Senators Nofs, Brandenburg and Moolenaar offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 31.

            A resolution to memorialize the President and the United States Congress to support continued funding of the United States Department of Defense STARBASE youth science and technology program.

            Whereas, Early childhood access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education opportunities are critical to the future of the United States as an economic and technological leader of the global marketplace; and

            Whereas, The STARBASE program utilizes military resources and technology not otherwise available to Michigan school districts to support STEM education; and

            Whereas, The program strives to motivate children to explore STEM-related opportunities and provides vital exposure for traditionally underrepresented communities to technology professions; and

            Whereas, Michigan is home to three successful STARBASE program locations based in Alpena, Battle Creek, and Mt. Clemens that annually serve more than 3,500 students; and

            Whereas, The value of Michigan STARBASE education programs significantly exceeds the costs, as the fiscal year 2013 STARBASE budget requires as little as $200 per student in spending; and

            Whereas, The STARBASE concept and pilot program originated in Michigan and now has a presence in 40 states through 76 program locations, with a waiting list of more than 35 qualified facilities nationwide;  now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the President and the United States Congress to preserve full funding and support for the United States Department of Defense STARBASE youth science and technology program; and be it further

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