No. 27

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

92nd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2004

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, March 16, 2004.

 

 

10:00 a.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr.

 

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

 

 
Allen--presentEmerson--presentOlshove--present
Barcia--presentGarcia--presentPatterson--present
Basham--presentGeorge--presentPrusi--present
Bernero--presentGilbert--presentSanborn--present
Birkholz--presentGoschka--presentSchauer--present
Bishop--presentHammerstrom--presentScott--present
Brater--presentHardiman--presentSikkema--present
Brown--presentJacobs--presentStamas--present
Cassis--presentJelinek--presentSwitalski--present
Cherry--presentJohnson--presentThomas--present
Clark-Coleman--presentKuipers--presentToy--present
Clarke--presentLeland--presentVan Woerkom--present

Cropsey--excused McManus--present

 

Bishop Raphael Williams, Sr., of Greater Faith Assembly Church of Detroit offered the following invocation:

Precious God, Father, today we thank You for blessing us all together today and in coming to Your presence. God, we ask today that You would direct our leaders, our Senators--those whom You have placed in authority--that You would guide them throughout this day. We thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to come before our great leaders and our Senators. Bless them on this day. Strengthen, O God. Bless our city, our state, our government, and keep us, Lord, in perfect peace.

We thank You for it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

Motions and Communications

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that Senator Cropsey be excused from this week's sessions.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following communication was received:

Department of State

 

Administrative Rules

Notice of Filing

 

 

February 18, 2004

In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Office of Regulatory Reform, Legal Division filed at 2:38 p.m. this date, administrative rule (04-02-05) for the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Student Financial Assistance, entitled "Nursing Scholarship Rules," effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

Sincerely,

Terri Lynn Land

Secretary of State

Elena L. Beasley, Manager

Office of the Great Seal

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

The following communication was received:

Office of the Auditor General

March 12, 2004

Enclosed is a copy of the following audit report:

Performance audit of the Central Reservation System, Department of Natural Resources.

Sincerely,

Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A.

Auditor General

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

The Secretary announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Monday, March 15, for her approval the following bills:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 506 at 1:38 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 557 at 1:40 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 502 at 1:42 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 57 at 1:44 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 497 at 1:46 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 499 at 1:48 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 500 at 1:50 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 715 at 1:52 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 498 at 1:54 p.m.

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Thursday, March 11, and are available at the legislative Web site:

Senate Bill Nos. 1086 1087 1088

House Bill Nos. 5628 5629 5630 5631 5632 5633 5634

 

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Friday, March 12, and are available at the legislative Web site:

Senate Bill Nos. 1089 1090 1091 1092 1093 1094

House Bill Nos. 5635 5636 5637 5638 5639 5640 5641 5642 5643

 

 

Recess

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:09 a.m.

 

10:27 a.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry.

 

 

Messages from the Governor

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that consideration of the following bills be postponed for today:

Senate Bill No. 195

Senate Bill No. 364

Senate Bill No. 293

Senate Bill No. 265

Senate Bill No. 288

Senate Bill No. 540

Senate Bill No. 283

Senate Bill No. 464

Senate Bill No. 466

Senate Bill No. 395

Senate Bill No. 474

Senate Bill No. 840

Senate Bill No. 785

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following messages from the Governor were received:

Date: March 15, 2004

Time: 3:47 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir--I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 842 (Public Act No. 25), being

An act to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of owners and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date," (MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 616a.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on March 16, 2004, at 8:50 a.m.)

 

 

Date: March 15, 2004

Time: 3:50 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir--I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 843 (Public Act No. 26), being

An act to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled "An act to revise, consolidate, and codify the laws relating to criminal procedure and to define the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of courts, judges, and other officers of the court under the provisions of this act; to provide laws relative to the rights of persons accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the arrest of persons charged with or suspected of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for bail of persons arrested for or accused of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to provide for the examination of persons accused of criminal offenses; to regulate the procedure relative to grand juries, indictments, informations, and proceedings before trial; to provide for trials of persons complained of or indicted for criminal offenses and ordinance violations and to provide for the procedure in those trials; to provide for judgments and sentences of persons convicted of criminal offenses and ordinance violations; to establish a sentencing commission and to prescribe its powers and duties; to provide for procedure relating to new trials and appeals in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to provide a uniform system of probation throughout this state and the appointment of probation officers; to prescribe the powers, duties, and compensation of probation officers; to provide penalties for the violation of the duties of probation officers; to provide for procedure governing proceedings to prevent crime and proceedings for the discovery of crime; to provide for fees of officers, witnesses, and others in criminal and ordinance violation cases; to set forth miscellaneous provisions as to criminal procedure in certain cases; to provide penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act," by amending section 12e of chapter XVII (MCL 777.12e), as added by 2002 PA 34.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on March 16, 2004, at 8:52 a.m.)

 

 

Date: March 15, 2004

Time: 3:53 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir--I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 703 (Public Act No. 27), being

An act to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "An act to protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, and assessments; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts," by amending section 80205 (MCL 324.80205), as added by 2000 PA 229; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on March 16, 2004, at 8:54 a.m.)

 

 

Date: March 15, 2004

Time: 3:55 p.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir--I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 588 (Public Act No. 28), being

An act to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled "An act to revise, consolidate, and classify the laws relating to the insurance and surety business; to regulate the incorporation or formation of domestic insurance and surety companies and associations and the admission of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide their rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which companies and associations organized, existing, or authorized under this act may exercise their powers; to provide the rights, powers, and immunities and to prescribe the conditions on which other persons, firms, corporations, associations, risk retention groups, and purchasing groups engaged in an insurance or surety business may exercise their powers; to provide for the imposition of a privilege fee on domestic insurance companies and associations and the state accident fund; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of foreign and alien companies and associations; to provide for the imposition of a tax on risk retention groups and purchasing groups; to provide for the imposition of a tax on the business of surplus line agents; to provide for the imposition of regulatory fees on certain insurers; to provide for assessment fees on certain health maintenance organizations; to modify tort liability arising out of certain accidents; to provide for limited actions with respect to that modified tort liability and to prescribe certain procedures for maintaining those actions; to require security for losses arising out of certain accidents; to provide for the continued availability and affordability of automobile insurance and homeowners insurance in this state and to facilitate the purchase of that insurance by all residents of this state at fair and reasonable rates; to provide for certain reporting with respect to insurance and with respect to certain claims against uninsured or self-insured persons; to prescribe duties for certain state departments and officers with respect to that reporting; to provide for certain assessments; to establish and continue certain state insurance funds; to modify and clarify the status, rights, powers, duties, and operations of the nonprofit malpractice insurance fund; to provide for the departmental supervision and regulation of the insurance and surety business within this state; to provide for regulation over worker's compensation self-insurers; to provide for the conservation, rehabilitation, or liquidation of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for the protection of policyholders, claimants, and creditors of unsound or insolvent insurers; to provide for associations of insurers to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of insurer insolvencies; to prescribe educational requirements for insurance agents and solicitors; to provide for the regulation of multiple employer welfare arrangements; to create an automobile theft prevention authority to reduce the number of automobile thefts in this state; to prescribe the powers and duties of the automobile theft prevention authority; to provide certain powers and duties upon certain officials, departments, and authorities of this state; to provide for an appropriation; to repeal acts and parts of acts; and to provide penalties for the violation of this act," by amending section 2006 (MCL 500.2006), as amended by 2002 PA 316.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on March 16, 2004, at 8:56 a.m.)

Respectfully,

Jennifer M. Granholm

Governor

 

 

Messages from the House

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that consideration of the following bills be postponed for today:

Senate Bill No. 806

Senate Bill No. 824

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 337, entitled

A bill to amend 1917 PA 167, entitled "Housing law of Michigan," (MCL 125.401 to 125.543) by adding section 82a.

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.

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 350, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending sections 666 and 668 (MCL 168.666 and 168.668) and by adding section 668a.

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 pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

Pursuant to rule 3.202, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

Senate Bill No. 432, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending sections 73, 283, 393, 499, 509m, 509n, 509t, 509aa, 686, 735, 795, 798c, 799a, 803, and 842 (MCL 168.73, 168.283, 168.393, 168.499, 168.509m, 168.509n, 168.509t, 168.509aa, 168.686, 168.735, 168.795, 168.798c, 168.799a, 168.803, and 168.842), sections 73, 283, 393, 509n, and 686 as amended by 1999 PA 216, section 499 as amended by 1995 PA 213, sections 509m and 509aa as added by 1994 PA 441, section 509t as amended by 1998 PA 21, section 795 as amended by 2002 PA 91, section 798c as amended by 1990 PA 109, and sections 799a and 803 as amended by 1997 PA 137, and by adding sections 18, 523a, 813, and 829; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-5) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-5), ordered that it be given immediate effect and amended the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act," by amending sections 73, 283, 393, 499, 509m, 509n, 509t, 509aa, 662, 735, 795, 798c, 799a, 803, and 842 (MCL 168.73, 168.283, 168.393, 168.499, 168.509m, 168.509n, 168.509t, 168.509aa, 168.662, 168.735, 168.795, 168.798c, 168.799a, 168.803, and 168.842), sections 73, 283, 393, and 662 as amended by 1999 PA 216, section 499 as amended by 1995 PA 213, sections 509m and 509aa as added by 1994 PA 441, section 509n as amended by 2003 PA 302, section 509t as amended by 1998 PA 21, section 795 as amended by 2002 PA 91, section 798c as amended by 1990 PA 109, and sections 799a and 803 as amended by 1997 PA 137, and by adding sections 18, 523a, 813, and 829; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

Pursuant to rule 3.202, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 5476, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled "The revised school code," by amending sections 1535a and 1539b (MCL 380.1535a and 380.1539b), as amended by 1995 PA 289; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

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. 130 Yeas--37

 

 
AllenClark-ColemanJacobsSanborn
BarciaClarkeJelinekSchauer
BashamEmersonJohnsonScott
BerneroGarciaKuipersSikkema
BirkholzGeorgeLelandStamas
BishopGilbertMcManusSwitalski
BraterGoschkaOlshoveThomas
BrownHammerstromPattersonToy
CassisHardimanPrusiVan Woerkom

Cherry

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

Excused--1

 

 

Cropsey

Not Voting--0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

"An act to provide a system of public instruction and elementary and secondary schools; to revise, consolidate, and clarify the laws relating to elementary and secondary education; to provide for the organization, regulation, and maintenance of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to prescribe rights, powers, duties, and privileges of schools, school districts, public school academies, intermediate school districts, and other public school entities; to provide for the regulation of school teachers and certain other school employees; to provide for school elections and to prescribe powers and duties with respect thereto; to provide for the levy and collection of taxes; to provide for the borrowing of money and issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to establish a fund and provide for expenditures from that fund; to provide for and prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, the state board of education, and certain other boards and officials; to provide for licensure of boarding schools; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,".

The Senate agreed to the full title.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4707, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "Michigan vehicle code," by amending section 675d (MCL 257.675d), as amended by 2000 PA 268.

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. 131 Yeas--37

 

 
AllenClark-ColemanJacobsSanborn
BarciaClarkeJelinekSchauer
BashamEmersonJohnsonScott
BerneroGarciaKuipersSikkema
BirkholzGeorgeLelandStamas
BishopGilbertMcManusSwitalski
BraterGoschkaOlshoveThomas
BrownHammerstromPattersonToy
CassisHardimanPrusiVan Woerkom

Cherry

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

Excused--1

 

 

Cropsey

 

 

Not Voting--0

 

 

In The Chair: President

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

"An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of owners and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,".

The Senate agreed to the full title.

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 1074, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled "Michigan memorial highway act," by amending section 17 (MCL 250.1017).

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. 132 Yeas--37

 

 
AllenClark-ColemanJacobsSanborn
BarciaClarkeJelinekSchauer
BashamEmersonJohnsonScott
BerneroGarciaKuipersSikkema
BirkholzGeorgeLelandStamas
BishopGilbertMcManusSwitalski
BraterGoschkaOlshoveThomas
BrownHammerstromPattersonToy
CassisHardimanPrusiVan Woerkom

Cherry

 

 

Nays--0

 

 

Excused--1

 

 

Cropsey

 

 

Not Voting--0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4308, entitled

A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "Michigan vehicle code," by amending sections 307, 328, 732, 732a, 810b, and 907 (MCL 257.307, 257.328, 257.732, 257.732a, 257.810b, and 257.907), section 307 as amended and section 810b as added by 2003 PA 152, section 328 as amended by 1995 PA 287, section 732 as amended by 2002 PA 534, section 732a as added by 2003 PA 165, and section 907 as amended by 2003 PA 73.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Scott offered the following amendment:

1. Amend page 33, following line 27, by inserting:

"Enacting section 2. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 1099 of the 92nd Legislature is enacted into law.".

The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.

 

Senator Prusi offered the following amendments:

1. Amend page 26, line 13, after the second "court" by striking out "may" and inserting "shall".

2. Amend page 26, line 14, after "abstract." by striking out "If" and inserting "After".

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

 

Senator Switalski offered the following amendment:

1. Amend page 29, line 2, after "$250.00." by inserting "For a violation of section 328, the civil fine ordered under this subsection shall be not more than $50.00.".

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

 

Senator Leland offered the following amendments:

1. Amend page 11, following line 4, by inserting:

"(3) The court shall not cause an abstract of the court record for any violation of this section to be forwarded to the secretary of state." and renumbering the remaining subsections.

2. Amend page 11, line 12 by striking out all of subdivision (b) and renumbering the remaining subdivision.

3. Amend page 12, line 24, after "made" by striking out the balance of the line through "or" on line 25.

4. Amend page 16, line 25, by striking out all of subdivision (l).

5. Amend page 24, line 19, by striking out all of subparagraph (iv).

6. Amend page 25, line 1, by striking out all of subdivision (d).

7. Amend page 26, line 6, by striking out all of subsection (8) and inserting:

"(8) The court shall rescind the abstract for every violation of section 328 that was committed on and after October 1, 2003 and notify the secretary of state of the rescission. The secretary of state shall refund, waive, or both refund and waive a driver responsibility fee corresponding to the violation, as appropriate.".

8. Amend page 33, following line 27, by inserting:

"Enacting section 2. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 415 of the 92nd Legislature is enacted into law.".

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. 133 Yeas--32

 

 
AllenCassisJacobsSanborn
BarciaCherryJelinekSchauer
BashamGarciaJohnsonSikkema
BerneroGeorgeKuipersStamas
BirkholzGilbertMcManusSwitalski
BishopGoschkaOlshoveThomas
BraterHammerstromPattersonToy
BrownHardimanPrusiVan Woerkom

Nays--5

 

 

Clark-Coleman Emerson Leland Scott

Clarke

 

 

Excused--1

 

 

Cropsey

 

 

Not Voting--0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

"An act to provide for the registration, titling, sale, transfer, and regulation of certain vehicles operated upon the public highways of this state or any other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles and distressed vehicles; to provide for the licensing of dealers; to provide for the examination, licensing, and control of operators and chauffeurs; to provide for the giving of proof of financial responsibility and security by owners and operators of vehicles; to provide for the imposition, levy, and collection of specific taxes on vehicles, and the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees, and permit fees; to provide for the regulation and use of streets and highways; to create certain funds; to provide penalties and sanctions for a violation of this act; to provide for civil liability of owners and operators of vehicles and service of process on residents and nonresidents; to provide for the levy of certain assessments; to provide for the enforcement of this act; to provide for the creation of and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to impose liability upon the state or local agencies; to provide appropriations for certain purposes; to repeal all other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this act or contrary to this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date,".

The Senate agreed to the full title.

 

 

Protests

 

 

Senators Scott, Clark-Coleman, Leland and Emerson, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 4308.

Senators Scott and Leland moved that the statements they made during the discussion of the bill be printed as their reasons for voting "no."

The motion prevailed.

Senator Scott's first statement is as follows:

You know, the Bible says the poor will be with us always, but we don't have to keep making them poorer, do we?

You know, we have really got to get it together here. You know, we make the laws for the whole state of Michigan, for all the people of the state of Michigan, not for just a few. But I saw where there were just a few people who have these problems, we were able to take care of them. But the majority of them we did not. I came here to represent all the people because I have from the poorest to the very richest. But it's about everyone, not just a few, and it's about time for us to start dealing with that. You know, I know my colleague from Detroit said the poor, but we make people even poorer because how can they afford the high medicine? I told you earlier that we can't even go shopping. We have to go shopping in the northern suburban areas in order to get some decent breaks.

We should be able to shop in our own cities, and it's about time for us to be able to do that. I don't know why we can't have what we used to have. There used to be a time when you dealt with a person's driving record, not with where they lived. That's why people can't afford the insurances. So how are you going to penalize them for something they can't even afford to do?

Senator Scott's second statement is as follows:

My colleagues, this amendment would tie-bar the bill to Senate Bill No. 1099, which I am introducing to prohibit automobile and homeowners insurance rates from being based on where a driver lives. There are as many as 1.1 million uninsured motorists on Michigan roads in the city of Detroit. Forty-six percent of the vehicles are reported to be uninsured. The major reason most of these motorists either fail to purchase insurance or allow their insurance to lapse is because of the exorbitant cost of insurance coverage in this state.

If this body is going to increase the penalties on those who are already overburdened, then we should also take a more comprehensive look at the underlying problem, which is the way that insurance premiums are determined.

Senate Bill No. 1099 would start by eliminating the unfair disparity that results from basing insurance rates on where a driver resides. Basing auto premiums on where a driver lives is unfair to all residents of Michigan, particularly in the city of Detroit. It is a discriminatory practice that is making it difficult for working families to afford the insurance coverage they are required by law to maintain. As I stated last week, we did a task force and we found out that this is most heavily in the urban areas. I would hope that my colleagues would support my amendment.

 

Senator Scott's third statement is as follows:

My colleague on the other side of the aisle said we dealt with it. No, we have not dealt with this issue, and that's why I have this amendment so we can deal with it today. I would hope that my colleagues would do this. It is unfair to a certain population of this state. I know we don't want to do that, do we? So let's deal with it today.

 

Senator Scott's fourth statement is as follows:

Let me just remind my colleagues of what I said to you last Thursday. The rates--the enormous rates--that is a disparity. Maybe I need to give you some numbers. You know, when I said there was a colleague who was paying $1,800 for three cars, in the city of Detroit and other urban areas, they are paying twice and three times that much for just one car. Some are paying that much for six months.

They are having to move out of the city of Detroit. Is that what you want, the major city in this state, for people to move out of? They cannot afford it. It is not only their insurance rates, but it's everything that they pay for. You know, I had a little group who was going out pricing for me, and they found out that in the inner cities, they were paying more for food and everything else than in the suburban areas. Now this is not fair, and I know that if you knew this, you would not continue to allow this.

I am asking you today to really take a look at this and really deal with it. You all know that the rates are different--that there is a real disparity. So confess up to it, and let's deal with it today.

 

Senator Clark-Coleman's statement is as follows:

I can certainly understand how my good Senator from Highland Park, a representative of Detroit, can get emotional on this issue because it makes us all emotional when we are absolutely helpless to bring legislation to our districts that will give relief. When we speak about it, a deaf ear is turned to the real problem here. The real problem is not that the legislation would reduce the fees. Of course, we all want the fees reduced because they were unreasonable the first time.

The real issue here is the double situation that you put us in in having to vote for legislation that will reduce the penalty, which is still too high in the first place. At the same time, we have citizens in my district who can't afford insurance, so you are going to penalize them on one hand and then you are going to deny equitable insurance.

So I stand here in opposition, and I voted "no" on this issue because we are not addressing the real issue here. The real issue is providing affordable insurance to people throughout this state, not just to a few areas where they are controlled by the majority party.

 

Senator Leland's first statement is as follows:

First of all, I want to say that the original legislation that we passed was bad way back in October, and this bill, House Bill No. 4308, just makes it worse.

Driving without insurance obviously is irresponsible, and we don't support people driving without automobile insurance, but what we are doing here is we are giving them a fine that is so high. The total fine for driving and being caught without insurance, under this bill, would be $640. That would be all of your costs involved--your bad driver's cost and your court cost. Our job here is how to get people to comply to get automobile insurance, and that's what we ought to be moving people towards. If we are going to be giving them a fine of $640, which would be the total cost if you are caught without insurance, we're not going to get people in compliance--that coupled with the fact, as we know, that insurance in Detroit is so expensive. So this is the wrong approach.

The other thing this bill would be doing is if you're caught without insurance and you don't pay the fee, which many people will not be able to ever pay because we are dealing with the poorest of poor people here--at least in my area we are--they could very well then lose their driver's license. So now they've got no insurance. They'll never get the money to get insurance. Some of them will never get the money to get their driver's license restored because of the $640, so now they have no license. They have no license, so they can't take their kids to school. They can't go to work. They can't get to their doctor appointments. We are really--I mean we are really, beating up on the most vulnerable people, the poorest of poor. I hate to say it, but--or they are making them poor, right. I hate to say it, but I have to say it. This legislation, in my eyes, has some serious racial overtones here. We are dealing with people in my district. My district is 90 percent African American, and who are we hurting here? We are hurting people in urban areas. This is a very bad piece of legislation. Again, compliance is where we ought to go, and this is the complete opposite of compliance.

My amendment that I'm offering would eliminate the insurance provision from the bad driver law and would provide replacement revenue. It would still assess a total cost of $265 for people who are caught without insurance, not the $640 or $45. This would still penalize people who are caught without insurance, but it would take it down from a total fine of $640 to a more reasonable cost of $265.

Now, some of you are wondering where we are going to make up this money. It is estimated that the loss would be somewhere in the area of $20 million. What the amendment does, it tie-bars this bill to Senate Bill No. 415, which closes a tax loophole for businesses that evade Michigan taxes by locating out of state.

So I'm helping my constituents from fines to the replacement revenue. It gets to where I want to be and gets to where I think most of us want to be in terms of the revenue. So I would urge you to please support this legislation, and let's not go after the poorest of poor people.

 

Senator Leland's second is as follows:

Just to correct my good chairman of transportation. All we are getting rid of here is just the bad driver fine. There would still be a series of other court costs involved that were not eliminated. So you have a list of other court costs; we just don't have the bad driver fine. It still penalizes people who are caught without insurance to pay the $265. There still is a serious financial obligation of someone being caught without insurance who would be forced to pay if they want to get their driver's license restored.

What I am saying here in this amendment is I am not encouraging people to drive without insurance. I am saying, "Sure, let's penalize them, but I think the punishment should fit the crime." Let's sting them; let's not kill them.

 

Senator Leland's third statement is as follows:

Also I would like to say that unless we resolve this issue of insurance in Detroit, Detroit will continue to die a very slow, slow death because this is the No. 1 issue that is destroying your city. The final thing I want to say to everyone here is if Detroit were a White city, this bill never would have passed.

 

Senator Emerson's statement is as follows:

I voted "no" on House Bill No. 4308 partly because I voted "no" on the bill we passed last year increasing these fees at an exorbitant rate. The bill here only exacerbates the problem we created with the legislation last year, and last year we passed this legislation at the suggestion of the majority here in the Senate because they wanted to close the budget deficit. My belief was that you should not close a budget deficit exclusively on the backs of those who can least afford to do it and pay for it. The original legislation, I think, was wrong. I appreciate the fact that we want to correct that.

I don't have a problem with reducing those fines to a more reasonable level, but to double the fine on those who can least afford it, I think, is unacceptable, as several of my colleagues have already stated. I feel perfectly comfortable voting against this because I think it balances the budget on those who can least afford to pay for that, and as long as this is a budget-balancing law and not something to deal with bad drivers per say, I think we are doing a disservice to those at the bottom of the socio-economic scale, as we are with a number of other bills that we'll be considering this year and considered last year. At some point in time, we ought to have a reasonable discussion on what our tax policy is and how we pay for the services our constituents want and who ought to be paying for those services.

I voted against this bill because I think it helps balance the budget on the backs of the wrong constituency.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

 

 

Senators Sikkema, Scott, Jacobs, Bishop and Clark-Coleman asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Sikkema's statement as follows:

I rise to make an observation really. I just listened to a previous speaker talk about being really concerned about balancing the budget based on sort of regressive tax structures, and it just strikes me that the other side of the aisle ought to get its message consistent with the Governor, who has proposed the major revenue source to balance the 2005 budget as a cigarette tax increase. Now in the past, I have voted for some cigarette tax increases for a variety of reasons, but I think that also could be characterized as a regressive tax if you look at who smokes and who doesn't. So I certainly appreciate the comment that there are various regressive taxes, regressive revenue sources that have been used in the past and have been proposed for the current budget dilemma. I would just hope that the other side of the aisle coordinate its message on the Senate floor with the message of the Governor.

 

Senator Scott's statement as follows:

I just want today noted as the worst day I have spent in the Senate, a day when we don't consider all people important. You know, the only other worse day I had was when I was in the House in 1999 when we took extra money and put down metal detectors when people from Detroit came up here who were interested in the takeover of the Detroit Public Schools. You know, I think my colleagues need to understand that we are all God's children. We get up here and we pray every day, but do we really understand what the Bible is all about? About whom we pray to? He said, "If you've done it to the least of these, you've done it unto me." So I want you all to remember that I think it would be very hurting to you if the opposite would happen to you. But, you know, it's me today and you tomorrow. So remember that and remember how you treat people. It's not about what you say; it's about your actions, what you do. I'm appalled at what has happened here today, that we didn't correct an injustice that we could have corrected today.

 

Senator Jacobs' statement as follows:

I guess what I would like to say, or ask of the majority party--you've heard a lot of very emotional testimony today and some very factual things that are going on in our state. You folks hold the key basically to change this. We need to have these bills heard in committee. You have the power to let these bills come before committee to have good, honest, bipartisan discussion about reforming the insurance industry in the state of Michigan.

So I guess my plea is to listen to what went on in this discussion today. Have an open, honest discussion with yourselves to say we really do need to address these issues. As I said before, these are not just Detroit issues. They're Saginaw issues. They're Muskegon issues. They're Grand Rapids issues. They're issues that affect most of us in our districts. So please listen to what went on today, and let's act on what we can do. We have, as a group, tremendous power to make some changes, but we need to have these bills heard in committee in a fair and bipartisan way.

 

Senator Bishop's statement is as follows:

I sit and listen to the discussion and am compelled to rise to join in the debate. I've heard a number of good arguments, some of which have merit, others are used, I think, very purposefully and very irresponsibly to try to stir the pot and interject issues such as race into the argument, which I don't believe have any standing on this floor at all. It's quite embarrassing, in fact. We've got students from schools, fourth grade classes, listening to our debate, and we have discussion going on that has absolutely nothing to do with the actual debate.

I want to go back to the issue at hand, and that has to do with insurance. We're here today to discuss and we have been discussing the idea of the state's compelling interest in having its drivers on the road insured. That's what we're addressing today. We pass laws to ensure that our drivers have insurance. That's good public policy. We passed a law not too long ago, though, that may have gone too far. It may have had some unintended consequences. The good Senator from Algonac stood up and said, "I recognize that, and I want to make a change. I want to make it right." That's what he did.

The issue that was raised today that was ancillary to the idea of insurance is not in any way associated with what we're doing today. It has nothing to do with it. It has to do with insurance, and that's as close as it comes--insurance. It's a dramatic, broad leap to suggest that it has anything to do with driving without proof of insurance. I would suggest to you that if you really have an interest in debating this issue that you bring it up the way we're supposed to do it in this body, and that's in the committee process in a deliberative way where we have time to discuss the issue.

I would also indicate that it's my understanding that the commissioner of the department has taken it upon herself to review this subject and issue a detailed report. That's one that we're waiting for as well, and I would encourage that commissioner to step up and do what she can to get that report to us as soon as possible so that this Legislature may act.

In the meantime, for the good of the debate, to recognize how important this issue is, I would respectfully request the members keep the issue issue-oriented and not personal.

 

Senator Clarke-Coleman's statement is as follows:

I do thank the chair of financial services, or whatever it is that he chairs, for agreeing to do that. I truly hope that he does hold to his word because we have been talking about this issue of inadequate insurance or inequitable insurance throughout the state of Michigan for years. Ever since I have been both as a House Representative, this was an issue and for four years, and it's an issue now for the past year and three months. So this is not a new issue. We have been trying throughout that whole period of time to have this issue brought up for discussion--just a discussion. I'm so happy to hear my dear colleague from the 12th District to agree to do that because Senator Martha Scott now has a bill that she has introduced. I hope that he holds to his promise to let us have a hearing on this bill just to talk about it; that's all, just to talk about it. We know that it's up to a majority of the votes as to whether we are going to do anything about it, don't hamstring us and not allow us just to talk about the issue.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

General Orders

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.

The motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, designated Senator Jacobs as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and, the President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 990, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled "Revised judicature act of 1961," by amending section 5856 (MCL 600.5856), as amended by 1993 PA 78.

The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

 

 

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 783, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled "The Michigan penal code," (MCL 750.1 to 750.568) by adding section 411t.

Substitute (S-1).

The following are the amendments to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole:

1. Amend page 1, line 2, after "attends" by inserting "or is employed by".

2. Amend page 4, following line 3, by inserting:

"(8) This section shall be known and may be cited as "Garret's law".".

The Senate agreed to the substitute, as amended, recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

 

 

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No. 784, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled "The code of criminal procedure," by amending section 16t of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16t), as amended by 2000 PA 371.

Substitute (S-1).

The Senate agreed to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

 

 

Resolutions

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that consideration of the following resolutions be postponed for today:

Senate Resolution No. 175

Senate Resolution No. 139

House Concurrent Resolution No. 24

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The question was placed on the adoption of the following resolution consent calendar:

Senate Resolution No. 226

Senate Resolution No. 227

The resolution consent calendar was adopted.

 

Senators Kuipers, Van Woerkom, Bishop and Brown offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 226.

A resolution to establish April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month.

Whereas, The informed use of credit and other financial products and services benefits individual consumers and promotes economic growth; and

Whereas, Financial literacy encourages greater economic self-sufficiency, higher levels of homeownership, and enhanced retirement security, particularly among low- and moderate-income citizens; and

Whereas, The past decade has seen declining personal savings rates, increased bankruptcy filings, and rising percentages of family income devoted to servicing household debt; and

Whereas, Only 26 percent of 13- to 21-year-olds reported that their parents actively taught them how to manage money; and

Whereas, A 2002 study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy found that high school seniors know even less about credit cards, retirement funds, insurance, and other personal finance basics than seniors did five years ago; and

Whereas, A 2002 survey by the National Council of Economic Education found that a decreasing number of states include personal finance in their educational standards for students in kindergarten through 12th grade; and

Whereas, Personal financial education is essential to ensure that our youths are prepared to manage money, credit, and debt, and become responsible workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby declare the month of April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month in the state of Michigan to raise public awareness about the need for increased financial literacy in our schools and among our children, and the serious problems that are associated with a lack of understanding about personal finances; and be it further

Resolved, That the Michigan Senate calls on each parent, school, business, community organization, and unit of government to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

Senators Allen, Birkholz, Cassis, Clarke, Garcia, Goschka, Hardiman, Jacobs, Olshove, Switalski and Toy were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senators Brater, Jacobs and Bernero offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 227.

A resolution proclaiming May 2004 as Mental Health Month in Michigan.

Whereas, Mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being; and

Whereas, One in five American adults and children are affected by a mental illness; and

Whereas, Mental disorders collectively make mental illness the most prevalent health problem in America today--more common than cancer, lung, and heart disease combined; and

Whereas, People with mental illness can recover and lead full, productive lives; and

Whereas, An estimated two-thirds of adults and young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need; and

Whereas, Untreated or undertreated mental illness costs public and private employers billions of dollars annually through absenteeism, turnover, low productivity, and increased medical costs; and

Whereas, Michigan has made a commitment to community-based systems of mental health care in which all residents can receive high-quality and consumer-responsive services; and

Whereas, The National Mental Health Association, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and their national partners annually observe Mental Health Month in May to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and illness; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate May 2004 as Mental Health Month in Michigan. We encourage all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools to recommit our state to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Mental Health Association in support of their mission.

 

 

Senate Resolution No. 219.

A resolution to urge the United States Department of Energy to develop the Rare Isotope Accelerator at Michigan State University.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Introduction and Referral of Bills

 

 

Senators Bernero and Leland introduced

Senate Bill No. 1095, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled "Public health code," by amending sections 17708, 17751, and 17763 (MCL 333.17708, 333.17751, and 333.17763), as amended by 1997 PA 153.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

Senators Jacobs, Bernero and Brater introduced

Senate Bill No. 1096, entitled

A bill to amend 1991 PA 179, entitled "Michigan telecommunications act," by amending section 305 (MCL 484.2305), as amended by 1995 PA 216.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Technology and Energy.

 

 

Senator Scott introduced

Senate Bill No. 1097, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," by amending section 30711 (MCL 324.30711), as added by 1995 PA 59.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

 

 

Senator Leland introduced

Senate Bill No. 1098, entitled

A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled "An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; and to repeal acts and parts of acts," by amending section 10 (MCL 247.660), as amended by 2003 PA 151.

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

 

 

Senators Scott, Clark-Coleman, Jacobs, Leland, Thomas, Clarke, Brater, Prusi and Basham introduced

Senate Bill No. 1099, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled "The insurance code of 1956," by amending section 2111 (MCL 500.2111), as amended by 2002 PA 492.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions.

 

 

Committee Reports

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 847, entitled

A bill to amend 2002 PA 440, entitled "An act to authorize the state administrative board to convey certain state owned property in Macomb county; to prescribe conditions for the conveyance; and to provide for disposition of the revenue from the conveyance," by amending sections 3 and 4.

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

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Shirley Johnson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Johnson, Stamas, Brown, Garcia, Cropsey, Jelinek, McManus, Hardiman, Prusi, Barcia, Scott, Cherry, Clarke and Switalski

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations reported

House Bill No. 5386, entitled

A bill to authorize the state administrative board to transfer certain parcels of property in Jackson county.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Shirley Johnson

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Johnson, Stamas, Brown, Goschka, Garcia, Cropsey, Jelinek, McManus, Hardiman, George, Prusi, Barcia, Scott, Cherry, Clarke and Switalski

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

The Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs reported

House Bill No. 5190, entitled

A bill to consolidate certain state human resource operations in the department of civil service; to create certain offices; and to impose certain duties and responsibilities on certain state officials and employees.

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

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

Laura M. Toy

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Toy, Birkholz and Goschka

Nays: Senators Basham and Bernero

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 11, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Toy (C), Birkholz, Goschka, Basham and Bernero

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 3:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Garcia (C), George, Hardiman, Prusi and Scott

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Subcommittee on Higher Education submitted the following:

Meeting held on Friday, March 12, 2004, at 9:00 a.m., Lake Superior State University, Cisler Center, Sault Ste. Marie

Present: Senators Goschka (C), Cherry and Prusi

Excused: Senators Johnson and Hardiman

Scheduled Meetings

 

 

Appropriations -

Subcommittees -

Community Health Department - Thursday, March 18, 2:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-7946)

Environmental Quality Department - Wednesday, March 17, 12:00 noon, Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1725)

Family Independence Agency - Thursdays, March 25 and April 1, 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building
(373-1801)

K-12, School Aid, Education - Wednesday, March 17, 2:00 p.m. or later immediately following the Appropriations Committee meeting; and Thursday, March 18, 1:30 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-6960)

State Police and Military Affairs - Tuesdays, April 20, April 27, May 4 and May 11, 1:00 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-5932)

State Police and Military Affairs and House State Police/Military and Veterans Affairs - Thursday, March 18, 8:30 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-5932)

 

Economic Development, Small Business and Regulatory Reform - Wednesday, March 17, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-7670)

 

Education - Thursday, March 18, 2:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-6920)

 

Finance - Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 p.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1758)

 

Health Policy - Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-3543)

 

Michigan Capitol Committee - Tuesday, March 23, 12:00 noon, Room E-41, Capitol Building (373-0289)

 

Technology and Energy - Wednesday, March 17, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-7350)

 

 

Senator Hammerstrom moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:46 a.m.

 

The President, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

CAROL MOREY VIVENTI

Secretary of the Senate