No. 39
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
99th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2017
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, April 26, 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—present Hune—present Robertson—present
Casperson—present Johnson—present Rocca—present
Colbeck—present Jones—present Schmidt—present
Conyers—present 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
Pastor Ron Aulbach of Bridgeway Community Church of Rockford offered the following invocation:
Father God, we pause in this moment and we recognize that this place, this state, and this world are Yours. Praise God! What a beautiful reminder of Your amazing grace and the blessing it is to live and to work in this great state. We thank You for giving us the opportunity to use the gifts and abilities placed inside each one of us to serve the needs of those under Your care. We admit that we are not strong enough or smart enough to do this on our own, but we trust with certainty that You are.
I ask that You would continue to guide these dedicated men and women into decisions and paths that maximize Your goodness. Strengthen all of those here today in the important decisions that will take place. I ask that You would be the compass of all truth and a desire for justice in all situations. God, I ask that You will pour out Your wisdom in this place. May this state be a benchmark across our land as a place that leads with conviction. Protect our schools from evil, guard our homes from danger, and may our workplaces be productive.
Finally, I ask that You would press deep into the human heart and soul so that we might know You personally; that each person here would have an intimacy with You that puts the problems we face in their proper perspective that You govern and You sit on the throne.
We give You all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor. Through Christ Jesus, we ask this and it’s in Your name that we pray. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Kowall moved that Senators Casperson, Knollenberg and Schuitmaker be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hood moved that Senator Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Casperson and Schuitmaker entered the Senate Chamber.
The following communication was received and read:
Office of the Auditor General
April 20, 2017
Enclosed is a copy of the following report:
• Performance audit of the Office of Aeronautics, Michigan Department of Transportation.
Sincerely,
Doug Ringler
Auditor General
The audit report was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
The Secretary announced that the following House bill was received in the Senate and filed on Tuesday, April 25:
House Bill No. 4311
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, April 25, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329
House Bill Nos. 4502 4503 4504 4505 4506 4507 4508 4509 4510 4511 4512 4513 4514 4515 4516 4517 4518 4519 4520 4521 4522 4523 4524 4525 4526 4527 4528
Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Pavlov admittance to the Senate floor.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Pavlov asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Pavlov’s statement is as follows:
It is my pleasure today to give Tim Van Wingen, our education policy expert from LSB, a few words and a hand-off to the next step in his life. Tim is leaving us.
“It is an honor to commend and congratulate Timothy A. Van Wingen, Assistant Director of the Legislative Service Bureau Legal Division, as he brings to a close an exceptional 29-year career with the LSB. As everyone in the Capitol is aware, Tim is an expert in the field of education legislation. He provides outstanding service as well as peace of mind to legislators and colleagues, who are confident that a crucial area will be handled effectively. It is a pleasure to work with such an individual, but it is difficult to see him retire.
“Education has long played a vital role in Tim’s life. His father was a teacher and coach, and Tim was an outstanding student who graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College, the University of Michigan, and U of M Law School, all with highest honors. In 1981, Tim started his career with a law firm in Grand Rapids, and four years later, he became a researcher and instructor at Florida State University Law School. He returned to Michigan to serve as an instructor and coordinator for the Criminal Justice and Law Center at Lansing Community College.”
“As a reflection of the admiration that Tim has earned from legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the bridge, he was chosen as the recipient of the 2017 Jon Farley Exceptional Legislative Staffer Award. This prestigious honor is evidence of the impact and success that Tim has had throughout his career.
“IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to extend our appreciation to Tim Van Wingen for his excellent contributions to the LSB, to the Michigan Legislature, and to the citizens of the Great Lake State.”
It is signed by Representative Tim Kelly, Speaker Tom Leonard, myself, and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof. I would like to add a personal note that it has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside and lean into Tim. As some of the most difficult issues have come up in education, and in the world of regulations around education, he was always able to return clear and concise, solid language that helped every kid in the state of Michigan succeed at some level, overtime. I want to thank him.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:12 a.m.
10:28 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien.
During the recess, Senator Knollenberg entered the Senate Chamber.
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 Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien, designated Senator Knezek as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
House Bill No. 4203, entitled
A bill to amend 1972 PA 222, entitled “An act to provide for an official personal identification card; to provide for its form, issuance and use; to regulate the use and disclosure of information obtained from the card; to prescribe the powers and duties of the secretary of state; to prescribe fees; to prescribe certain penalties for violations; and to provide an appropriation for certain purposes,” by amending section 2 (MCL 28.292), as amended by 2016 PA 203.
House Bill No. 4204, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 307 (MCL 257.307), as amended by 2016 PA 451.
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. 178, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 811e and 811h (MCL 257.811e and 257.811h), as amended by 2016 PA 327, and by adding sections 811cc, 811dd, 811ee, 811ff, and 811gg.
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. 163, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” (MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 811aa.
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. 239, entitled
A bill to amend 1925 PA 12, entitled “An act to provide for the laying out and establishing of additional trunk line mileage; to make all roads that have been improved as federal aid projects, and all roads that have been, or that may hereafter be, approved for federal aid, trunk line highways; to provide for the widening, altering or straightening of trunk line highways; to provide for the abandonment, alteration or change of any portion of the trunk line highway; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith,” (MCL 250.111 to 250.115) by adding section 3.
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.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the House
House Bill No. 4329, entitled
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
(For text of amendments, see Senate Journal No. 37, p. 455.)
The question being on concurring in the House amendments made to the Senate substitute,
Senator Meekhof offered the following amendments to the House amendments:
1. Amend page 3, line 24, by striking out all of section 104 and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
2. Amend page 5, line 1, by striking out “state appropriations” and inserting “state spending from state resources to be”.
3. Amend page 5, line 2, by striking out “$3,000,100.00” and inserting “$0.00”.
4. Amend page 6, line 20, by striking out the balance of the bill.
The amendments to the amendments were adopted.
The question being on concurring in the House amendments made to the Senate substitute as amended,
The amendments were concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 114 Yeas—37
Ananich Hansen Knezek Proos
Bieda Hertel Knollenberg Robertson
Booher Hildenbrand Kowall Rocca
Brandenburg Hood MacGregor Schmidt
Casperson Hopgood Marleau Schuitmaker
Colbeck Horn Meekhof Shirkey
Conyers Hune Nofs Stamas
Emmons Johnson O’Brien Warren
Green Jones Pavlov Zorn
Gregory
Nays—0
Excused—1
Young
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
Senate Bill No. 119, entitled
A bill to require the state administrative board to convey state-owned property in Marquette County; to prescribe conditions for the conveyance; to provide for powers and duties of state departments, agencies, and officers in regard to the property; and to provide for disposition of revenue derived from the conveyance.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that the bill be given immediate effect.
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 bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
Senate Bill No. 129, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 3118, 9115, and 63201 (MCL 324.3118, 324.9115, and 324.63201), section 3118 as amended by 2015 PA 82, section 9115 as amended by 2011 PA 214, and section 63201 as added by 2004 PA 449, and by adding part 634.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
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 full title.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Young entered the Senate Chamber.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 275, entitled
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 451a (MCL 750.451a).
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. 115 Yeas—38
Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson
Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca
Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt
Brandenburg Hood Marleau Schuitmaker
Casperson Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey
Colbeck Horn Nofs Stamas
Conyers Hune O’Brien Warren
Emmons Johnson Pavlov Young
Green Jones Proos Zorn
Gregory Knezek
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 284, entitled
A bill to amend 1915 PA 79, entitled “An act to provide certain requirements in written instruments conveying or mortgaging real estate or any interest therein in which there are male grantors, mortgagors or other parties executing the same to entitle the same to record,” by amending section 1 (MCL 565.221), as amended by 1980 PA 489.
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. 116 Yeas—38
Ananich Hansen Knollenberg Robertson
Bieda Hertel Kowall Rocca
Booher Hildenbrand MacGregor Schmidt
Brandenburg Hood Marleau Schuitmaker
Casperson Hopgood Meekhof Shirkey
Colbeck Horn Nofs Stamas
Conyers Hune O’Brien Warren
Emmons Johnson Pavlov Young
Green Jones Proos Zorn
Gregory Knezek
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: O’Brien
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senator Johnson offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 48.
A resolution recognizing April 6, 2017, as “Encourage Me I’m Young National Respect Day”.
Whereas, Positive behaviors in the classroom encourage positive actions and diminish negativity within schools and communities; and
Whereas, Youth are encouraged to exemplify positive behaviors of courtesy, patience, diversity, organizing, cleanliness, responsibility at school, and responsibility within the community and in the home; and
Whereas, Encouraging youth to participate in these positive behaviors rallies youth to take a positive stand against violence, suicide, racism, and bullying; and
Whereas, The Michigan Legislature recognizes Calvin T. Mann as a youth mentor and leader, as well as the founder of Encourage Me I’m Young, Inc., a non-profit organization and creator of the Respect Day Movement; and
Whereas, The Michigan Legislature recognizes the efforts of educators and community leaders in their efforts to promote positive initiatives for the youth of Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the impact positive behavior can have on youth, encouraging behavior that promotes inclusion, growth, and acceptance within schools and communities; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the United States Secretary of Education, and the President and First Lady of the United States of America.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the 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 resolution was adopted.
Senators Bieda, Conyers, Hansen and Hopgood were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Johnson offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 49.
A resolution to urge the President and Congress of the United States to pursue a long-term, durable infrastructure- and industrial-driven economic recovery plan.
Whereas, The United States financial system is in the midst of new financial bubbles in the stock and related markets. A decade ago, similar signs of financial stress lead to one of the greatest economic recessions in modern American history. Today, the same swaps and asset-backed securities that caused the derivatives-based collapse of 2008 are valued in the hundreds of trillions of dollars. Michigan cities, including Detroit, which are still recovering from the last financial downturn, cannot afford another economic collapse; and
Whereas, The deterioration of the financial markets is being driven by the ongoing collapse of the underlying real economy. Real gross domestic product growth in the United States has limped along these past five years at an anemic 2 percent pace, and productivity is mired in a similar stall, growing at an abysmal 1.4 percent pace over the last thirteen years, far below the 2.2 percent average growth rate since the Second World War. Our nation needs to return to an economy built on the solid foundation of manufacturing and building vital infrastructure; and
Whereas, An industrial- and infrastructure-driven recovery will require a return to national banking policies. Under presidents like George Washington, John Quincy Adams, and Abraham Lincoln, the nation turned to national banks to provide credit, and the results were robust. The real economy expanded at a rapid rate and created millions of good-paying jobs. Most recently, under President Franklin Roosevelt, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was adopted as a national bank and funded much of the New Deal and post-war recovery. Most of the infrastructure of the nation was built under these successful programs, and through these efforts, Michigan’s booming industrial sector during the Second World War endeared the Great Lakes state to the nation as part of the “Arsenal of Democracy”; and
Whereas, The separation of commercial and investment banking is necessary to ensure a stable financial system to support the recovery. Under the Glass-Steagall Act, the United States separated commercial and investment banking, and from 1933 to 1999, the law protected Main Street money. The restoration of the Glass-Steagall Act would allow commercial banking to invest more in the real economy, and as a result, accelerate our nation’s growth; and
Whereas, Capitalizing on the scientific and human potential of our society will help further propel the real economy forward. When American ingenuity is tasked and focused on a goal, our potential is endless. By dedicating ourselves to the furthering of space exploration, we can advance human knowledge and drive the creation of jobs and innovative new projects. Such an aggressive advancement of science could also solve the puzzle of fusion power, which would resolve the energy problems of this nation and the world; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the President and Congress of the United States to pursue a long-term, durable infrastructure- and industrial-driven economic recovery plan that includes the:
1. Restoration of the Glass-Steagall Act.
2. Creation of a new national bank modeled after the successful national banks of the past and utilizes $2 trillion of non-taxpayer money.
3. Utilization of a new national bank and private banks to fund a large-scale infrastructure program capable of implementing a 21st century infrastructure plan, including a network of at least 25,000 miles of high speed rail, maglev trains, energy projects, and water systems.
4. Establishment of a new space program that capitalizes on scientific and human advancement by building a manned presence on the moon and exploring the far reaches of our solar system.
; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, President of the United States Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
Pursuant to rule 3.204, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senators Bieda, Conyers and Hopgood were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Senators Schuitmaker and Warren offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 50.
A resolution to declare April 26, 2017, as Biosciences Industry Day.
Whereas, Michigan has a robust biosciences industry comprised of research, innovation, development, and manufacturing; and
Whereas, Michigan is home to the entire continuum of the biosciences industry, including world class academic and clinical research centers, bioscience startups, established bioscience companies, and contract research/manufacturing firms working across agricultural, industrial, environmental, medical devices and equipment, pharmaceutical, research and testing, and distribution and logistics sectors; and
Whereas, Michigan has 1,760 bioscience establishments, employing 44,278 individuals directly and a total of 225,348 when utilizing an employment multiplier, ranking the state’s bio-industry in the top 15 nationally by size; and
Whereas, Michigan’s bio-industry has a strong legacy and is notable for being home to the first two U.S. pharmaceutical companies, Parke-Davis (est. 1866) and Upjohn (est. 1886), the world’s largest over-the-counter drug product manufacturer, Perrigo (est. 1887), chemical giant Dow Chemical (est. 1897), and medical device firm Stryker (est. 1946), along with many other global brands across various sectors; and
Whereas, Michigan’s research institutions and bioscience companies have contributed significant discoveries and innovation including the cholesterol-lowering agent Lipitor®, the first anti-anxiety medication Xanax®, the first approved treatment for HIV/AIDS AZT, the leading chemotherapy drug cisplastin, the oscillating electric bone saw by Dr. Homer Stryker, genetically modified hybrid corn to increase crop yields; and the first and only anthrax vaccine BioThrax®, along with many other therapies, treatments, devices, and technologies; and
Whereas, Michigan’s bio-industry is developing products and applications that are vital to healing, feeding, and fueling the world; and
Whereas, Michigan’s bio-industry generates approximately $28 billion in revenues, and is the source of hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue; and
Whereas, Michigan’s bioscience companies and academic research centers help create and retain jobs, spur commercialization and innovative businesses, and attract talent from around the country and the world to the state; and
Whereas, The Michigan Biosciences Industry Association, or MichBio, is hosting a Biosciences Capitol Day on April 26, 2017, as an opportunity for the statewide biosciences community to join forces with government to help educate about the bio-industry and engage in policy discussions that will ensure a prosperous and sustainable future; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby declare April 26, 2017, as Biosciences Industry Day in the state of Michigan in recognition of the value and importance of the biosciences industry to the state’s economy and the health of its citizens; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to MichBio as it continues to work to advance the common goals and concerns of Michigan’s biosciences industry.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the 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 resolution was adopted.
Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Casperson, Conyers, Hansen, Hopgood, MacGregor, Marleau, Proos, Schmidt and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Hune offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 51.
A resolution recognizing May 14-20, 2017, as InfantSEE® Week.
Whereas, The most critical stages of vision development occur in the first year of a child’s life; and
Whereas, Undetected eye and vision problems can lead to permanent vision impairment or loss of life; and
Whereas, One-in-ten children is at-risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems; and
Whereas, One-in-thirty children will be affected by amblyopia – a leading cause of vision loss in people younger than 45 years; and
Whereas, Undetected vision problems can contribute to a decrease in a child’s quality of life and may lead to developmental and behavioral difficulties which could impede classroom learning, as well as increase the costs to society; and
Whereas, Early detection of vision problems is the best way to treat and prevent permanent vision impairment; and
Whereas, Member Optometrists of the American Optometric Association and The Vision Care Institute® of Johnson & Johnson, Inc. have partnered to create InfantSEE®, a public health program to provide a one-time, no cost, eye assessment for infants six to twelve months; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the week of May 14-20, 2017, as InfantSEE® Week. We aim to promote awareness of children’s vision care; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Optometric Association with our highest esteem.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the 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 resolution was adopted.
Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Casperson, Conyers, Hansen, Hopgood, Marleau, Proos, Schmidt and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Ananich offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 52.
A resolution to urge the United States Congress to enact legislation to stabilize the U.S. sugar industry.
Whereas, Sugar imports are governed by tariff-rate quotas which allow a certain quantity of sugar to enter the United States at a low tariff. Once a quota has been reached, a higher tariff is paid on additional sugar imported. Most of the United States’ sugar imports consist of raw cane sugar, although the quotas also apply to refined sugar, sugar syrups, specialty sugars, and sugar-containing products; and
Whereas, The United States re-export programs provide an avenue for United States sugar refiners to import raw cane sugar for refining and export to global markets; and
Whereas, The sugar industry is active in 22 states, including Michigan. In fact, over 12,000 Michigan jobs rely on the sugar industry, providing a $1.28 billion impact on our state; and
Whereas, Lower prices created by unfair subsidies in the world market are causing economic concern for United States farmers and refiners. Since 2012, world sugar production has increased and prices have declined. In September 2015, the U.S. Commerce Department ruled that Mexico was subsidizing its sugar imports, allowing exporters to dump raw sugar into the United States at 40 percent below market rate; and
Whereas, Mexico signed a suspension agreement to limit shipments of raw sugar exported into the United States. This is designed to limit the amount of discounted raw sugar competing with domestic sugar farmers. However, to make up for the market loss of raw sugar, Mexican businesses have increased the amount of refined sugar exported into the United States market; and
Whereas, The increase in refined sugar coming from Mexico damages the entire sugar industry. With more refined sugar coming into the United States, refiners have a smaller supply of raw sugar to refine, and the influx of refined sugar has caused prices to plummet to levels not seen since the 1970s. As a result, Hawaii’s last remaining sugar mill closed in 2016 due to lack of supply and low prices; and
Whereas, The suspension agreement to limit Mexican exports is not working. American sugar farmers and processors are in dire need of a working solution to save the United States sugar industry; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Congress to enact legislation to stabilize the United States sugar industry; 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, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the 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 resolution,
Senator Kowall moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Conyers, Hansen, Hopgood and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the resolution.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 2.
A concurrent resolution to express support for the construction of a new lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and urge the President and Congress of the United States to fully fund the project.
Whereas, The Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, are of the utmost importance to Michigan and play a critical role in our nation’s economy and security. Each year, approximately 10,000 Great Lakes vessels, carrying 80 million tons of iron ore, coal, grain, and other cargo, safely and efficiently traverse the locks. Nearly 80 percent of domestic iron ore—the primary material used to manufacture steel critical to the auto industry, construction, and other industries—travels from mines in Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through the Soo Locks; and
Whereas, Only one of the four Soo Locks is large enough to accommodate the modern vessels that commonly traverse the Great Lakes. Sixty percent of the American and Canadian fleet—carrying 70 percent of the cargo traversing the locks—can only pass through the Poe Lock. The remainder of cargo goes through the smaller MacArthur Lock, with the smallest 100-year-old Davis and Sabin locks rarely used; and
Whereas, The reliance on one lock poses a serious risk to national security and the economies of the state of Michigan and the United States. A long-term outage of the Poe Lock due to lock failure or terrorist attack would disrupt steel production in the United States, crippling the economy and plunging the country into recession. Because no viable transportation alternatives exist, the United States Department of Homeland Security estimated nearly 11 million jobs would be lost. Other studies indicate that even a short-term failure of 30 days could result in economic losses of $160 million; and
Whereas, The United States Congress has authorized the construction of a second large, Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie. The project was originally authorized in 1986, and in 2007, Congress authorized the construction at full federal expense. Though the project has been authorized and preliminary work conducted, a lack of federal funding has stalled further work; and
Whereas, The economic benefits to Michigan, the Great Lakes region, and the entire country far outweigh the cost of constructing a new lock. A 2017 report to the United States Department of Treasury estimated that the $626 million investment in a new lock would provide a return of up to four times that amount; and
Whereas, The construction of a new lock would be a boon for the northern Michigan economy and create good jobs in a region that continues to suffer from higher than average unemployment rates. At its peak, the project would employ up to 250 workers and require 1.5 million man hours over the 10 years of construction; and
Whereas, It is long past time to construct a new lock. The investment of federal funds in this critical infrastructure makes sound economic sense and is vital to ensure our national security. Every year we delay, the Poe Lock gets another year older, increasing the total project costs and the chances of an unanticipated closure; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we express support for the construction of a new lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and urge the President and Congress of the United States to fully fund the project; 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, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.
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 Commerce.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Bieda, Booher, Brandenburg, Casperson, Colbeck, Conyers, Hansen, Hopgood, Jones, MacGregor, Marleau, Proos, Robertson, Schmidt and Zorn were named co‑sponsors of the concurrent resolution.
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator O’Brien introduced
Senate Bill No. 330, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 904 (MCL 257.904), as amended by 2015 PA 11.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Emmons, Hune, Brandenburg, Proos and Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 331, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 17001 and 17021 (MCL 333.17001 and 333.17021), as amended by 2016 PA 379, and by adding sections 16338, 17091, 17092, 17093, 17094, 17095, and 17096.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
Senator Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 332, entitled
A bill to amend 1963 PA 181, entitled “Motor carrier safety act of 1963,” by amending section 5 (MCL 480.15), as amended by 2016 PA 452.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Jones and Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 333, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending sections 8031 and 8035 (MCL 600.8031 and 600.8035), as added by 2012 PA 333.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
House Bill No. 4311, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 2822 (MCL 333.2822), as amended by 2002 PA 691.
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 Health Policy.
Committee Reports
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Health Policy submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Shirkey (C), Hune, O’Brien, Marleau, Jones, Stamas, Hertel, Knezek and Hopgood
Excused: Senator Robertson
Scheduled Meetings
Criminal Justice Policy Commission - Wednesday, May 3, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-0212)
Education -
Subcommittee -
Michigan Merit Curriculum - Thursday, April 27, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5314)
Michigan Law Revision Commission - Thursday, May 18, 11:00 a.m., Legislative Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Boji Tower (373-0212)
Transportation - Thursday, April 27, 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (373-5312)
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:48 a.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator O’Brien, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, April 27, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
JEFFREY F. COBB
Secretary of the Senate
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