Senators Cropsey, Garcia, Allen, McManus, Van Woerkom, Stamas, Bishop, Barcia, Prusi, Sanborn, Cassis, Goschka, George, Jelinek, Hardiman, Brown, Birkholz, Toy, Gilbert, Hammerstrom, Kuipers, Patterson and Sikkema offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 89.

            A resolution proclaiming and celebrating that the tree that adorns the Capitol lawn will be known as the Michigan Christmas Tree.

            Whereas, Michigan is among the top three states in Christmas trees grown; and

            Whereas, Michigan Christmas trees can be found in the homes of Michigan families statewide and are also shipped across the U.S. and in several foreign countries; and

            Whereas, Michigan supplies more than 20 percent of the national market, with more than 2 million trees sold each year; and

            Whereas, Michigan Christmas tree producers plant approximately 1.5 million new tree seedlings every spring; and

            Whereas, There are more than 50,000 acres of Christmas trees in commercial Christmas tree production; and

            Whereas, More than 800 growers and many more part-time, seasonal workers earn their living in the Christmas tree industry; and

            Whereas, Thanks to the diverse soils in our state and our proximity to the Great Lakes, Michigan's environmental conditions help Christmas trees grow rapidly; and

            Whereas, Excellent quality and variety give Michigan Christmas trees the reputation for excellent needle retention and freshness throughout the season; and

            Whereas, Michigan's Christmas tree industry is significant to our agriculture heritage and family traditions; and

            Whereas, Christmas trees also play an important role in environmentally-friendly land use and farmland preservation; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the special role of the Christmas tree in Michigan be duly noted and celebrated; and be it further

            Resolved, That the tree prominently displayed outside the Michigan Capitol late each year be officially designated the CHRISTMAS tree to properly symbolize the cherished event being observed; and be it further

            Resolved, That from this day forward, the tree and its graceful branches that adorn the Capitol lawn will be known as the Michigan Christmas Tree.