Reps. Sheppard, Bizon, Brinks, Chang, Cochran, Crawford, Faris, Gay-Dagnogo, Geiss, Green, Greig, Greimel, Hoadley, Howrylak, Kahle, Lasinski, Liberati, Marino, Maturen, Phelps, Sabo, Sneller, Webber, Wittenberg and Zemke offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 292.

            A resolution to declare April 2018 as Fair Housing Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing by providing that a person may not be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or presence of children; and

            Whereas, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act in April 1968 and it was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968; and

            Whereas, The Fair Housing Act was signed into law at an important cultural turning point in America after decades of civil unrest, racial zoning, and court sanctioned deed discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion. The Fair Housing Act was an important step in prohibiting such discrimination; and

            Whereas, The Fair Housing Act states, "It is the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States."; and

            Whereas, In 1975, realtors nationwide adopted an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote fair housing, educate members regarding their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act, develop and recommend fair housing procedures for members, and participate in community based fair housing activities; and

            Whereas, In 1988, realtors across the nation supported expanding the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on familial status and handicap or disability; and

            Whereas, Fair and affordable housing is vital to the success of our growing state. The health, education, and economic opportunities of Michigan families are directly impacted by where they live. Discriminatory housing practices create racial, social, and economic divides in our communities that inhibit the growth of our citizens; and

            Whereas, Michigan Realtors embraces its role in advancing fair housing, leading efforts to address community fair housing issues, and continuing to provide education and information to their members to combat discrimination; and

            Whereas, Diversity creates stronger communities and provides Michigan citizens the best opportunity to achieve the American dream, and fair housing plays an integral role in fostering such communities; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2018 as Fair Housing Month in the state of Michigan. We honor the 50th  anniversary of the Fair Housing Act; and be it further

            Resolved, That we support and encourage fair housing policies throughout the state.