Senators Kuipers, Allen, McManus, Jansen and George offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 5.

            A resolution recognizing January 28, 2007 - February 3, 2007, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, There are 70,853 students attending 260 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great state; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools provide young people with a strong foundation of values and academic skills needed to become responsible citizens of our state and nation; and

            Whereas, The Catholic Church sees the parents as the primary educators and that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools believe that teaching morals and values is essential to the complete education of the student since every member of society continually makes moral decisions; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic; and

            Whereas, Based upon Michigan's public school foundation allowance of $7,085, the Catholic schools of our state save taxpayers in excess of $501,993,505 annually; and

            Whereas, Catholic educators are dedicated to producing academically-strong students who also commit themselves to service; and

            Whereas, January 28, 2007 - February 3, 2007, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the theme "Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education," as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize January 28, 2007 - February 3, 2007, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference with our highest esteem.