No. 24

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

95th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2010

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

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—present Garcia—present Olshove—present

Anderson—present George—present Pappageorge—present

Barcia—present Gilbert—present Patterson—present

Basham—present Gleason—present Prusi—present

Birkholz—present Hardiman—present Richardville—present

Bishop—present Hunter—present Sanborn—present

Brater—present Jacobs—present Scott—present

Brown—present Jansen—present Stamas—present

Cassis—present Jelinek—present Switalski—present

Cherry—present Kahn—present Thomas—present

Clark-Coleman—present Kuipers—present Van Woerkom—present

Clarke—present McManus—present Whitmer—present

Cropsey—present Nofs—present

Pastor George Cleverley of Sturgis Church of Christ of Sturgis offered the following invocation:

Our Lord and our God, in Matthew 25, You tell us of Your Son’s return. When He finally arrives, blazing in beauty and with all of his angels with Him, the Son of Man will take His place on His glorious throne. All the nations will be arranged before Him, and He will sort the people out much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

Then the King will say to those on His right, “Enter, you who are blessed by my Father; take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation, and here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me;

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink;

I was homeless and you gave me a room;

I was shivering and you gave me clothes;

I was sick and you stopped to visit;

I was in prison and you came to me.”

Then these sheep are going to say, “Master, what are You talking about? When did we ever see You hungry and feed You; thirsty and give You a drink? And when did we ever see You sick or in prison and come to You?”

Then the King will say, “I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever You did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”

May You guide these elected servants by the wisdom You so freely give to remind them of these words to help those in need, so that all may share in the bountiful riches You give to our great state. May You meet the needs of these Your servants so nothing will hinder them from doing the work You have called them to do together. May You guide their paths so they may walk in righteousness as an example to those who have sent them here. May all that is said and done here bring glory and praise to You.

In our Savior’s name. Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

Senator Thomas entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Cropsey moved that the Committee on Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of the following bills:

House Bill No. 5661, entitled

A bill to amend 1989 PA 196, entitled “An act to abolish the criminal assessments commission; to prescribe certain duties of the crime victim services commission; to create the crime victim’s rights fund; to provide for expenditures from the fund; to provide for assessments against criminal defendants and certain juvenile offenders; to provide for payment of crime victim’s rights services; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and departments,” by amending section 5 (MCL 780.905), as amended by 2005 PA 315.

House Bill No. 5666, entitled

A bill to amend 1989 PA 196, entitled “An act to abolish the criminal assessments commission; to prescribe certain duties of the crime victim services commission; to create the crime victim’s rights fund; to provide for expenditures from the fund; to provide for assessments against criminal defendants and certain juvenile offenders; to provide for payment of crime victim’s rights services; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and departments,” by amending section 4 (MCL 780.904), as amended by 2008 PA 396.

House Bill No. 5667, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 223, entitled “An act to create an agency concerned with crime victim services; to prescribe its powers and duties; to provide compensation to certain victims of crimes; to provide for the promulgation of rules; and to provide for penalties,” by amending section 11 (MCL 18.361), as amended by 2008 PA 390.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bills were placed on the order of General Orders.

Senator Cropsey moved that the bills be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cropsey moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Clark-Coleman admittance to the Senate floor, including the center aisle.

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

Senator Cropsey moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor.

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

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:07 a.m.

10:21 a.m.

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

During the recess, Senator Clark-Coleman introduced representatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: Schylbea Hopkins, Great Lakes regional director; Dr. Gloria Stephens, past Great Lakes regional director; Coffiann Cawthorne; and former Representative Brenda Clack; and presented them with Senate Resolution No. 127, recognizing March 17, 2010, as AKA Day at the Capitol.

Ms. Hopkins responded briefly.

During the recess, Senators George and Bishop entered the Senate Chamber.

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, March 16:

House Bill Nos. 5550 5551 5552 5553 5554 5937

The Secretary announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Tuesday, March 16, for her approval the following bills:

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 722 at 2:35 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 528 at 2:37 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 251 at 2:39 p.m.

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 1172 at 2:41 p.m.

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Tuesday, March 16, and are available at the legislative website:

Senate Bill Nos. 1228 1229

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

March 16, 2010

I respectfully submit to the Senate, pursuant to Section 6 of Article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the following appointment and reappointments to office under Section 7 of the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1965 PA 232, MCL 290.657:

Michigan Asparagus Marketing Program Committee

Mr. Rodney D. Winkel of 7901 Territorial Road, Watervliet, Michigan 49098, county of Berrien, succeeding Dino Rigoni, whose term has expired, is appointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term commencing March 16, 2010 and expiring November 13, 2012.

Mr. Harold D. Goodell of 54823 Sink Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047, county of Cass, is reappointed to represent growers from Southwest Michigan, for a term expiring November 13, 2011.

Mr. Eugene M. Kokx, II, of 6189 North 126th Avenue, Hart, Michigan 49420, county of Oceana, is reappointed to represent growers from Northern-Central Michigan, for a term expiring November 13, 2012.

Mr. Gerald L. Malburg of 1107 West Jackson Road, Hart, Michigan 49420, county of Oceana, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring November 13, 2011.

Mr. Kenneth F. Oomen of 5405 North 136th Avenue, Hart, Michigan 49420, county of Oceana, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring November 13, 2011.

Mr. Thomas J. Oomen of 5182 North 136th Avenue, Hart, Michigan 49420, county of Oceana, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring November 13, 2011.

Mr. Victor L. Shank of 57424 Wilbur Hill Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047, county of Cass, is reappointed to represent growers from Southwest Michigan, for a term expiring November 13, 2011.

March 16, 2010

I respectfully submit to the Senate, pursuant to Section 6 of Article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the following appointment and reappointments to office pursuant to Section 3 of 1965 PA 114, MCL 290.553:

Michigan Bean Commission

Mr. Joseph M. Cramer of 891 Zehnder Drive, Frankenmuth, Michigan 49734, county of Saginaw, succeeding Lawrence Sprague, whose term has expired, is appointed to represent processors, shippers, and handlers, for a term commencing March 16, 2010 and expiring December 31, 2012.

Mr. Dennis P. Engelhard of 5789 Clark Road, Unionville, Michigan 48767, county of Tuscola, is reappointed to represent District 3 growers, for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Mr. Clifford J. Roggenbuck of 5234 Swayze Road, Port Hope, Michigan 48468, county of Huron, is reappointed to represent District 5 growers, for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

Mr. Clinton A. Stoutenburg of 70 North Stoutenburg Road, Sandusky, Michigan 48471, county of Sanilac, is reappointed to represent District 4 growers, for a term expiring December 31, 2012.

March 16, 2010

I respectfully submit to the Senate, pursuant to Section 6 of Article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the following reappointments to office under Section 7 of the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1965 PA 232, MCL 290.657:

Michigan Onion Marketing Program Committee

Mr. Bruce J. Klamer of 9850 Brin Point Court, Byron Center, Michigan 49315, county of Kent, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring August 16, 2012.

Mr. Gregg J. Krikke of 77460 55th Street, Decatur, Michigan 49045, county of Van Buren, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring August 16, 2012.

March 16, 2010

I respectfully submit to the Senate, pursuant to Section 6 of Article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the following reappointments to office under Section 7 of the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1965 PA 232, MCL 290.657:

Michigan Plum Marketing Program Committee

Mr. Gary R. Fredrickson of 10201 North Foxview Drive, Northport, Michigan 49670, county of Leelanau, is reappointed to represent growers from Northern Michigan, for a term expiring July 1, 2012.

Mr. Nels W. Nyblad of 17965 Hall Road, Casnovia, Michigan 49318, county of Muskegon, is reappointed to represent growers-at-large, for a term expiring July 1, 2012.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Granholm

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

The following bill was announced:

House Bill No. 5394, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

(This bill was read a third time on March 16 and consideration postponed. See Senate Journal No. 23, p. 389.)

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Hardiman offered the following amendment:

1. Amend page 5, following line 12, by inserting:

“DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 401. Up to $12,800,000.00 in comprehensive transportation fund debt service savings are hereby appropriated and transferred to a restricted account in compliance with the internal revenue code of 1986, as required by comprehensive transportation refunding bond series 2009.”.

The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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. 120 Yeas—38

Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Prusi

Anderson Clarke Jelinek Richardville

Barcia Cropsey Kahn Sanborn

Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott

Birkholz George McManus Stamas

Bishop Gilbert Nofs Switalski

Brater Gleason Olshove Thomas

Brown Hardiman Pappageorge Van Woerkom

Cassis Hunter Patterson Whitmer

Cherry Jacobs

Nays—0

Excused—0

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.

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Senator Cropsey moved that the following bills be placed at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:

Senate Bill No. 332

House Bill No. 4248

The motion prevailed.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 332, entitled

A bill to amend 1915 PA 123, entitled “An act to provide for the recording and use in evidence of affidavits affecting real property; and to provide a penalty for the making of false affidavits,” (MCL 565.451a to 565.453) by adding section 1d.

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. 121 Yeas—37

Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Prusi

Anderson Clarke Jelinek Richardville

Barcia Cropsey Kahn Sanborn

Basham Garcia Kuipers Scott

Birkholz George McManus Stamas

Bishop Gilbert Nofs Switalski

Brater Hardiman Olshove Thomas

Brown Hunter Pappageorge Van Woerkom

Cassis Jacobs Patterson Whitmer

Cherry

Nays—0

Excused—0

Not Voting—1

Gleason

In The Chair: President

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4248, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending section 68c (MCL 38.68c), as added by 2007 PA 95.

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. 122 Yeas—37

Allen Clark-Coleman Jacobs Patterson

Anderson Clarke Jansen Prusi

Barcia Cropsey Jelinek Richardville

Basham Garcia Kahn Sanborn

Birkholz George Kuipers Scott

Bishop Gilbert McManus Stamas

Brater Gleason Nofs Thomas

Brown Hardiman Olshove Van Woerkom

Cassis Hunter Pappageorge Whitmer

Cherry

Nays—1

Switalski

Excused—0

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 a state employees’ retirement system; to create a state employees’ retirement board and prescribe its powers and duties; to establish certain funds in connection with the retirement system; to require contributions to the retirement system by and on behalf of members and participants of the retirement system; to create certain accounts and provide for expenditures from those accounts; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local officers and employees and certain state departments and agencies; to prescribe and make appropriations for the retirement system; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,”.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

Protest

Senator Switalski, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 4248 and moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Switalski’s statement is as follows:

I must rise in opposition to this bill, although by itself it might be an acceptable bill with a few changes. It is an example of a growing practice that is bad policy. It is a growing practice that is incompatible with what should be our No. 1 public policy goal because our biggest problem in the state is jobs and unemployment.

This bill does not create new jobs for people who are laid off or unemployed. This bill changes the law to allow workers already drawing a public pension to draw a second paycheck. It gives the lucky ones two checks while the unemployed get none. Regrettably, this practice is growing. It is an element in the Governor’s retirement reform package. Current employees could retire and return part-time to do the same job. We have a growing number of contract employees in state government who too often are retired state employees who walk through a revolving door and return doing the same job at twice the pay; while low-seniority state employees are laid off to free up funds to pay the contractors.

Then we have the worse abuse, the DROP program that allows State Police to collect their pension without ever retiring for five years. We laid off troopers last year while we were providing others a chance to double dip. This hurts the solvency of the retirement fund and wastes the money we spend on a troopers school.

These practices in this bill are incompatible with our goals of reducing unemployment in Michigan. The policy must change.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

Senator Cropsey 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 Brater 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 bills:

House Bill No. 5752, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 2001, 2005, and 2030 (MCL 324.2001, 324.2005, and 324.2030), as added by 2004 PA 587, and by adding sections 1911 and 2045; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

House Bill No. 4221, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 28.422), as amended by 2008 PA 406.

House Bill No. 4222, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2950a (MCL 600.2950a), as amended by 2001 PA 201.

The bills were 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. 1088, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 301 (MCL 324.301), as amended by 2004 PA 587, and by adding section 501b.

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.

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

Senate Bill No. 1117, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 80163 (MCL 324.80163), as added by 1995 PA 58.

Substitute (S-1).

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

1. Amend page 1, line 1, after “Sec. 80163.” by inserting “(1)”.

2. Amend page 1, following line 7, by inserting:

“(2) THE PERSON WHO OWNS OR WHO CAUSED A NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD THAT IS RELOCATED OR REMOVED UNDER SUBSECTION (1) IS LIABLE TO PAY THE ACTUAL AND REASONABLE COSTS OF RELOCATION OR REMOVAL. THE DEPARTMENT OR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE BODY OF WATER WHERE THE NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD WAS LOCATED MAY SEND WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE RELOCATION OR REMOVAL UNDER SUBSECTION (1) AND THE ASSOCIATED COSTS TO THE PERSON DETERMINED TO OWN OR TO HAVE CAUSED THE NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD. IF THE OWNER OR PERSON WHO CAUSED THE NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD FAILS TO PAY THE COSTS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE THE WRITTEN NOTICE IS MAILED, THE COSTS MAY BECOME A LIEN AGAINST THE PERSON’S PROPERTY.”.

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. 395, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 24c (MCL 211.24c), as amended by 2003 PA 247.

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.

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

House Bill No. 5279, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 759a (MCL 168.759a), as amended by 2006 PA 605.

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.

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

House Bill No. 5530, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 713 and 714 (MCL 168.713 and 168.714), as amended by 1990 PA 7.

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.

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

House Bill No. 4382, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act,” (MCL 169.201 to 169.282) by adding section 57a.

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

1. Amend page 1, line 1, after “PERSON” by striking out the balance of the line through “CANDIDATE” on line 2.

2. Amend page 1, line 3, after “BODY” by inserting “OR OTHERWISE UTILIZE THE RESOURCES OF A PUBLIC BODY TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT A CONTRIBUTION”.

3. Amend page 2, line 4, after “BOTH” by inserting a comma and “OR IF THE PERSON IS NOT AN INDIVIDUAL, BY A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $20,000.00 OR THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE, WHICHEVER IS MORE”.

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

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senators Kuipers, Gilbert, Jelinek, Richardville, Bishop, Cassis, Pappageorge, Hardiman and Barcia introduced

Senate Bill No. 1230, entitled

A bill to provide for remittance of certain excise taxes to this state; and to provide that those who remit the excise taxes be held harmless from penalties.

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

Senator Gilbert introduced

Senate Bill No. 1231, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending sections 8 and 34c (MCL 211.8 and 211.34c), section 8 as amended by 2006 PA 633 and section 34c as amended by 2006 PA 646.

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

House Bill No. 5550, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 34, entitled “Revised municipal finance act,” by amending section 611 (MCL 141.2611), as amended by 2002 PA 500.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5551, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 34, entitled “Revised municipal finance act,” by amending section 305 (MCL 141.2305).

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5552, entitled

A bill to amend 1975 PA 197, entitled “An act to provide for the establishment of a downtown development authority; to prescribe its powers and duties; to correct and prevent deterioration in business districts; to encourage historic preservation; to authorize the acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; to authorize the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts; to promote the economic growth of the districts; to create a board; to prescribe its powers and duties; to authorize the levy and collection of taxes; to authorize the issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness; to authorize the use of tax increment financing; to reimburse downtown development authorities for certain losses of tax increment revenues; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state officials,” by amending section 1 (MCL 125.1651), as amended by 2008 PA 225.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5553, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 450, entitled “The tax increment finance authority act,” by amending section 1 (MCL 125.1801), as amended by 2008 PA 453.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5554, entitled

A bill to amend 1986 PA 281, entitled “The local development financing act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 125.2152), as amended by 2009 PA 162.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

House Bill No. 5937, entitled

A bill to amend 1941 PA 122, entitled “An act to establish the revenue collection duties of the department of treasury; to prescribe its powers and duties as the revenue collection agency of this state; to prescribe certain powers and duties of the state treasurer; to establish the collection duties of certain other state departments for money or accounts owed to this state; to regulate the importation, stamping, and disposition of certain tobacco products; to provide for the transfer of powers and duties now vested in certain other state boards, commissions, departments, and offices; to prescribe certain duties of and require certain reports from the department of treasury; to provide procedures for the payment, administration, audit, assessment, levy of interests or penalties on, and appeals of taxes and tax liability; to prescribe its powers and duties if an agreement to act as agent for a city to administer, collect, and enforce the city income tax act on behalf of a city is entered into with any city; to provide an appropriation; to abolish the state board of tax administration; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to declare the effect of this act,” by amending section 27a (MCL 205.27a), as amended by 2003 PA 23.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

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

Statements

Senators Scott, Brown, Jelinek, Cherry, Brater and Sanborn asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Scott’s statement is as follows:

Booker T. Washington once said, “Try to make each day reach as nearly as possible the high water mark of pure, unselfish, useful living.” For me, his words mean that I must keep working for insurance reforms to help the hundreds of thousands of Michigan citizens in Detroit, Highland Park, Grand Rapids, and cities across our state who are paying insurance rates that are simply too high.

We all chose to run for office because we believe that we can be of service to the people of our communities and of Michigan. We all believe that we can be useful. This week, the most useful thing we can do is to put insurance reform on our to-do ASAP list. Our constituents have been asking us to reform auto insurance for years. It is time that we do what they ask.

Imagine the goodwill we could create with the people of Michigan if we gave them reforms that created fair and affordable auto insurance. If we do this, then our legislative service will have been truly useful to the people who sent us here. Remember, this morning we heard the minister say that when you do unto the least of these, you have done it unto Thee.

Senator Brown’s statement is as follows:

I rise as chair of the Ag Subcommittee of Appropriations to offer a statement. Mr. President, not only do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week, but also National Ag Week, and today is Ag Day in Michigan. National Ag Week is a time set aside each year to recognize the importance of this critical industry and to celebrate the abundance it provides. All across the country, events are held by producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, and government agencies. This week culminates with National Agriculture Day on Sunday.

While the rest of the nation will be celebrating an industry that helps put food on our tables, milk in our glasses, clothes on our backs, and provides 22 million jobs here in Michigan, amazingly, Governor Granholm has declared Saturday as no-meat day.

In her declaration, the Governor encourages Michigan residents to abstain from eating meat for the day and, worse yet, warned of health dangers posed by meats. It might be tempting to write this off as an unfortunate oversight on the part of the Governor’s office, but that belies the fact that this administration, with a few exceptions, seems woefully unaware of the vast importance of the agriculture industry to our state’s economy.

One former chairman of the Agriculture Commission opined just yesterday against the Governor’s ill-advised declaration in words that are not at all complimentary. Out of respect for the decorum of this chamber, I will not repeat the former chairman’s words. But I will say that since taking office, the Governor has continually taken actions that hurt Michigan agriculture. A few include gutting right to farm and MAEAP, vetoing funds for ag development for an industry that is growing, targeting agricultural processors for increased regulation and enforcement, and vetoing efforts to encourage use of methane digester.

Agriculture is Michigan’s second-leading industry, accounting for over $70 billion annually. It employs over 1 million Michigan residents at a time when our unemployment rate is the worst in the nation. It is one of the few growing industries in our state, and approximately 65 percent of it can be attributed to the livestock and dairy industry that Governor Granholm asked Michigan residents to abstain from supporting on Saturday.

Mr. President, I respectfully request that Governor Granholm immediately rescind this misguided resolution and instead recognize the critical importance of the agriculture industry in Michigan, especially the livestock and dairy industries. And I hope my colleagues and fellow Michigan residents join me in enjoying a steak, hamburger, or chicken salad sandwich on Saturday.

Senator Jelinek’s statement is as follows:

This week is Agriculture Week in the USA. The purpose is to promote agriculture and ag products to our nation’s consumers. Here in Michigan, agriculture is arguably the state’s largest industry. We are the second-most diverse ag commodity-producing state in the country. Our commodities include everything from fruit to vegetables to raw crops to honey to maple syrup to livestock and milk.

Yesterday, our Governor decided to disincentivize Michigan meat products by declaring Saturday, March 20, 2010, as Michigan Meatout Day. What? The Governor is encouraging people not to eat Michigan meats. Excuse me, Governor, this is like telling people not to buy Fords or Chevys made in Michigan.

This is an insult to the ag industry. It is a rejection of our products and a huge blow to our economy. Are you serious, Governor? Can you really be so clueless to believe that meat is bad for you or to not know how your bread is buttered? Let’s not starve the horse that feeds us.

Let’s support agriculture and all of our industries in Michigan. Governor, I call on you to retract your statement and have a steak or pork chop on Saturday.

Senator Cherry’s statement is as follows:

I read in the Lansing State Journal this morning about lawmakers being on the clock for summer tourism ads. Time is running short to fund Pure Michigan. You know, I have known what is going on, but again, this article points out that if we don’t take action soon, we could totally eliminate the campaign for Pure Michigan and not have a statewide campaign for tourism which has impacted this state so positively.

Last year, we spent $30 million. We passed some legislation in the Senate, but I don’t believe it was adequate enough—but we passed some legislation. The House passed some legislation, and it is about time that both bodies stop being so—like they own the answer to any solution to a problem—that they come together and find a solution on a bipartisan basis, bicameral basis to solve this problem.

It is ridiculous that we can’t figure out the answer to this and fund the Pure Michigan tourism promotion campaign. It is one of the most effective ways we can be spending our money; to raise money for tourism businesses which creates jobs for this state, which is important. We had so much testimony in committee about local businesses, hotels, and restaurants that are on the edge. They are on the edge of surviving, and we sit here and do nothing to help them.

So, Mr. President, I call upon my colleagues, both in the House and Senate, to sit down together and solve this problem so that the tourism campaign, the Pure Michigan campaign, can go forward.

Senator Brater’s statement is as follows:

Mr. President and colleagues, I rise to address the issue of Michigan agriculture. I am happy to collaborate that today is Michigan Agriculture Day, and the Governor has, indeed, issued a proclamation to that effect. I will be happy and privileged to read from that in a moment. Before I do that, however, I want to point out that the Michigan Meatout Day proclamation has been offered by governors in many states, including the state of Texas and including the state of Alaska when governor Sarah Palin was governor.

So, basically, what that proclamation does is not, I don’t think, try to harm any meat producers, but it encourages farmers who are producers of vegetables, fruits, and grains, of which there are many, many in this state promoting good health and reducing the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases which take the lives of approximately 1.3 million Americans each day.

And, yes, Michigan agriculture is, for the most part, safe and produces healthy, safe foods, including meat, but there are, unfortunately, occasions when mishaps occur in the food production system. Tragically, deaths have occurred from the presence of pathogens, such as salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter in our meat supply. We need to continue to be vigilant on that account.

So having said that, I would like, with the time remaining, read a bit of Governor Granholm’s proclamation of Michigan Agriculture Day:

“Whereas, March signifies a national celebration of the importance of agriculture in the United States as it provides almost everything we eat, use, and wear on a daily basis; and to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by Michigan’s farmers and the agriculture sector; and

Whereas, Michigan’s farmers provide consumers with not only food and fiber, but also biofuels and other sources of renewable energy, which are essential to life; and

Whereas, Michigan’s food and agriculture industry, our state’s second-largest economic driver, contributes over $71.3 billion to our state’s economy each year; and

Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural industry provides a variety of wholesome and healthy products, including but not limited to beef, dairy, field crops, fruits, horticulture products, pork, poultry, sheep, and vegetables; and

Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a great rate of more than five times faster than the rate of the general economy; and

Whereas, I urge all Michiganians to join me in recognizing the importance of our agricultural industry, from farm to fork, and to help celebrate this day with meals made with a variety of local Michigan ingredients, including but not limited to meat, vegetables, and dairy products; and

Whereas, The first day of spring has been traditionally designated National Agriculture Day since 1973;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 20, 2010, Michigan Agriculture Day, and encourage people throughout the state of Michigan to partake in the abundance of Michigan’s agricultural commodities.”

So I am pleased to offer these words from our Governor in recognition of her recognition of the very important role that Michigan agriculture plays in our great state.

Senator Sanborn’s statement is as follows:

Top of the morning to you, Lieutenant Governor Cherry, and to the great-grandson of the Fletchers and the Youngs of Limerick, Ireland, in attendance today. Motivated by the brilliant statement made previously by our Appropriations chairman, I follow up and invite you all to the farm on Saturday for a steak cookout where we can watch the University of Michigan in the NCAA—strike that—in the NIT—cancel that. Let’s just all go over to the Governor’s mansion and have tofu and seaweed. Great Americans eat red meat. Great Michiganders eat meat grown in Michigan.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Resolutions

The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, assumed the Chair.

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

Senate Resolution No. 41

Senate Resolution No. 75

Senate Resolution No. 88

The motion prevailed.

Senators Kahn, Richardville, Jansen, George, Gilbert, Garcia, Van Woerkom, Kuipers, Stamas, Hardiman, Birkholz, Pappageorge, Cropsey, Bishop and Jelinek offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 128.

A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to rectify the imbalance in federal transportation funding that has consistently put Michigan near the bottom of the 50 states in the percentage of tax dollars returned and to urge the administration to waive the matching fund requirement for federal highway dollars.

Whereas, Since the creation of the federal highway system and the construction of the interstate network that began in the 1950s, Michigan has paid more than its share—much more—of the costs of the nation’s network of roads. Through a complicated formula that has changed over a span of more than five decades, one thing has remained unchanged: Michigan has been and continues to be a donor state, one sending significantly more money to Washington than it receives in return; and

Whereas, Since the enactment of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, Michigan has, through the various federal transportation taxes paid by Michigan drivers, paid out more than $1.4 billion than it has been allocated in program funds. This shortfall, which represents a 94 percent return, places Michigan at 46th out of the 50 states in the money returned to fund projects in our state. The overall result of this policy is an insufficiently maintained highway network that becomes even more expensive to care for than it needs to be; and

Whereas, Michigan’s status as a donor state is even more troubling considering the fact that for the past four years, the state has led the nation with the highest levels of unemployment. In 2009 alone, manufacturing in Michigan lost 91,000 jobs; trade, transportation, and utilities lost 47,000 jobs; and construction lost 24,000 jobs; and

Whereas, Although this serious imbalance in the redistribution of federal transportation tax dollars has always been disturbing and unfair, the harmful impact of this continuing injustice is exacerbated as Michigan struggles in the throes of the transformational challenges facing our economy. No longer can we absorb this annual inequity without seriously jeopardizing the safety of all who utilize our aging highway infrastructure; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to rectify the imbalance in federal transportation funding that has consistently put Michigan near the bottom of the 50 states in the percentage of federal transportation tax dollars returned to this state each year; and be it further

Resolved, That, in light of the state’s serious economic troubles, we urge Congress and the Obama Administration to waive the state matching fund requirement for federal highway dollars, as was done with the funding included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Cropsey moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Allen, Anderson, Barcia, Basham, Brater, Brown, Cassis, Cherry, Clarke, Gleason, Hunter, Jacobs, McManus, Nofs, Olshove, Sanborn and Whitmer were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.

Senators Kuipers, Brown, Jelinek, Van Woerkom, Stamas, Cassis, Sanborn, Allen, Richardville, Pappageorge, Kahn, Gilbert, Jansen, Birkholz, Hardiman, Garcia, McManus, Nofs, Barcia, Gleason and Cropsey offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 129.

A resolution to urge the Governor to rescind her proclamation making March 20, 2010, Michigan Meatout Day.

Whereas, Agriculture in Michigan contributes $71.3 billion annually to Michigan’s economy, and a large share of this figure comes from the livestock industry, with cattle, poultry, and hogs ranking in the top ten of agricultural commodities in the state; and

Whereas, Past announcements regarding not eating meat by public officials have proven to have a dramatic and negative effect on markets both locally and nationally; and

Whereas, As other areas of the state’s economy continue to decline, agriculture has continued to grow and expand here in the state, and such an announcement by the Governor could have a devastating effect on the livestock industry in Michigan; and

Whereas, Instead of urging citizens not to eat meat, the Governor should instead be stressing the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes, meats, vegetable, fruits, and grains; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Governor to rescind her proclamation declaring March 20, 2010, as Michigan Meatout Day, and focus instead on promoting the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes meats, vegetables, fruits and grains; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,

Senator Cropsey moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

Senator Cropsey requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 123 Yeas—25

Allen Garcia Jelinek Patterson

Barcia George Kahn Richardville

Birkholz Gilbert Kuipers Sanborn

Bishop Gleason McManus Stamas

Brown Hardiman Nofs Van Woerkom

Cassis Jansen Pappageorge Whitmer

Cropsey

Nays—12

Anderson Cherry Hunter Scott

Basham Clark-Coleman Jacobs Switalski

Brater Clarke Olshove Thomas

Excused—0

Not Voting—1

Prusi

In The Chair: Richardville

Senator Kuipers asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Kuipers’ statement is as follows:

Let me begin my comments by saying I really, truly can’t believe that we are having this discussion today. I can’t believe that the Governor, of all days, picked Ag Day in Michigan as the day she wanted to release her declaration of a meatless Saturday.

I first heard of the declaration last night when I was driving home from an event. I received a call from one of my constituents who happens to live in an agriculture-rich part of the district. He said, “Did you hear what the Governor did today?” I said, “No, I didn’t. What did she do today?” He said, “She introduced this declaration urging all Michiganders to go meatless on Saturday. I think we should have a pig roast in your honor.” Well, I loved the idea of a pig roast, but it got me thinking why would the Governor of the state of Michigan, a state where agriculture is our No. 1 industry, choose to pick this fight? I don’t understand it.

I can’t, for the life of me, get in the mind of the Governor as to what her motivation was. I do think that it is important for this body to send a message to our agriculture community that we are not going to take this lying down. Agriculture is an industry in Michigan that does over $71 billion every year. Of that industry, a significant portion is the livestock industry.

While it is certainly laudable to encourage Michigan citizens to eat vegetables produced here in Michigan, we shouldn’t do it by excluding the consumption of other Michigan products like beef, chicken, and turkey. I am asking the members of this body to respectfully ask the Governor of this great state of Michigan to rescind her declaration, and show the agriculture community that together we are in favor of a strong agriculture economy.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

The Secretary announced that the Majority Leader has made the appointment of the following Appropriations subcommittee:

Retirement - Senator Gilbert replacing Senator Kahn.

The subcommittee appointment was approved, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Resolutions

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35.

A concurrent resolution to reject the 3 percent compensation increase authorized for civil service employees by the Civil Service Commission for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

(This concurrent resolution was not adopted on March 3 and the vote reconsidered. See Senate Journal No. 18, p. 292.)

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

Senator Cropsey requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The concurrent resolution was not adopted, 2/3 of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:

Roll Call No. 124 Yeas—23

Allen Garcia Kahn Richardville

Birkholz George Kuipers Sanborn

Bishop Gilbert McManus Stamas

Brown Hardiman Nofs Switalski

Cassis Jansen Pappageorge Van Woerkom

Cropsey Jelinek Patterson

Nays—15

Anderson Cherry Hunter Scott

Barcia Clark-Coleman Jacobs Thomas

Basham Clarke Olshove Whitmer

Brater Gleason Prusi

Excused—0

Not Voting—0

In The Chair: Richardville

Protests

Senators Prusi and Jacobs, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35 and moved that the statements they made during the discussion of the concurrent resolution be printed as their reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Prusi’s statement is as follows:

You know, I understand the majority’s desire to get this issue out there again. It plays quite well when you look at the polls that 75 percent of the people think that this is something which needs to happen. But I don’t think in that poll was it explained fully to people that state employees have already sacrificed $700 million, that their ranks are down 17 percent, and there has been no corresponding fall-off in the needs and the duties which these workers have to perform. I think if people were to understand that this 3 percent raise isn’t something which is handed out willy-nilly, their contract was four years long—0 percent, 0 percent, 1 percent, and then this 3 percent back-loaded at the end. They’ve extended their agreements, and they’ve gone back to the table and negotiated further concessions on top of the $700 million which the state has saved through their willingness to bargain collectively and to negotiate concessionary agreements. In fact, they have lost close up to 5 percent in total compensation to date, and this 3 percent doesn’t even make up partially for what they’ve given up in the past.

So I think if people were to understand just exactly what has been going on over the last five or six years in state government and with state employee contracts, those people would come to understand our corrections officers, our state troopers, our DHS workers, and our frontline DNRE people who are out there doing their jobs. This is Ag Day. The people who inspect our food supplies, inspect our farms, and work with our farmers, they’re included in this as well. You want to go after these folks.

I have a great deal of respect for the folks and the business leaders for Michigan—the CEOs of our major corporations—who have done a tremendous job in struggling through this economy and keeping their businesses afloat. But I find it rather disingenuous when people who are making seven-figure salaries are targeting people who are in the middle class in the state of Michigan. A 3 percent cut to a $1.5 million salary or a $5 million salary, that’s not a real sacrifice. But I’ve not heard them offer up any sacrifices. I’ve not watched them offer up pay cuts commensurate with what they are asking for here, as they go around and beat the drum across the state for us to do what they are asking us to do here.

There is just a touch of hypocrisy there when people making those kind of incomes want to attack people in the middle class and people who are struggling here and doing the work which we count on them to do to keep our families safe and to keep government functioning here.

On top of the concessions they have already given, I believe taking this 3 percent away from them is a slap in the face to people who have already sacrificed, who go in and protect our families day in and day out and do the hard work we ask them to do. I would ask members to vote “no” on this resolution.

Senator Jacobs’ statement is as follows:

I would venture to say that this poll also didn’t explain to people about the tax loopholes and incentives that we give away each year in this state. If people knew that we give away each year more than we take in each year, I think they would sit back and say, “Wait, something isn’t fair here.” And this says a lot about fairness. Is it fair to ask our public employees to sacrifice when there is not a shared sacrifice or really shared investment by the constituents of this state as well as businesses?

We all need to be brought to the table. We all need to be part of the solution, but this 3 percent solution only tries to balance the budget on the backs of state workers. It doesn’t make sense to do it this way.

So, Mr. President, what I would ask is to come up with another idea that would bring in the business community as part of the solution. I would be happy to sit down and see what I could work out in my caucus to try to bring some votes to do something like this.

So since nothing has changed since the last time we saw this, I am going to be opposing this concurrent resolution again because it is not fair.

Senators Bishop and Switalski asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Bishop’s statement is as follows:

Not to beat a dead horse today, but this, in fact, is Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35, the resolution to reject the employee pay raise. As the members will note, we took this up in the past, and it was earlier in the month on March 3 when we took it up last time. Since then, we have had a chance to go back to our districts to talk to our constituents—to hear from the folks we represent—about what is important to them. We didn’t get the number of votes necessary last time, but I am hoping this time with the new information that we have been able to acquire from our districts and hindsight being as strong as it is, I think it is important for us to discuss this again and take it up for another vote.

I want to remind members that we have, again, 15 percent unemployment in this state. Businesses are fleeing our state. Families are going along with it. We hear it every day. Our economy is spiraling downward out of control, and yet, we have the audacity—and when I say “we,” I mean the government by way of the administration—to propose the increase of pay to our state employees, while the rest of our state and the rest of our private sector see dramatic reductions in their benefits and in their salaries.

This is clearly leading against the will of the people we represent. It is contrary to why I came to Lansing and why I serve in the position that I do and why you serve in the position that you do. We have the trust and confidence of the people we represent for a reason. It is our responsibility to represent them well. This is not representing them well when we don’t look at the writing on the wall. We have all of this happening around us.

We just saw one of the world’s largest corporations in GM fold up and go into bankruptcy. We are seeing our school districts fighting for their lives; law enforcement layoffs, so we don’t have cops on the street. Yet we are willing to pay our employees more, to the tune of $77 million, so that we have to cut back in other areas like law enforcement and education.

I would just like to know from those who decide to vote against this which priority item will you cut to stick to your guns on this pay increase. Which will it be: education, law enforcement, environment? What other hot-ticket items are you willing to ignore just to defend the status quo and allow this pay increase to go through?

I want to make a note that last week, there was a discussion about the legality. I want to refer to this claim of an unfair labor practice. There has been no discussion as to where the cite is on this, but the law is clearly defined when it comes to unfair labor practices in the U.S. Code, 29 USC 158 of the National Labor Relations Act, which limits the means by which employers may react to workers in the private sector and create labor unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take part in other activities to support their demands. However, specifically in Section 2 of that part of the code, it says the act does not apply to federal, state, or local government workers—does not apply. However, our State Constitution, which I take very seriously, is very clear and unambiguous in Article 11, Section 5, where in it provides that the Legislature within 60 days by a two-thirds vote of both chambers may reject the pay increase. Specifically, in the Constitution, the Legislature is granted the authority to reject the pay increase.

I would argue that we have the responsibility, under the circumstances, to step up pursuant to the Constitution and reject this pay increase.

Senator Switalski’s statement is as follows:

The Legislature faces two bad choices: Either we can spend money we don’t have, or we can cheapen our word. I believe freezing pay is the lesser of two evils.

Senator Cropsey moved that rule 3.311 be suspended to permit reconsideration of the vote by which the following concurrent resolution was not adopted:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35

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

Senator Cropsey moved to reconsider the vote by which the concurrent resolution was not adopted.

The motion prevailed.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 12:10 p.m.

Committee Reports

The Committee on Commerce and Tourism reported

Senate Bill No. 1204, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 395, entitled “Community convention or tourism marketing act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 141.872), as amended by 1993 PA 224.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

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

Jason E. Allen

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Allen, Nofs, Stamas and Hunter

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

The Committee on Commerce and Tourism reported

House Bill No. 5555, entitled

A bill to amend 1996 PA 376, entitled “Michigan renaissance zone act,” by amending section 3 (MCL 125.2683), as amended by 2008 PA 217.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

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

Jason E. Allen

Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Allen, Nofs, Stamas and Hunter

Nays: None

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

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Commerce and Tourism submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 2:30 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Allen (C), Nofs, Stamas and Hunter

Excused: Senator Clarke

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Sanborn (C), Richardville, Gilbert, Thomas, Hunter and Jacobs

Excused: Senator Allen

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Economic Development submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 1:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Jansen (C), Stamas, Scott and Anderson

Excused: Senator George

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Judiciary and Corrections submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Cropsey (C), Kahn and Brater

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Department of Natural Resources submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 2:30 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators McManus (C), Jelinek and Brater

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Reforms and Restructuring submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower

Present: Senators Bishop (C), Gilbert, Kuipers, Prusi, Hunter and Cherry

Excused: Senator George

Scheduled Meetings

Agriculture and Bioeconomy - Thursday, March 18, 8:30 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1635)

Appropriations - Thursday, March 18, 9:00 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-6960)

Subcommittee -

Capital Outlay - Thursday, March 25, 9:00 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)

Education - Thursday, March 18, 2:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-6920)

Energy Policy and Public Utilities - Thursday, March 18, 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-7350)

Finance - Thursday, March 18, 11:00 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-1758)

The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.

CAROL MOREY VIVENTI

Secretary of the Senate

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