No. 15
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
99th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2017
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Ananich—present Hood—present O’Brien—present
Bieda—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present
Booher—present Horn—present Proos—present
Brandenburg—excused Hune—present Robertson—present
Casperson—present Johnson—present Rocca—present
Colbeck—present Jones—present Schmidt—present
Conyers—excused Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present
Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present
Green—present Kowall—present Stamas—present
Gregory—present MacGregor—present Warren—present
Hansen—present Marleau—present Young—present
Hertel—present Meekhof—present Zorn—present
Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present
Senator Michael L. Nofs of the 19th District offered the following invocation:
Dear Lord, we thank You for bringing this group of leaders together today. Thank You for Your continued grace and mercy. We humbly ask for Your wisdom and strength as we deal with our matters before us today. Help us to focus on serving the people that we so well represent.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You continue to bless our state and all who look to us for leadership, and pray that You protect the members of our armed forces, law enforcement, and all first responders.
This we pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Hansen entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Kowall moved that Senators Casperson, Emmons and Pavlov be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kowall moved that Senator Brandenburg be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hood moved that Senators Ananich, Johnson and Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hood moved that Senator Conyers be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senators Robertson and Schmidt admittance to the Senate floor.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Emmons, Casperson, Pavlov, Johnson and Ananich entered the Senate Chamber.
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, February 14, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 154 155 156 157 158
House Bill Nos. 4195 4196 4197 4198 4199 4200 4201 4202 4203 4204 4205 4206 4207 4208
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
General Orders
Senator Kowall 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 Calley, designated Senator Warren as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 49, entitled
A bill to amend 1998 PA 386, entitled “Estates and protected individuals code,” by amending section 5106 (MCL 700.5106), as amended by 2000 PA 463.
The bill was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
Resolutions
Senators Warren, Hopgood, Gregory, Young, Conyers, Hertel, Ananich, Knezek and Hood offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 15.
A resolution to recognize the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court issuing its ruling in Roe v. Wade.
Whereas, The Michigan Senate recognizes the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, decided on January 22, 1973, affirming that the United States Constitution safeguards a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, and that government should not intrude in the most private and personal family matters; and
Whereas, Women’s reproductive freedom is vital to a woman’s health, economic security, and the ability to participate equally in society; and
Whereas, Comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion, is a vital component of a woman’s overall health; and
Whereas, Like other medical procedures, the safety of abortion is furthered by evidence-based practices developed and supported by medical professionals; and
Whereas, Any regulation of medical care should have a legitimate purpose and if possible, be enforced in a way that increases, rather than decreases, access; and
Whereas, In the landmark decision Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the Supreme Court recently reaffirmed a woman’s constitutional right to access safe, legal abortion, confirming more than 40 years of precedent; and
Whereas, One in three women will need an abortion in her lifetime, and as such, safe, legal, and accessible abortion is an essential component of comprehensive reproductive health care; and
Whereas, Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures performed in the United States with more than a 99 percent safety record; and
Whereas, A woman’s right to access safe, legal abortion without burdensome restrictions imposed by a state is at stake due; and
Whereas, Everyone should have access to comprehensive health care in the state of Michigan; and; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we denounce violence towards abortion providers and their patients; and be it further
Resolved, That we denounce efforts to undermine the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision by eliminating access to abortion in Michigan and throughout the country; and be it further
Resolved, That we affirm that all people have the right to access reproductive healthcare services without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment and; and be it further
Resolved, That we affirm the right to access health care without interference in this state, including safe and legal abortion; and be it further
Resolved, That we hereby recognize the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court issuing its ruling in Roe v. Wade.
Pursuant to rule 3.204, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senator Schuitmaker was named co‑sponsor of the resolution.
Senators Proos, Jones, Schuitmaker, Marleau, Nofs, Rocca, Knollenberg, Hildenbrand, MacGregor, Green, Booher, Hansen, Hertel, Zorn and Emmons offered the following concurrent resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7.
A concurrent resolution to support the recommendations of the Chicago Area Waterway System Advisory Committee to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Whereas, The Chicago area waterway system serves as a pathway for aquatic invasive species to move between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Zebra mussels and other species spread from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and its tributaries through this man-made connection. Now, Asian carp are on the brink of using this same route to invade the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River basin; and
Whereas, Juvenile Asian carp continue to migrate upstream and are now within a day’s swim of Lake Michigan. In the last few years, juvenile Asian carp have moved 90 miles closer to Lake Michigan, leaving them only 47 miles from the Great Lakes. While electrical barriers currently stand in their way, research indicates that those barriers may not be effective at stopping small fish; and
Whereas, The impacts of Asian carp to the ecosystems and economies of the Great Lakes states and local communities will be catastrophic. Invasive species established in the Great Lakes already cost the region more than $100 million per year. Asian carp could add dramatically to this cost if they move through the Chicago area into the Great Lakes. These carp are voracious filter feeders and could out-compete the native fish of the Great Lakes, threatening a $7 billion sport and commercial fishery. History has demonstrated that, once established, aquatic invasive species like Asian carp are nearly impossible to eradicate; and
Whereas, The Chicago Area Waterway System Advisory Committee was formed in May 2014 with the goal of reaching consensus on a set of recommendations for elected and appointed local, state, and federal officials and the public on short- and long-term measures to prevent Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species from moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through the Chicago area waterway system; and
Whereas, The diverse, 32-member advisory committee reached consensus in a letter to the President of the United States on a specific system of control points to prevent the two-way interbasin transfer of aquatic invasive species. It also reached consensus on supporting immediate actions at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois, to prevent the risk of Asian carp from migrating upstream while the system of control points is evaluated as a long-term solution for all aquatic invasive species; and
Whereas, The best long-term solution will prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes while preserving as much as possible the current uses of the Chicago area waterways. Options that would change shipping on these waterways should only be pursued after all other options have been exhausted; and
Whereas, The costs of preventing Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes are substantially lower than the costs to the ecosystems and economies of the Great Lakes states if Asian carp were to become established; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we support the Chicago Area Waterway System Advisory Committee recommendations to implement immediate control technologies at Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois, and to further investigate the specific system of control points for long-term movement of aquatic invasive species into and out of the Great Lakes; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Commanding General and Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,
Senator Kowall 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 concurrent resolution,
Senator Kowall moved that the concurrent resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Bieda, Colbeck, Gregory, Pavlov, Schmidt and Stamas were named co‑sponsors of the concurrent resolution.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Kowall moved that the following bill be placed at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:
Senate Bill No. 69
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 69, entitled
A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” by amending section 261 (MCL 18.1261), as amended by 2016 PA 376.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Hood offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 5, following line 12, by inserting:
“(12) BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017, IF THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER ON A CONTRACT DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION IS NOT A MICHIGAN BUSINESS, THEN ALL BIDDERS ON THAT CONTRACT THAT ARE MICHIGAN BUSINESSES SHALL HAVE 30 DAYS TO RESUBMIT THEIR BIDS TO MATCH OR BEAT THE BID FROM THE BIDDER WHO IS NOT A MICHIGAN BUSINESS. IF ONLY 1 MICHIGAN BUSINESS THAT BID ON THE CONTRACT RESUBMITS A BID UNDER THIS SUBSECTION THAT MATCHES OR BEATS THE SUCCESSFUL BID FROM THE BIDDER WHO IS NOT A MICHIGAN BUSINESS, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ENTER INTO THE CONTRACT WITH THAT MICHIGAN BUSINESS. IF 2 OR MORE MICHIGAN BUSINESSES THAT BID ON THE CONTRACT RESUBMIT A BID UNDER THIS SUBSECTION THAT MATCHES OR BEATS THE SUCCESSFUL BID FROM THE BIDDER WHO IS NOT A MICHIGAN BUSINESS, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ENTER INTO THE CONTRACT WITH THE MICHIGAN BUSINESS THAT SUBMITTED THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BID AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL MAKE ALL DISCRETIONARY DETERMINATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS SUBSECTION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE DIRECTIVES TO ALL STATE AGENCIES TO IMPLEMENT THIS SUBSECTION.” and renumbering the remaining subsections.
2. Amend page 6, following line 3, by inserting:
“(C) “MICHIGAN BUSINESS” MEANS THAT TERM AS DEFINED IN SECTION 268.” and relettering the remaining subdivisions.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 28 Yeas—11
Ananich Hertel Johnson Warren
Bieda Hood Knezek Zorn
Gregory Hopgood Rocca
Nays—24
Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Proos
Casperson Horn Marleau Robertson
Colbeck Hune Meekhof Schmidt
Emmons Jones Nofs Schuitmaker
Green Knollenberg O’Brien Shirkey
Hansen Kowall Pavlov Stamas
Excused—3
Brandenburg Conyers Young
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Senator Young entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Knezek offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 4, line 9, after “(9)” by striking out “It is the goal of the department to award each year” and inserting “EACH YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD”.
2. Amend page 4, line 12, after “yearly” by striking out “goal” and inserting “AWARD”.
3. Amend page 4, line 23, by striking out all of line 23 through “veterans.” on line 12 of page 5 and renumbering the remaining subsections.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 29 Yeas—15
Ananich Hertel Johnson Warren
Bieda Hood Knezek Young
Emmons Hopgood O’Brien Zorn
Gregory Horn Rocca
Nays—21
Booher Hune Marleau Robertson
Casperson Jones Meekhof Schmidt
Colbeck Knollenberg Nofs Schuitmaker
Green Kowall Pavlov Shirkey
Hansen MacGregor Proos Stamas
Hildenbrand
Excused—2
Brandenburg Conyers
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 3% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 30 Yeas—18
Ananich Green Horn Rocca
Bieda Gregory Johnson Warren
Casperson Hertel Knezek Young
Colbeck Hood O’Brien Zorn
Emmons Hopgood
Nays—18
Booher Knollenberg Nofs Schmidt
Hansen Kowall Pavlov Schuitmaker
Hildenbrand MacGregor Proos Shirkey
Hune Marleau Robertson Stamas
Jones Meekhof
Excused—2
Brandenburg Conyers
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 1% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 31 Yeas—18
Ananich Gregory Horn Rocca
Bieda Hertel Johnson Warren
Casperson Hildenbrand Knezek Young
Colbeck Hood O’Brien Zorn
Emmons Hopgood
Nays—18
Booher Knollenberg Nofs Schmidt
Green Kowall Pavlov Schuitmaker
Hansen MacGregor Proos Shirkey
Hune Marleau Robertson Stamas
Jones Meekhof
Excused—2
Brandenburg Conyers
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 0.5% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
The question being on the adoption of the amendment,
Senator Kowall moved that all pending amendments be considered en bloc.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kowall moved that the previous question be ordered on the adoption of the amendments.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 0.5% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 0.25% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
Senator Knezek offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, line 11, after “veterans.” by inserting “HOWEVER, EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD NOT LESS THAN 0.1% OF ITS TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION, GOODS, AND SERVICES TO QUALIFIED DISABLED VETERANS.”.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Hood requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 32 Yeas—15
Ananich Hertel Johnson Warren
Bieda Hood Knezek Young
Emmons Hopgood O’Brien Zorn
Gregory Horn Rocca
Nays—21
Booher Hune Marleau Robertson
Casperson Jones Meekhof Schmidt
Colbeck Knollenberg Nofs Schuitmaker
Green Kowall Pavlov Shirkey
Hansen MacGregor Proos Stamas
Hildenbrand
Excused—2
Brandenburg Conyers
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
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. 33 Yeas—36
Ananich Hertel Knollenberg Robertson
Bieda Hildenbrand Kowall Rocca
Booher Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Casperson Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Colbeck Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Emmons Hune Nofs Stamas
Green Johnson O’Brien Warren
Gregory Jones Pavlov Young
Hansen Knezek Proos Zorn
Nays—0
Excused—2
Brandenburg Conyers
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, assumed the Chair.
Senators Bieda, Jones, Knollenberg, Hertel, Colbeck, Hood, Warren, Johnson, Kowall and Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Joint Resolution F, entitled
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending section 19 of article VI, to eliminate the age limitation from eligibility criteria for judicial office.
The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 159, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 722 (MCL 257.722), as amended by 2016 PA 72.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senator Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 160, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 25a and 31 (MCL 257.25a and 257.31), section 25a as added by 1984 PA 328.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Warren, Schmidt, Schuitmaker, Conyers, Colbeck, Rocca, Hune and Hopgood introduced
Senate Bill No. 161, entitled
A bill to designate an official airplane of the state of Michigan.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Colbeck, Hansen, Jones, Pavlov, Robertson, Booher, Marleau, Zorn, Green, Proos, Nofs, Knollenberg and Emmons introduced
Senate Bill No. 162, entitled
A bill to amend 2002 PA 360, entitled “An act to revise the priority of allocation of funds for certain programs and services administered by the department of community health; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies and departments,” by amending the title and section 1 (MCL 333.1091).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Oversight.
Senators Colbeck, Hansen, Jones, Pavlov, Robertson, Booher, MacGregor, Zorn, Marleau, Green, Proos, Nofs, Knollenberg and Emmons introduced
Senate Bill No. 163, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” (MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 811aa.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Proos, Colbeck, Booher, Marleau, Nofs, Knollenberg, Pavlov, Emmons and Zorn introduced
Senate Bill No. 164, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20115 and 20165 (MCL 333.20115 and 333.20165), section 20115 as amended by 2012 PA 499 and section 20165 as amended by 2008 PA 39, and by adding section 20116.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Oversight.
Senators Jones, O’Brien, Conyers, Gregory, Bieda, Nofs, Schuitmaker, Rocca, Marleau and Hertel introduced
Senate Bill No. 165, entitled
A bill to create an African-American affairs commission; to prescribe its powers and duties; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain agencies, departments, and officials.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senator Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 166, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 7303a (MCL 333.7303a), as amended by 2016 PA 379.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senator Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 167, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 16221 and 16226 (MCL 333.16221 and 333.16226), as amended by 2016 PA 379.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senator Jones introduced
Senate Bill No. 168, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 6107 (MCL 500.6107), as added by 1992 PA 174.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Insurance.
Statements
Senators Bieda and Young asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Bieda’s statement is as follows:
I’d like to rise to take this time to honor the memory of the very famous Michigander Mike Ilitch. Mr. Ilitch was born on July 20, 1929, and was born and raised in Detroit. Mike Ilitch will be remembered for his outstanding efforts and improvements he made to the Detroit area. He launched a worldwide restaurant empire and his dedication to Detroit’s youth, recreation, education, and health can be admired by all of us.
Mike Ilitch is famously known as the founder of Little Caesars Pizza which he owned with his wife Marian since 1952. The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan, but the thing that really put him on the map was the first franchise that opened in Warren, Michigan. He also owned the Detroit Red Wings since 1982 and the Detroit Tigers since 1992. What might not be as well-known to people is that Mike himself was on the Detroit Tigers farm team. He played shortstop. You wonder if history had been a little different and he actually made it to the Detroit Tigers team, whether he would have been where he was today, so sometimes maybe when one door does close, maybe another actually does open. He saw the great potential in both of these Detroit sports teams and he invested in them. It is because of his efforts and hard work he touched the lives of many Michiganders and benefited the livelihood of many.
Certainly, Mr. Ilitch founded many organizations that helped the lives of people across our country and abroad. He founded the Little Caesars Veterans Program in 2006 to provide discharged veterans with a business opportunity when they transition from service. For his veterans program, Ilitch received the Secretary’s Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. Ilitch Charities for Children was founded in 2000. It’s a non-profit organization that dedicated itself to improving the lives of children in health, education, and recreation. Recently, you may have seen the newspaper accounts, it was disclosed that Mr. Ilitch had paid the rent for the civil rights icon Rosa Parks when she moved into the Detroit Riverfront Apartments for more than a decade until her death in October 2005. This was just one quiet example of the many good things Mike Ilitch and his family did for the community.
Another example, perhaps a little bit more prominent, Mike and his wife gave millions of dollars to Wayne State University to establish a business school that has been developed in his name. Ilitch’s latest mark on the city of Detroit includes the Little Caesars Arena, which will be the home to the Detroit Red Wings later this year.
On a personal level, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mike Ilitch and his family over the years. His wife Marian was first cousin to my childhood neighbor Florence Sloan and we frequently heard about the growing pizza empire as at least two of my neighbor’s kids worked for Little Caesars.
Senator Young’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to remember two monumental individuals who believed in Detroit, and who doubled down on their efforts when times got tough. I’d like to begin with a quote. Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains immortal.”
Last week, Delores Bennett, the mother of the North End, and Mike Ilitch passed away after devoting their lives to the betterment of others. Delores Bennett was a staple in the North End and touched many lives during her 84 years of life. She founded the North End Youth Improvement Council, an organization that’s committed to improving the lives of Detroit’s youth through mentorship and educational opportunities. She also began the Adopt-a-Child initiative in Detroit to ensure that no child woke up on Christmas without a gift waiting for them. And she even lobbied my father, the Honorable Mayor Coleman Alexander Young, Sr., to provide funding to open Detroit’s first clinic to treat men and women who were addicted to crack cocaine. Delores believed that youth are the future of our city and she committed her life to improving their lives through job opportunities and free meals. Delores’ accomplishments are unending and her influence will be everlasting. She was the matriarch of Detroit and young adults across our city refer to her as “Mom.” She was a person that if you were hungry, she would feed you; if you needed clothes, she would give them to you. She was the person you talk about who would literally give the clothes off of her back so that people with less than wouldn’t have to go without. As public servants, we must strive each and every day to personify the teachings of Ms. Delores Bennett.
If Delores was the matriarch, then Mike Ilitch was the patriarch of Detroit. Mike Ilitch was no stranger to public service. After growing up in Detroit, he joined the Marine Corps and served four years in the service before returning home to open one of the largest pizza companies in the world. Among Ilitch’s most famous investments was his ownership in the Tigers, Red Wings, and Fox Theatre. But his single greatest investment was in Detroit as a whole. The Ilitch Holdings company committed to investing an extra $1.2 billion to rebuild neighborhoods in the Downtown Detroit area. Mike Ilitch believed that the foundation of Detroit was its people and he committed to feeding those people through the Little Caesars Love Kitchen which has provided meals for nearly three million people to date.
I can’t say enough about these generous individuals. They’ve shown us that, no matter what, we can all make a difference in our communities. The spirit of Detroit lives on in the memories of Delores Bennett and Mike Ilitch. We need to continue their work from where they left off. I just want to say in conclusion, as someone once told me, that these two individuals really adhere and really embody the quote that, “The greatest thing you can do with your life is something that outlasts it.” The accomplishments that they’ve done are something that will outlast their lives. On a more personal note, for Ms. Bennett, she was always the one that was there for me and in the most vulnerable time in my life, she provided shelter, she provided comfort, and she provided love. She’s one of the closest things I ever had to having another mother and she will truly be missed.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Mike Ilitch, Detroit businessman, and Delores Bennett, Detroit community activist.
Committee Reports
The Committee on Judiciary reported
Senate Bill No. 80, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 625a and 625c (MCL 257.625a and 257.625c), section 625a as amended by 2015 PA 11 and section 625c as amended by 2014 PA 315.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Rick Jones
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Jones, Schuitmaker, Rocca, Colbeck and Bieda
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Judiciary submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Jones (C), Schuitmaker, Rocca, Colbeck and Bieda
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 8:30 a.m., Room 402 and 403, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Nofs (C), Colbeck and Knezek
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 12:00 noon, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Pavlov (C), Knollenberg, Booher, Colbeck and Hopgood
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on Health and Human Services submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Marleau (C), MacGregor, Proos, Shirkey, Nofs, Hertel and Gregory
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Subcommittee on K-12, School Aid, Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 8:30 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Hansen (C), Pavlov and Hopgood
Scheduled Meetings
Administrative Rules - Wednesday, February 22, 8:30 a.m., Room 426, Capitol Building (373-5773)
Appropriations -
Subcommittees -
Agriculture and Rural Development - Tuesdays, February 21, March 7, March 14 and March 21, 3:00 p.m., Rooms 402 and 403; February 28, 3:00 p.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Community Colleges - Wednesday, February 22, 9:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
General Government - Thursdays, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16 and March 23, 8:30 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (373-2768)
Health and Human Services - Tuesdays, February 21, March 7, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower and February 28, 2:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building; Thursdays, February 23 and March 2, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2768)
State Police and Military Affairs - Tuesdays, February 21, March 7 and March 21, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403; February 28 and March 14, Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Transportation - Tuesday, February 28; Thursdays, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23 and March 30, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Economic Development and International Investment - Thursday, February 16, 1:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5323)
Elections and Government Reform - Thursday, February 16, 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Capitol Building (373-5323) (CANCELED)
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:01 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 16, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
JEFFREY F. COBB
Secretary of the Senate
146 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 147
148 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 149
150 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 151
152 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 153
154 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 155
156 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [February 15, 2017] [No. 15
No. 15] [February 15, 2017] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 157
158