Senator Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 8.

A resolution celebrating February 2005 as Marriage Month in Michigan.

Whereas, Marriage is one of our most fundamental institutions, created in ancient sacred creeds, shaped by centuries of experience, reinforced by human nature, and continuing up to the present age to be the foundation of strong families, communities, states, and nations; and

Whereas, Healthy marriages are both the most intimate interpersonal relationships and the most significant public expressions of commitment and stability, and bring strength and beauty to our social and civic lives. This dual nature of marriage is recognized by the personal vows exchanged and by the laws of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Research and human experience testify that couples and their children blessed with healthy marriages tend to enjoy better physical, mental, and emotional health; be more financially secure; and attain higher levels of education, employment, and achievement; and

Whereas, Persons in troubled and damaging marriages suffer personally, and many of the expenditures of the state are closely tied to people harmed by failed or never formed marriages. Any long-term strategy for healing this damage, reducing dependency on state social services, and ensuring economic growth must include a strategy for encouraging healthy marriages; and

Whereas, Couples, families, neighborhoods, and the state reap the benefits of successful marriages, and those promoting sound marriages deserve our sincere gratitude, respect, and praise; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby dedicate this document in celebration of February 2005 as Marriage Month in the state of Michigan.