimes with little public benefit. My amendment seeks to remove such a mandate in the DTMB budget. The amendment would cut current boilerplate language that requires any construction, repair, or remodeling of a building or structure owned or leased by this state be done by individuals who have completed or are enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program.
I strongly support apprenticeships as an excellent way for people to get real, on-the-job training in skilled‑trades positions. However, this should not be a requirement for state construction jobs. If this unnecessary mandate is enacted, an American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) certified plumber who earned their expertise at a trade school or a community college, or an HVAC tech with an associate’s degree at a local community college, will be displaced from working on any state jobs. We should be encouraging as many contractors as possible to bid on state building contracts, since that is the best way to get both the best qualified and the best value for taxpayers. I urge members to vote “yes” on my amendment.
Senator Albert’s first statement is as follows:
This amendment would address a critical public safety need in communities throughout our state. It would provide a total of $23 million to help maintain and improve the public safety communication system that law enforcement and emergency responders rely on to talk to each other. This system is in desperate need of resources for maintenance, and new or additional dollars are needed in many Michigan communities to provide better coverage. This is a statewide issue that impacts many communities throughout Michigan. This amendment would include the $10 million proposed by the executive recommended budget for life cycle replacement. In addition, it would include $13 million for a grant program for local governments to build new towers. This grant program would be based on the greatest need and would include a 50/50 match. I would hope we can all agree that emergency responders should be able to communicate with each other on a stable and secure network in all parts of our state, without worrying about lost or weak signals in a time of crisis. I ask for support of this amendment.
Senator Albert’s second statement is as follows:
This amendment would eliminate the funding specifically designed to transition state government fleet vehicles to electric vehicles. This program is not going to save the planet; it will, however, be an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars. The government should not be in the business of trying to dictate or create commercial markets. History has shown, time and time again, that central planning does not work, and automakers themselves, with plans to scale back their production, are acknowledging the demand for electric vehicles has previously been overestimated. The market isn’t ready, and the state should not be relying on a market that’s been artificially forced. When our state government needs new taxpayer-bought vehicles, it should be bought using the most appropriate type and the best value. That rarely, if ever, is going to be electric vehicles at this point. Electric vehicle options are likely to be more expensive and less practical. Please support my amendment and stop the state from wasting taxpayer dollars on vehicles that are more expensive, and there are other readily available options. Thank you and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
Senator Albert’s third statement is as follows:
It’s been said countless times throughout the years in this chamber, but it’s true: a budget should reflect the priorities and needs of the state. Keeping the people of Michigan safe is a need, it is one of the government’s greatest responsibilities and it should be a priority. This amendment would provide $50 million statewide for what would be called a public safety facility grant. The grants could be used to update or consolidate law enforcement and firefighter facilities in our local communities. There is a need for this in many communities across the state. In the district I represent, the city of Battle Creek is exploring ways to upgrade fire stations that in some cases are more than 100 years old. The newest fire station in the city is 50 years old. Stations this old simply cannot support a modern fire department. This amendment would be one more option for communities such as Battle Creek, and others like it across the state, to help meet public safety needs. The grant would be awarded competitively, and would require a 50/50 match.
I want to acknowledge that this budget proposal does include $50 million for grants for local governments related to public safety recruitment and best practices. That is a start, but my amendment would provide more support directly to public safety facilities, which is desperately needed. We should be making investments in public safety within our state budget, it would be a much wiser investment of taxpayer dollars than some of the other items in this budget.
Senator Albert’s fourth statement is as follows:
This amendment would eliminate the $20 million earmarked for the Park Michigan project. I love our state and our history, it should be commemorated and celebrated, but this is not the time to be spending $20 million for a park at the Capitol complex. I’ve knocked tens of thousands of doors throughout Michigan over the years—nobody has ever asked me to build a park down the road from the Capitol. We just spent $40 million on Heritage Hall. We’ve done enough for the time being. If this is going to be pursued, it should be funded through private donations. The majority in this chamber last year supported a state budget that blew through $9 billion of surplus and left our state’s finances in a far more precarious position than it should be. Let’s save this $20 million and spend it on actual priorities, or not spend it at all. Thank you and I ask for support of this amendment.
Senator Albert’s fifth statement is as follows:
This amendment would strip the $1.5 million in funding for the proposed retirement savings program act. Businesses already have a lot of administrative mandates on their plate—taxes, regulatory reporting, workers comp, unemployment, leave time, and on and on. The retirement savings program act would add another one, which would be particularly burdensome for small businesses. I obviously support and encourage saving for retirement. No one should be arguing that is not a good idea. The issue here is the mandate for participation for private-sector employers that don’t now have a retirement savings program. No matter how small, even one employee, the employer would have to navigate state bureaucracy. On top of that, this proposal ignores the fact that businesses are already required to participate in a government mandated retirement plan. It’s called social security. I get that no employee is mandated to participate, but the employer is mandated to have a program available. This is just another great idea coming out of Lansing. Trying to pigeon-hole people into a preferred state action. The compelling state interest here does not meet the threshold of getting involved. Let’s just leave people alone for once. It’s hard enough to start a business and create jobs. Let’s not make it any harder. Again, while I support retirement saving programs, I do not believe the state should be getting involved with the private sector in this way. Thank you and I urge support for this amendment.
Senator Albert’s sixth statement is as follows:
If the Attorney General is going to pursue a politically-motivated lawsuit that has no hope of succeeding, the least she can do is tell taxpayers how much money she is wasting. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 749, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies, the executive office, the judiciary, and the legislature for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Outman offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 9, following line 17, by inserting:
“Wastewater infrastructure project 9,000,000”.
2. Amend page 9, line 20, after “$” by striking out “(24,498,600)” and inserting “(15,498,600)” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
3. Amend page 33, following line 4, by inserting:
“Sec. 408. From the funds appropriated in part 1 for wastewater infrastructure project, $9,000,000.00 shall be awarded to a wastewater infrastructure project located in a city with a population between 5,900 and 6,000 and in a county with a population of between 66,800 and 67,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census that supports a wastewater infrastructure project but due to cost increases resulting from inflation, supply chain, or other impact have been awarded funding amounts that are insufficient to complete the approved project.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
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. 172 Yeas—20
Anthony Chang Klinefelt Polehanki
Bayer Cherry McCann Santana
Brinks Geiss McDonald Rivet Shink
Camilleri Hertel McMorrow Singh
Cavanagh Irwin Moss Wojno
Nays—16
Albert Hauck Lauwers Runestad
Bellino Hoitenga Lindsey Theis
Bumstead Huizenga Nesbitt Victory
Daley Johnson Outman Webber
Excused—2
Damoose McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Moss
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill Nos. 5719 5720 5721 5722
Scheduled Meetings
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, May 16, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312
Elections and Ethics – Wednesday, May 15, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑1721
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection – Wednesday, May 15, 12:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314
Regulatory Affairs – Wednesday, May 15, 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 2:57 p.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate