The House was called to order by the Speaker.

 

The roll was called by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who announced that a quorum was present.

 

 

Agee--present

Alley--present

Anthony--present

Baade--present

Baird--present

Bankes--present

Basham--present

Birkholz--present

Bobier--present

Bodem--present

Bogardus--present

Brackenridge--present

Brater--present

Brewer--present

Brown--present

Byl--present

Callahan--present

Cassis--present

Cherry--present

Ciaramitaro--present

Crissman--present

Cropsey--present

Curtis--present

Dalman--present

DeHart--present

DeVuyst--present

Dobb--present

Dobronski--present

Emerson--present

Fitzgerald--present

Frank--present

Freeman--present

Gagliardi--present

Galloway--present

Geiger--present

Gernaat--present

Gilmer--present

Gire--present

Godchaux--present

Goschka--present

Green--present

Griffin--present

Gubow--present

Gustafson--present

Hale--present

Hammerstrom--present

Hanley--present

Harder--present

Hertel--present

Hood--present

Horton--present

Jansen--present

Jaye--present

Jelinek--present

Jellema--present

Johnson--present

Kaza--present

Kelly--present

Kilpatrick--present

Kukuk--present

LaForge--present

Law--present

Leland--present

LeTarte--present

Llewellyn--present

London--present

Lowe--present

Mans--excused

Martinez--present

Mathieu--present

McBryde--present

McManus--present

McNutt--present

Middaugh--present

Middleton--present

Murphy--present

Nye--present

Olshove--present

Owen--present

Oxender--present

Palamara--present

Parks--present

Perricone--present

Price--present

Profit--present

Prusi--present

Quarles--present

Raczkowski--present

Rhead--present

Richner--present

Rison--present

Rocca--present

Schauer--present

Schermesser--excused

Schroer--present

Scott--present

Scranton--present

Sikkema--present

Stallworth--present

Tesanovich--present

Thomas--present

Varga--present

Vaughn--present

Voorhees--present

Walberg--present

Wallace--present

Wetters--present

Whyman--present

Willard--present

Wojno--present

 

 

e/d/s = entered during session

Efry Spectre, Rabbi, Adat Shalom Synagogue, Farmington Hills, offered the following invocation:

 

"Our God and God of those who have gone before us, As this august legislative body, the State of Michigan House of Representatives, once more assembles for the opening week of this session, we call to mind at the season of the start of the New Year for the Jewish People, that the Shofar, the ram's horn, sounded this month, evokes that same sound at Your giving of the Torah, the law, thousands of years ago to the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai. Ever conscious that You have ever decreed us made in Your image and seeking anew some understanding for applying meaningfully that concept, we remind ourselves that with all the possible attributions of glory and power which might invoke Your name, You have chosen to identify Yourself in those Ten Commandments, as the God who brought You forth out of the House of Bondage. O' Lord, may these Representatives, our great state's leaders, in like manner, find the fortitude within them to make this their touchstone, that the law issuing forth from these revered chambers find its source and inspiration in the ideal of responsible freedom. May we be worthy, thereby, to walk with You in Your . . . ways of pleasantness, and know . . . Your paths of peace, Amen."

 

 

 

 

Rep. Dobronski moved that Reps. Mans and Schermesser be excused from today's session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

 

 

The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 140.

A resolution offered in memory of the Honorable Doug Carl.

Whereas, The sudden passing of our friend and former House colleague Doug Carl has taken from the Michigan Legislature a man of great principle and devotion to our state. We express our deep sense of loss to his beloved family and offer our sincerest condolences to them. We are confident that the example of his warmth, commitment to ideals, and belief in our democracy will long continue to enrich our state and the legislative process; and

Whereas, Doug Carl came to the Capitol in 1985, following his election to the House of Representatives and his prior service with the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. He brought with him experience in finance and investments, an unshakable dedication to his religious faith and family values, and a personal warmth that earned him great respect. He combined his background as a graduate of Michigan State University and his involvement in community groups to work hard to advance principles consistent with the way he lived. He was tenacious in fighting for limited and more efficient government and working for more responsiveness to the needs of families in public policies. He was especially active working on taxation issues and fighting tobacco use; and

Whereas, Another characteristic of Doug Carl's style as a lawmaker was his strong communication within his district and constituent service. Indeed, all aspects of his public life were marked by his passion for making government respond to the will of the people. His tenacity on policy issues, however, was balanced by a graciousness toward fellow legislators and staff that was above partisanship or pettiness. His friends on both sides of the political aisle share in their loss and their sympathies to his beloved family; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body offer this expression of our highest tribute as a memorial for the Honorable Doug Carl; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Carl's wife, Maria, their daughter, Colleen, and family as evidence of our deepest condolences.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted by a unanimous standing vote.

 

 

 

 

Rep. McManus, under Rule 33, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I was absent from the Chamber when the vote was taken on Roll Call Nos. 779-785. Had I been present, I would have voted "yes".

Rep. Jaye, under Rule 33, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I was absent from the Chamber when the vote was taken on Roll Call No. 785. Had I been present, I would have voted "no".

 

 

 

 

House Bill No. 4200, entitled

A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled "Michigan employment security act," by amending section 29 (MCL 421.29), as amended by 1995 PA 25.

The bill was read a second time.

Rep. Baade moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

Rep. Curtis moved that Rep. Murphy be excused temporarily from today's session.

The motion prevailed.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

House Bill No. 4200, entitled

A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled "Michigan employment security act," by amending section 29 (MCL 421.29), as amended by 1995 PA 25.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 786 Yeas--107

 

 

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

The House agreed to the title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

House Bill No. 4461, entitled

A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled "Michigan employment security act," by amending sections 11 and 17 (MCL 421.11 and 421.17), section 11 as amended by 1995 PA 25 and section 17 as amended by 1994 PA 162.

The bill was read a second time.

Rep. Martinez moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

House Bill No. 4461, entitled

A bill to amend 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, entitled "Michigan employment security act," by amending sections 11 and 17 (MCL 421.11 and 421.17), section 11 as amended by 1995 PA 25 and section 17 as amended by 1994 PA 162.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 787 Yeas--106

 

 

Dobb Johnson

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

The House agreed to the title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

House Bill No. 5038, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled "State employees' retirement act," (MCL 38.1 to 38.69) by adding section 19g.

Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed substitute (H-1) previously recommended by the Committee on Public Retirement,

The substitute (H-1) was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. DeHart moved that consideration of the bill be postponed temporarily.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 118, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 192, entitled "Forbes mechanical contractors act," by amending section 10 (MCL 338.980), as amended by 1989 PA 105.

Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed amendments previously recommended by the Committee on Regulatory Affairs (for amendments, see House Journal No. 37, p. 749),

The amendments were adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

Senate Bill No. 118, entitled

A bill to amend 1984 PA 192, entitled "Forbes mechanical contractors act," by amending section 10 (MCL 338.980), as amended by 1989 PA 105.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 788 Yeas--108

 

 

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the bill shall read as follows:

"An act to regulate the use, installation, alteration, and servicing of specified heating, cooling, ventilating, and refrigerating equipment and systems; to create a board of mechanical rules; to provide for the licensing of installing contractors and of servicing contractors of heating, cooling, ventilating, and refrigerating equipment and systems; to prescribe fees; to provide for the promulgation of rules; and to prescribe penalties,"

The House agreed to the full title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill No. 119, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 217, entitled "Electrical administrative act," by amending section 3 (MCL 338.883), as amended by 1992 PA 130.

Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed amendment previously recommended by the Committee on Regulatory Affairs (for amendment, see House Journal No. 37, p. 750),

The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

Senate Bill No. 119, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 217, entitled "Electrical administrative act," by amending section 3 (MCL 338.883), as amended by 1992 PA 130.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

Roll Call No. 789 Yeas--106

 

 

Dobb Johnson

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the bill shall read as follows:

"An act to safeguard persons and property; to provide for licensing and regulation of electricians and electrical contractors concerning the construction, alteration, installation of electrical wiring and equipment and for the inspection of electrical wiring; to create an electrical administrative board; to create certain committees for certain purposes; to provide certain powers and duties for certain departments; to provide for the assessment of certain fees and for the promulgation of rules; and to prescribe penalties for violations of this act,"

The House agreed to the full title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill No. 120, entitled

A bill to amend 1929 PA 266, entitled "An act to protect the health, and promote the safety and welfare of the people, by regulating the installation, alteration, maintenance, improvement and inspection of plumbing; to define plumbing and the classification of plumbers; to provide for the issuing of licenses and permits pertaining thereto and the disposition of moneys derived therefrom; to create a plumbing board, and to prescribe its powers and duties; to authorize cities, villages and townships to adopt and enforce certain standards; to establish remedies and fix penalties for violation of the provisions of this act," by amending section 8 (MCL 338.908), as amended by 1989 PA 106.

Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed amendments previously recommended by the Committee on Regulatory Affairs (for amendments, see House Journal No. 37, p. 750),

The amendments were adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

Senate Bill No. 120, entitled

A bill to amend 1929 PA 266, entitled "An act to protect the health, and promote the safety and welfare of the people, by regulating the installation, alteration, maintenance, improvement and inspection of plumbing; to define plumbing and the classification of plumbers; to provide for the issuing of licenses and permits pertaining thereto and the disposition of moneys derived therefrom; to create a plumbing board, and to prescribe its powers and duties; to authorize cities, villages and townships to adopt and enforce certain standards; to establish remedies and fix penalties for violation of the provisions of this act," by amending section 8 (MCL 338.908), as amended by 1989 PA 106.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 790 Yeas--105

 

 

Dobb

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

The House agreed to the title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

The Committee on Labor and Occupational Safety, by Rep. Murphy, Chair, reported

House Concurrent Resolution No. 58.

A concurrent resolution to disapprove Executive Order 1997-12 on executive reorganization.

(For text of resolution, see House Journal No. 70, p. 1912.)

With the recommendation that the concurrent resolution be adopted.

 

 

 

HCR 58 To Report Out:

Yeas: Reps. Murphy, Cherry, Agee, Bogardus, Callahan, Freeman,

Nays: Reps. Byl, Llewellyn.

 

 

 

The following report, submitted by Rep. Murphy, Chair of the Committee on Labor and Occupational Safety, was received and read:

Meeting held on: Thursday, September 25, 1997, at 8:30 a.m.,

Present: Reps. Murphy, Cherry, Agee, Bogardus, Callahan, Freeman, Byl, Llewellyn, Raczkowski, Rhead,

Absent: Rep. Schermesser,

Excused: Rep. Schermesser.

The Speaker announced that under Rule 77 the concurrent resolution would lie over one day.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that Rule 77 be suspended and the resolution be considered at this time.

The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

Rep. Gustafson demanded the yeas and nays.

The demand was supported.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

Rep. Gagliardi moved that consideration of the concurrent resolution be postponed temporarily.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

 

 

The House returned to the consideration of

House Bill No. 5038, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled "State employees' retirement act," (MCL 38.1 to 38.69) by adding section 19g.

(The bill was considered earlier today, see today's Journal, p. 1953.)

Rep. Rhead moved to amend the bill as follows:

1. Amend page 1, line 11, after "YEARS" by inserting "AND THE MEMBER IS AT LEAST 55 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER".

The question being on the adoption of the amendment offered by Rep. Rhead,

Rep. Rhead demanded the yeas and nays.

The demand was supported.

The question being on the adoption of the amendment offered by Rep. Rhead,

The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 791 Yeas--50

 

 

Galloway Jellema

 

 

Nays--49

 

 

DeHart

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

 

 

Rep. Gustafson moved that Rep. Nye be excused from the balance of today's session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Rep. Bogardus moved to amend the bill as follows:

1. Amend page 1, line 5, after "CLOSES" by striking out the balance of the sentence and inserting a period.

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Dobb moved to reconsider the vote by which the House adopted the amendment.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members present voting therefor.

The question being on the adoption of the amendment offered previously by Rep. Bogardus,

Rep. Gustafson demanded the yeas and nays.

The demand was supported.

The question being on the adoption of the amendment offered previously by Rep. Bogardus,

The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 792 Yeas--56

 

 

 

 

Nays--47

 

 

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

Rep. DeHart moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

House Bill No. 5038, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled "State employees' retirement act," (MCL 38.1 to 38.69) by adding section 19g.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 793 Yeas--57

 

 

DeHart

 

 

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

 

 

The House agreed to the title of the bill.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Reps. Anthony, Baade, Baird, Bogardus, Brewer, Gagliardi, Gire, Green, Gubow, Hale, Harder, Hood, Kelly, Murphy, Olshove, Palamara, Parks, Profit, Prusi, Rison, Scott, Tesanovich, Vaughn, Wallace and Wetters were named co-sponsors of the bill.

 

 

 

 

Reps. Rhead, Whyman, Perricone, McNutt, Middaugh, Middleton, Bodem, Llewellyn, Hammerstrom and Cassis, having reserved the right to explain their protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted no on House Bill 5038 because I do not believe that any employee (private or public) should be allowed to retire at any age less than 50 years old. HB 5038 allows such employees to retire with full pension benefits.

HB 5038 also offers additional pension benefits to a select group of mental health employees in excess to long standing agreements between the Legislature and the labor organizations. I believe it is not fair to offer these employees better pension benefits than were offered to other mental health employees who were effected by site closings. I would have considered support of the bill until the Rhead amendment failed and the Bogardus amendment was adopted."

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations, by Rep. Hood, Chair, reported

Senate Bill No. 178, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled "The state school aid act of 1979," by amending section 17a (MCL 388.1617a), as amended by 1996 PA 300, and by adding section 147a.

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

The bill and substitute were referred to the order of Second Reading of Bills.

 

 

 

SB 178 To Report Out:

Yeas: Reps. Hood, Mathieu, Ciaramitaro, Emerson, Frank, Hale, Harder, Kelly, Martinez, Owen, Parks, Price, Prusi, Rison, Schroer, Stallworth, Tesanovich, Gilmer, Bankes, Geiger, Godchaux, Jansen, Jellema, Johnson, McBryde, Oxender,

Nays: None.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 178, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled "The state school aid act of 1979," by amending section 17a (MCL 388.1617a), as amended by 1996 PA 300, and by adding section 147a.

Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed substitute (H-1) previously recommended by the Committee on Appropriations,

The substitute (H-1) was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that Rule 49 be suspended.

The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

Senate Bill No. 178, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled "The state school aid act of 1979," by amending section 17a (MCL 388.1617a), as amended by 1996 PA 300, and by adding section 147a.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 794 Yeas--103

 

 

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

In The Chair: Hertel

The question being on agreeing to the title of the bill,

Rep. Gagliardi moved to amend the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled "An act to make appropriations to aid in the support of the public schools and the intermediate school districts of the state; to make appropriations for certain other purposes relating to education; to provide for the disbursement of the appropriations; to supplement the school aid fund by the levy and collection of certain taxes; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts," by amending sections 6, 11, 20, 20c, 31a, 51a, 53a, and 107 (MCL 388.1606, 388.1611, 388.1620, 388.1620c, 388.1631a, 388.1651a, 388.1653a, and 388.1707), sections 6, 11, 20, 20c, 51a, 53a, and 107 as amended by 1997 PA 93 and section 31a as amended by 1997 PA 24.

The motion prevailed.

The House agreed to the title as amended.

Rep. Gagliardi moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

 

 

Rep. Gagliardi moved that when the House adjourns today it stand adjourned until Tuesday, September 30, at 2:00 p.m.

The motion prevailed.

 

Rep. Gagliardi moved that House Committees be given leave to meet during the balance of today's session.

The motion prevailed.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

 

 

Reps. DeHart, Varga, Scott, Dobronski, Murphy, Hanley, Wojno, Freeman, Voorhees, Llewellyn, Green, Scranton, Kukuk, Dalman, Baade, Gernaat, Anthony, LaForge, Gubow, Palamara, Bodem, Lowe, Wallace, Vaughn, Thomas, Leland, Brater, Godchaux, Tesanovich, Kelly, Baird, Wetters, Parks, Kilpatrick, Hale, Goschka, Cherry, London, LeTarte, Galloway, Richner, McBryde, Bankes, Gilmer, Profit, Cropsey, Birkholz, Basham and Bogardus offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 141.

A resolution commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Wayne County Community College.

Whereas, It is with great respect for the role this outstanding college has played in educating our citizens that we join with the people of Wayne County in marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Wayne County Community College. On behalf of the countless students and families who have been touched by the work that has taken place here, we offer our thanks and congratulations in reaching this milestone; and

Whereas, Few activities draw more attention and pressure than those that take place in a school. In seeking to prepare students for the world of work, challenge, and responsibility, our schools are, in reality, an extension of a community's hope and concern for the future. This is no small task. To achieve its lofty goals, an institution like Wayne County Community College must be focused and unified. Wayne County Community College has attained its reputation for effectiveness through the hard work and sacrifice of teachers, staff, and public officials who have worked together over the past 30 years; and

Whereas, Much has changed since Wayne County Community College first opened its doors in 1969. The students who fill the classrooms now face a world in which change takes place even faster. While they utilize tools to help them learn what their grandparents could never have imagined, they will need many of the same skills of generations past. These skills include the ability to think clearly, to make decisions based on reason, and to accept the responsibilities. In this way, the impact that Wayne County Community College has had over the years will only grow stronger; and

Whereas, Wayne County Community College has completed an impressive 30 years of uninterrupted operations and development of comprehensive educational services. Both directly and indirectly, our students and the 2.3 million people living within the college's campuses have enjoyed the benefits of constantly improved instructional programs and community services. Today, the college has a rich and diverse student population. Eighty-five percent of the students are Michigan residents and citizens from more than 30 countries are enrolled in programs; and

Whereas, When the doors opened in 1969, students previously excluded for various reasons from higher educational opportunities found a home at Wayne County Community College. Since its founding, graduates of the college have had a profound impact on the professional, political and technical life of cities in Wayne County and the State of Michigan. College alumni hold positions such as teachers, dentists, journalists, nurses, law enforcement officers, and a variety of other positions. Approximately 400,000 students have graduated since 1969. In 1995, more than 600 students who graduated transferred to four year colleges; and

Whereas, Wayne County Community College has provided access to higher education at five campuses for everyone interested in self-advancement, which has contributed to the economic improvement of Southeastern Michigan. Today, Wayne County Community College has about 18,000 students per year in 1400 classes per semester. Wayne County Community College's mission to be an affordable, comprehensive and contemporary institution has been a monumental contribution to Wayne County; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body commend all of the devoted educators, students, and staff who have contributed to Wayne County Community College's growth in excellence; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Wayne County Community College upon the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Pending the reference of the resolution to a committee,

Rep. Gagliardi moved that Rule 77 be suspended and the resolution be considered at this time.

The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

 

 

Reps. Kaza, Goschka, Lowe, Cropsey, Walberg, Green, Kukuk, Horton, Rocca, McBryde, Jaye, Jansen, Gernaat and Llewellyn offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 142.

A resolution to memorialize the President and the Congress of the United States to oppose religious persecution in the People's Republic of China and to oppose extending Most Favorite Nation status and access to the World Trade Organization to the People's Republic of China.

Whereas, Religious liberty is a universal right; and

Whereas, Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics in the People's Republic of China have been named "a principal threat to political stability"; and

Whereas, Premier Li Peng has ordered Chinese government departments to "step up the control of religious affairs" and stated that religion "should serve the aims of socialism"; and

Whereas, There are more documented cases of Christians being imprisoned or detained in Communist China on the basis of their religious beliefs than in any other country of the world; and

Whereas, Millions of Michigan Christians pray in their churches each week, oblivious to the fact that Christians in Communist China suffer brutal torture, arrest, imprisonment, and even death. Many homes and communities laid to waste for no reason other than the residents are Christians; and

Whereas, The Vatican condemns the detention, arrest, jailing, and abuse of Catholics in China by refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the government of the People's Republic of China; and

Whereas, In January 1996, the National Association of Evangelicals issued a Statement of Conscience and a Call to Action, declaring that United States' policies could be "dramatically effective" in "protecting the rights of all religious disasters"; and

Whereas, Throughout the People's Republic of China, churches and religious texts are destroyed by government agents, and Christians are regularly jailed; and

Whereas, The police of the People's Republic of China have painted anti-religious slogans on public walls in town squares; and

Whereas, In three separate incidents of abuse in the People's Republic of China, three Christian leaders were beaten to death by the agents of the People's Republic of China simply for their religious activities; and

Whereas, In Zheijiang Province alone, 15,000 religious sites were destroyed in the first months of 1996; and

Whereas, In the spring of 1996, the government of the People's Republic of China banned a Catholic pilgrimage to Donglu in the Hebel Province and closed down the underground church seminary; and

Whereas, In spite of this oppression, a great religious revival has swept Communist China in the past two decades; and

Whereas, The police of the People's Republic of China have arrested about 80 underground religious organizers in Lichuan, in the Jiangxi Province; and

Whereas, Millions of Chinese Christians must attend religious services in underground "house churches" to avoid detention and possible imprisonment because of their faith; and

Whereas, Scores of Chinese Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, languish in jail, and many more are in hiding; and

Whereas, The police of the People's Republic of China arrested 30-40 Christians in the Jiangxi Province to prevent them from holding Easter celebration; and

Whereas, The United States government has not paid sufficient attention to the persecution of Christians in Communist China; and

Whereas, Catholic and Protestant church leaders in Communist China, as well as ordinary believers, are regularly being arrested, beaten, and fined; and

Whereas, The Department of State's annual report on the People's Republic of China stated that "the government continued to commit widespread and well-documented human rights abuses, in violation of internationally accepted norms . . . (and) continued severe restrictions on the freedom of . . . religion"; and

Whereas, The United States of America, since its founding, has been a harbor of refuge and freedom to worship for believers from John Winthrop to Roger Williams to William Penn. Our nation has been a haven for the oppressed and has guaranteed freedom of worship in this country for people of all faiths; now, therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the President and the United States Congress to review Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that:

We urge our national leaders to remember the comments of Secretary of State Albright during the first meeting of the Department of State's Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad on February 13, 1997, emphasizing that "religious freedom belongs squarely in any comprehensive discussion of foreign policy," which includes all discussion regarding the granting of the coveted Most Favored Nation status to the People's Republic of China; and be it further

Resolved, That the House unequivocally condemns the egregious human rights abuses and denials of religious liberty to Christians and other persecuted religious believers in Communist China and calls upon Communist China to end that persecution; and be it further

Resolved, That the House demands the immediate release of all imprisoned religious prisoners of conscience; and be it further

Resolved, That the House memorializes the United States Congress to refuse to extend Most Favored Nation status to the People's Republic of China; and be it further

Resolved, That the House memorializes the United States Congress to oppose the accession of the People's Republic of China into the World Trade Organization; and be it further

Resolved, That the House reaffirms its commitment to Michigan's historic devotion to the principles of religious liberty; and be it further

Resolved, That the Clerk of the Michigan House of Representatives transmit copies of this resolution to representatives of the government of the People's Republic of China, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the United States Catholic Conference, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, the Cardinal Kung Foundation, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Freedom House, Amnesty International, and the World Evangelical Fellowship.

The resolution was referred to the Committee on House Oversight and Ethics.

 

 

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations, by Rep. Hood, Chair, reported

Senate Bill No. 165, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for a capital outlay program for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, to implement the appropriations within the budgetary process; to make appropriations for planning and construction at state agencies; to make appropriations for state building authority rent and insurance; to make a grant for state building authority rent; to provide for the acquisition of land and buildings; to provide for the elimination of fire hazards; to provide for special maintenance, remodeling and addition, alteration, renovation, demolition, and other projects; to provide for elimination of occupational safety and health hazards; to provide for the award and implementation of contracts; to provide for the purchase of furnishings and equipment relative to occupancy of a project; to provide for certain advances from the general fund; to prescribe powers and duties of certain state officers and agencies; to require certain reports, plans, and agreements; to provide for leases; to provide for transfers; to prescribe standards and September 30, 1998 conditions relating to the appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

The bill and substitute were referred to the order of Second Reading of Bills.

 

 

 

SB 165 To Report Out:

Yeas: Reps. Hood, Mathieu, Ciaramitaro, Emerson, Frank, Hale, Harder, Kelly, Martinez, Owen, Parks, Price, Prusi, Rison, Schroer, Stallworth, Tesanovich, Gilmer, Bankes, Geiger, Godchaux, Jansen, Jellema, Johnson, McBryde, Oxender,

Nays: None.

 

The following report, submitted by Rep. Gubow, Chair of the Committee on Insurance, was received and read:

Meeting held on: Wednesday, September 24, 1997, at 4:10 p.m.,

Present: Reps. Gubow, Scott, Bogardus, Dobronski, Palamara, Profit, Thomas, Varga, Vaughn, Basham, Llewellyn, Green, Jelinek, Law, London, Middaugh, Voorhees.

 

 

 

The following report, submitted by Rep. Wetters, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, was received and read:

Meeting held on: Thursday, September 25, 1997, at 8:30 a.m.,

Present: Reps. Wetters, Vaughn, Baade, Bogardus, Brewer, LaForge, Willard, Green, DeVuyst, Gernaat, Horton, Jelinek, Nye.

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill No. 273, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 82113 (MCL 324.82113), as amended by 1997 PA 102.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Conservation, Environment and Recreation.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 578, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled "State employees' retirement act," (MCL 38.1 to 38.69) by adding section 43; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Public Retirement.

 

 

 

 

The Clerk announced that the following Senate bills had been approved and signed by the Governor:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 501 - Public Act No. 68

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 569 - Public Act No. 69

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 570 - Public Act No. 70

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 284 - Public Act No. 71

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 571 - Public Act No. 72

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 572 - Public Act No. 73

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 574 - Public Act No. 74

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 592 - Public Act No. 75

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 297 - Public Act No. 78

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 303 - Public Act No. 79

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 581 - Public Act No. 80

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 208 - Public Act No. 86

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 345 - Public Act No. 87

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 619 - Public Act No. 90

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 413 - Public Act No. 91

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 637 - Public Act No. 95

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 319 - Public Act No. 101

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 534 - Public Act No. 102

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 164 - Public Act No. 103

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 171 - Public Act No. 105

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 172 - Public Act No. 106

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 173 - Public Act No. 107

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 302 - Public Act No. 108

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 225 - Public Act No. 110

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 168 - Public Act No. 112

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 114 - Public Act No. 115

The Clerk announced that the following Senate bills had been approved and signed by the Governor and have line item vetoes:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 166 - Public Act No. 104

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 169 - Public Act No. 109

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 170 - Public Act No. 111

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 167 - Public Act No. 113

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 272 - Public Act No. 114

 

The Clerk announced that the following Senate bills had been vetoed by the Governor:

Senate Bill Nos. 121 521

 

 

 

 

Rep. Llewellyn introduced

House Bill No. 5090, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 350, entitled "The nonprofit health care corporation reform act," by amending section 502 (MCL 550.1502), as amended by 1994 PA 440.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Insurance.

 

 

Rep. Nye introduced

House Bill No. 5091, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending section 558 (MCL 168.558), as amended by 1996 PA 583.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Local Government.

 

 

Reps. Alley, Kilpatrick, Wetters, Middaugh, Mans, Sikkema, Walberg, LaForge, Brown, Anthony, Bodem, Basham, Birkholz, Byl, DeVuyst, Rhead, McNutt, Brater and Callahan introduced

House Bill No. 5092, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending sections 14801, 14802, 14804, 14805, and 14808 (MCL 324.14801, 324.14802, 324.14804, 324.14805, and 324.14808), as added by 1996 PA 132.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Conservation, Environment and Recreation.

 

 

Reps. Kilpatrick, Alley, Middaugh, Mans, Sikkema, Walberg, Wetters, LaForge, Brown, Anthony, Bodem, Basham, Birkholz, Byl, DeVuyst, Rhead, McNutt, Brater and Callahan introduced

House Bill No. 5093, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 14809 (MCL 324.14809), as added by 1996 PA 132.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Conservation, Environment and Recreation.

 

 

Reps. Callahan, DeHart, Mans, Kaza, Freeman, Bogardus, Wojno, Kilpatrick, Schauer, Anthony, Dobb, McBryde and Goschka introduced

House Bill No. 5094, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "Michigan vehicle code," (MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 811d.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Conservation, Environment and Recreation.

 

 

Reps. Callahan, DeHart, Mans, Kaza, Freeman, Cassis, Bogardus, Wojno, Kilpatrick, Schauer, Anthony, Dobb, McBryde and Goschka introduced

House Bill No. 5095, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 30113 (MCL 324.30113), as amended by 1995 PA 171.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Conservation, Environment and Recreation.

Reps. Dalman, Jelinek, LeTarte, Schauer, Kilpatrick and McNutt introduced

House Bill No. 5096, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 208, entitled "An act to grant scholarships to students enrolled in postsecondary education institutions; and to provide for the administration of the scholarship program," by amending section 3 (MCL 390.973), as amended by 1980 PA 500.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.

 

 

Reps. Hanley, Wojno, Hale, Brewer, Schauer, Walberg, Leland, Cropsey, Martinez, Curtis, Raczkowski, Mans, Goschka, DeHart, Varga, Agee, Green, Parks, Richner and Dobb introduced

House Bill No. 5097, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "Michigan vehicle code," by amending section 226 (MCL 257.226), as amended by 1992 PA 297.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

 

 

Reps. Cherry, Raczkowski, Hale, Wojno, Schauer, LaForge, Mans, Cropsey, Hammerstrom, McBryde, Richner, Kilpatrick, Birkholz, DeHart, Green, Scranton, Cassis and Perricone introduced

House Bill No. 5098, entitled

A bill to amend 1996 PA 160, entitled "Postsecondary enrollment options act," by amending section 9 (MCL 388.519).

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.

 

 

Reps. Raczkowski, Cherry, Wojno, Schauer, Mans, Cropsey, Hammerstrom, McBryde, Birkholz, LaForge, Richner, Kilpatrick, DeHart, Green, Scranton, Perricone and Cassis introduced

House Bill No. 5099, entitled

A bill to amend 1996 PA 160, entitled "Postsecondary enrollment options act," by amending section 4 (MCL 388.514).

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.

 

 

 

 

Rep. Dobronski moved that the House adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 1:30 p.m.

 

The Speaker declared the House adjourned until Tuesday, September 30, at 2:00 p.m.