STATE OF MICHIGAN
JOURNAL
OF THE
House of Representatives
101st Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2022
House Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
10:00 a.m.
The House was called to order by the Speaker Pro Tempore.
The roll was called by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who announced that a quorum was present.
Aiyash—present Damoose—present Kuppa—present Rendon—present
Albert—present Eisen—present LaFave—present Rogers—present
Alexander—present Ellison—present LaGrand—present Roth—present
Allor—present Farrington—present Lasinski—present Sabo—present
Anthony—present Filler—present Liberati—present Scott—excused
Beeler—present Fink—present Lightner—present Shannon—present
Bellino—present Frederick—present Maddock—present Slagh—present
Berman—present Garza—present Manoogian—present Sneller—present
Beson—present Glanville—present Marino—present Sowerby—present
Bezotte—present Glenn—present Markkanen—present Steckloff—present
Bolden—present Green—present Martin—present Steenland—excused
Bollin—present Griffin—present Meerman—present Stone—excused
Borton—present Haadsma—present Mekoski—excused Tate—present
Brabec—present Hall—present Morse—present Thanedar—present
Brann—present Harris—present Mueller—present Tisdel—present
Breen—present Hauck—present Neeley—present VanSingel—present
Brixie—present Hertel—present O’Malley—present VanWoerkom—present
Calley—present Hoitenga—present O’Neal—present Wakeman—present
Cambensy—present Hood—present Outman—present Weiss—present
Camilleri—present Hope—present Paquette—present Wendzel—present
Carra—present Hornberger—present Pepper—present Wentworth—present
Carter, B—excused Howell—present Peterson—present Whiteford—present
Carter, T—present Johnson, C—present Pohutsky—present Whitsett—present
Cavanagh—present Johnson, S—present Posthumus—present Witwer—present
Cherry—present Jones—present Puri—present Yancey—excused
Clemente—present Kahle—present Rabhi—present Yaroch—present
Clements—present Koleszar—present Reilly—present Young—excused
Coleman—present
e/d/s = entered during session
Rep. William J. Sowerby, from the 31st District, offered the following invocation:
“Dear God,
You call us to lift each other up.
You teach us that we are stronger standing together,
That our differences are a blessing,
That empathy and love reveal the path to peace,
And that justice will prevail,
Because You have taught us that each of us is Beloved.
Let us commit to
Answer intolerance with goodwill,
Live by faith and hope, not fear,
Seek understanding and friendship whenever we can,
Stand with those facing prejudice and injustice,
Meet resistance with resiliency,
and work to build the Beloved Community with each decision we make.
Amen.”
______
The Speaker assumed the Chair.
______
Rep. Frederick moved that Reps. Brenda Carter, Mekoski, Scott, Steenland, Stone, Yancey and Young be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Motions and Resolutions
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 364.
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Stanley Stopczynski, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives.
Whereas, It is with great sorrow that the members of this legislative body learned about the passing of Stanley Stopczynski. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader who was committed to his constituents in Wayne County in the Eleventh and Nineteenth Districts; and
Whereas, Stanley Stopczynski was born in Detroit, Michigan to Representative Stephen and Cassie Stopczynski. He graduated from Sacred Heart Seminary High, attended St. Mary’s College, and went on to attend the American Institute of Banking. He married his wife, Donna, on September 3, 1955 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Stanley Stopczynski served in the United States Army and Cavalry from June 1957 to May 1959, spending fifteen months of that time doing training maneuvers in Germany. As a young man, he wanted to be a priest. When he found that the priesthood was not his calling, he built a career in banking at the City Bank of Detroit and reached the top of his field at Wayne Oakland Bank as an assistant vice president and branch manager; and
Whereas, Stanley Stopczynski was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, where he served his constituents and the people of Michigan for fourteen years. For his first two terms, he served alongside his brother, Thaddeus, who also represented part of Wayne County. As a member of the House of Representatives, he served as the Majority Floor Whip; chaired the Liquor Control Committee; was the vice chair for the committees on Corrections and Public Utilities; and was a member of the committees on Public Health, Roads and Bridges, Economic Development and Energy, Social Services and Youth, Transportation, and Corporations and Finance. Stanley Stopczynski was also part of the congregation at both Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and he was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans and the LaSalle College Park Improvement Association; and
Whereas, Stanley Stopczynski is survived by his two children, Kathleen and Michael; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and over twenty nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. His wife, parents, and two brothers, Steven and Thaddeus, preceded him in death. His family described him as a very smart, kind, and extremely generous man, with a great sense of humor and deep love for his family, who was loved by all in every walk of his life. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Stanley Stopczynski, a member of this legislative body from 1979 to 1992; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Stopczynski family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted by unanimous standing vote.
Announcement by the Clerk of Printing and Enrollment
The Clerk announced that the following bills had been reproduced and made available electronically on Thursday, December 1:
House Bill Nos. 6541 6542 6543 6544 6545 6546
The Clerk announced the enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor on Monday, December 5, for her approval of the following bills:
Enrolled House Bill No. 5248 at 1:59 p.m.
Enrolled House Bill No. 6039 at 2:01 p.m.
Enrolled House Bill No. 6040 at 2:03 p.m.
Enrolled House Bill No. 6358 at 2:05 p.m.
Enrolled House Bill No. 6369 at 2:07 p.m.
Enrolled House Bill No. 6377 at 2:09 p.m.
Communications from State Officers
The following communications from the Secretary of State were received December 5, 2022 and read:
Notices of Filing
Administrative Rules
March 7, 2022
In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2021-041-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-12) on this date at 1:11 P.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Unbundled Network Element and Local Interconnection Services”.
These rules become effective on April 19, 2022.
March 7, 2022
In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2021-069-AC (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-11) on this date at 11:25 A.M. for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development entitled, “Regulation No. 634. Commercial fertilizers”.
These rules take effect 7 days after
filing with the Secretary of State.
March 7, 2022
In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2021-056-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-13) on this date at 3:14 P.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Basic Local Exchange Service Customer Migration”.
These rules take effect on June 17, 2022.
March 16, 2022
In accordance with the requirements of Section 46 of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, being MCL 24.246, and paragraph 16 of Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules filed Administrative Rule #2021-055-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-14) on this date at 10:47 A.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Audiology – General Rules”.
These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn Benson
Secretary of State
Sue Sayer, Departmental Supervisor
Office of the Great Seal
The communications were referred to the Clerk.
Introduction of Bills
Reps. LaFave and Cambensy introduced
House Bill No. 6547, entitled
A bill to amend 1911 PA 163, entitled “An act to provide for the election of inspectors of mines in certain cases and the appointment of their deputies, for the appointment of such inspectors of mines and their deputies until the election and qualification of the first inspectors of mines, to prescribe their powers and duties and to provide for their compensation, and to repeal Act No. 213 of the Public Acts of 1887,” by amending sections 1, 6, and 7 (MCL 425.101, 425.106, and 425.107), section 1 as amended by 1984 PA 116.
The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.
House Bill No. 6548, entitled
A bill to amend 1969 PA 306, entitled “Administrative procedures act of 1969,” by amending section 88 (MCL 24.288), as added by 2018 PA 267.
The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.
______
The Speaker called the Speaker Pro Tempore to the Chair.
Comments and Recommendations
Rep. Frederick moved that the following remarks be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
“When I was running for state rep, I often stated ‘I have never worked so hard to earn the votes of the people for a job I wasn’t sure that I wanted or would even like.’ Thank you to my devoted family and dear friends that helped me earn my way to Lansing giving me the opportunity to serve.
After being elected, I soon discovered my life experiences of serving as a mother, nana, wife, teacher, county commissioner and farmer prepared me for this job. Service to the people of the 64th district and the state of Michigan has always been my priority. Listening and Leading was my campaign slogan and from day one to my final days of service, I will diligently work to uphold this motto.
While many first term legislators found it a challenge to figure out the process, politics, and personalities, I quickly jumped to the conclusion: serving as a state legislator is similar to my time in the classroom especially my time as a middle school teacher.
I would like to share with you SOME of those similarities (the complete list has been submitted to the journal). These comparisons were used in the lessons I presented to students when I explained what state government was. I used something they already knew about in school then explained how it was similar to our state government.
STUDENTS: STUDENTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN SCHOOL. Here at the state capitol, CONSTITUENTS should be the priority (whether they voted for you or even agreed with your votes-everyone deserves to be served and heard).
TEACHERS: TEACHERS ARE CRUCIAL TO STUDENTS LEARNING SUCCESS. Here at the state capitol, we have COLLEAGUES that we work with and learn from. The friendships, insight, support have made this legislative journey even more special. Thank you Bronna, Mary, Diana, and Sarah for the unique memories. And Andrea, you are truly missed!
In school, there are CLASSES YOU TAKE OR SUBJECTS YOU LEARN ABOUT. Here in Lansing, we have a variety of policies and issues we make decisions on. I am proud to say the LEGISLATION I have championed has come from those I serve back home. Toughening fentanyl sentencing, guardrails around emergency powers, opportunities for the equine industry, tax relief for families and seniors, creating a learning loss recovery act, and acknowledging my precious Amy Jo with the still birth legislation.
IN SCHOOL A TEACHER OFTEN HAS TO PRESENT A LESSON MORE THAN ONE TIME UNTIL THE STUDENT masters the lesson. Here in Lansing, when writing laws, it is definitely a long PROCESS as well. We start with a blueback that very often is different than the final version. We hear testimony from stakeholders and make sure all voices are heard and clarity is offered. This is a similar process for our press releases. Thank you to both the legislative staff and the communication team: Abby, Jeremiah, Lindsay, John, and Bill. Remember my standards – a final published product in anything less than seven drafts is impressive.
DISCIPLINE IN SCHOOL IS NOT ALWAYS FUN. Nor is lame duck session. While teachers may remove privileges, keep students in from recess or hold them after school until the work is done or behavior changes, something similar happens in Lansing: LAME DUCK. It usually entails being held late into the night until leadership finds ‘desired results’ or throws in the towel. Being called to the caucus room reminds me of being sent to the principal’s office.
IN EVERY SCHOOL, IT’S often THE SECRETARIES THAT SEEM TO KNOW ALMOST EVERYTHING. SUPPORT STAFF HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER. In Lansing, the support staff is critical to the success of government. Paul and Carli, when I arrived, you both knew what needed to be done before I did. Val and David, we made a great TEAM during the most challenging times these last three years. David – thanks for taking care of our constituents in such a kind, professional, and pleasant manner. Val, thanks for your insight and dedication. With your legislative years of experience, you know where the bodies are buried. MYBLG – Make Your Boss Look Good. This office phrase was created to remind us that when the boss looks good, that means people back home are being well cared for as they deserve to be.
PERSONALITIES AND DRAMA FILL THE SCHOOL HALLWAYS. At the state capitol, theatre at its finest can be found on the House Floor debating a bill. While at school, the concern might be getting invited to the dance? Or making the team? In Lansing, I found it interesting to know if you were served Dom Perignon or chocolate milk with your legislative dinner? My mom reminded me to remember who I was, my husband reminded me to remember where I came from, and I simply did my best to ‘stay in my lane’.
FIRST DAY and LAST DAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
-those often are a student’s favorite DAYS. During the 99th, 100th and 101st
legislative term, I have noticed many similarities as being in school. The men
often have a new shirt and tie, fresh haircut, and the women a new outfit after
returning from summer in district work time. This lasts a while before some
become more casual on the House floor attempting to wear jeans, sneakers, and
hats.
MOST STUDENTS LOVE TO TAKE FIELD TRIPS. We as state legislators are fortunate enough to travel this great state as well. Creating the video series ‘Grown in Michigan with Julie Alexander’ (GIMJA) promoting the agriculture industry has definitely been a legislative high light. With 24 videos and over 200,000 views, I am blessed with my dedicated team that have made this dream a reality.
ADMINISTRATORS AND PRINCIPALS OVERSEE THE day-to-day operations of the schools. Here at the state capitol, we have committee chairs. I am very grateful to have had the leadership opportunities for six years as the Vice Chair and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
TEACHERS UTILIZE SEATING CHARTS TO ASSIST WITH CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY. Here at the state Capitol, we have committee assignments. The legislator’s unique life experiences are taken into consideration and placement that aligns with expertise is then made. I am grateful to the many colleagues that assisted me in better understanding issues that were new to me.
THE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT DEVELOPS THE DISTRICT BUDGET. Here in Lansing, the Appropriations team leads those decisions. What I have learned is no body spends someone else’s money as carefully as they spend their own.
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ARE THE ELECTED INDIVIDUALS HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO the public. Here at the state capitol, we have an elected leadership team. I have learned so much on what Good Leadership and Poor Leadership looks like. These lessons will stay with me, making me a better leader in the future.
WHILE MOST LEARNING TAKES PLACE IN THE CLASSROOM, SOME HAPPENS AT HOME. When you are a good policy maker, you learn how to ‘surround yourself with knowledgeable people’. I have learned that value of spending time outside of the Lansing bubble. I am grateful for the individuals back home that helped me get up to speed with their expertise.
PARENTS ARE CRITICAL TO A STUDENT’S ACADEMIC SUCCESS. THEY ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. In government, we have LOBBYIST. Some serve their clients well, some push harder than others, while some fail to give complete and accurate information. My favorite advocates are the people around the state that reach out to me with insight, unique perspective and most importantly their story.
COMMUNICATION: EFFECTIVE TEACHERS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS through conferences, emails, phone calls. In the state capitol, effective legislators communicate regularly through phone calls, emails, social media, attending community events, personal notes, newsletters, office hours, radio /tv interviews and presenting tributes. There is value in being accessible to those you serve.
MATH TEACHERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR STATING: SHOW YOUR WORK. We in state government should be more like math teachers and need to be held accountable to the same standards with transparency. Government bureaucrats should also remember they work for ‘we the people’ and everyone deserves an answer even if they don’t like the answer.
COMPETITION IN SCHOOLS MAY TAKE THE FORM OF SPORTS, SPELLING BEES OR FRIENDSHIPS. In state government it’s often the varying opinions of decision makers that become competitive: finding the pathway to get to 56 votes, convincing others on your spending priorities, or caucus leadership races.
IN SCHOOL HAVING AN ASSEMBLY OR PEP RALLY makes for a fun school day. Here on the state CAPITOL STEPS, we have a similar opportunity. Greeting friendly people from back home, navigating a tense conversation, or being yelled at sure does add excitement to your day.
WHAT STUDENT DOESN’T LOVE BRINGING A BIRTHDAY TREAT TO SHARE WITH YOUR CLASSMATES ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY? In Lansing, when you pass your first bill, you get to bring a treat to share with other legislators highlighting your community.
LUNCH TIME AND RECESS CONVERSATIONS can often be the highlight of a students’ day. In Lansing, we experience bipartisan off-site gatherings and dinners. These conversations create strong relationships and leave a lasting memory. I will never forget my conversation with Leslie Love in the LOFT bathroom discussing auto insurance reform. Ronnie Peterson, thanks for always asking how my farmer husband is doing. Remember, just because your views may be different, doesn’t mean everyone’s voice shouldn’t be heard in a respectful manner.
QUIZES, TESTS, GRADES AND REPORT CARDS. TEACHERS USE THESE ASSESSMENTS TO DETERMINE IF LEARNING IS TAKING PLACE AND PROGRESS IS BEING MADE. Here in the House of Representatives, we have something called ELECTIONS that happen every two years. The people evaluate how well their representative aligned with the representation they desired. How accessible, authentic, and accountable were they? They then reward them by voting them back in or not.
WHEN YOU START SCHOOL AT THE AGE OF FIVE,
IT SEEMS LIKE AN ETERNITY BEFORE YOU GRADUATE. However, what we as third
termers in the room now know, blink and our time is over. I want to offer my
best wishes to each of you as you head in a new legislative or professional
direction or back to your family. It’s been my honor to serve.”
“Six years have sure flown by quickly! To all of you sitting here today, I’m sure you would agree, ‘what an experience this has been!’ Do you remember when you heard the ‘experienced’ people tell us over and over….‘it’s like drinking water from a firehose’, or ‘you’ll spend 30 minutes looking for a bathroom’? I think we’ve all conquered the bathroom aspect, but we’re still drinking from that firehose. There’s so much to take in….so much to learn…so much to understand.
There are many people to thank - individuals in House Policy and House Fiscal – Jimmy Biehl, Austin Scott, Steve Daunt, and Bill Hamilton – you’ve always been there when I needed a better understanding of issues You always answered my questions and provided much needed insight. And, I can’t forget to mention Brian Mills who was bombarded by my many questions when COVID and shutdowns first hit. Thank you all so much!
On the Appropriations side – Phil Browne and Dave Greco – these two are walking encyclopedia’s when it involves budgets and supplementals. Your knowledge of the entire budget and finances is amazing.
Two others I need to call out – Speaker Wentworth and former House Appropriations Chairman Representative Albert – you two are what we needed in this term. The Speaker being the antithesis of our prior Speaker and in Rep. Albert I saw a man of integrity who valued principles and ethics. Many thanks and much appreciation is owed to both of you!
Lastly, to my current staff – Jesse Osmer and Cole Williams – and to those who have worked in the office in the past – Ryan Zoschnick, Quentin Abbott otherwise known as ‘Q’, and Grace Veenstra – THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You each had a different style – a different approach – and differing thoughts but bottom line, you’ve all been the backbone of the office and the ‘go to’ people when constituents had questions, comments, or issues to resolve. And, not only did you handle constituents in an efficient and effective manner, but you provided me with insight and additional perspective on issues impacting our state and its citizens.
It takes a team of people to wade through the various issues that impact our state - the people mentioned above, and many more. Hard working and dedicated individuals who are cogs in the wheel of government. Unfortunately, the team concept is breaking and instead it has become a bureaucratic nightmare of distrust, divide, enormous egos, half-truths, back-room deals, greed and power.
I was once asked by a newly elected member what one piece of advice I could offer. My response was, ‘Don’t trust anyone’. This is a sad statement, but it is the truth and we all know it. The next question – which he didn’t ask, but should have, so I’ll ask it now – ‘Why can’t people be trusted?’ Reflect a bit about that question. What is your answer? It could be that some of you are rolling your eyes, are somewhat aghast with these statements, and disagree with me, but if you are one of those, I would recommend you do some ‘soul searching’.
It’s time for all members to realize, and truly take to heart, the fact that we are here for a short period of time as a representative of our district. As a reminder, the word representative means you have been chosen by the people in your district to be their voice. You were not elected by leadership. You were not elected by lobbyists. You were not elected by your fellow House members. You are the person with knowledge of the needs within your district. You are to be their voice and owe nothing to anyone else.
To those who will continue in this House. Stand strong. Stay true to yourself. But most importantly, stay true to the constituents who elected you. These basic principles, when followed, will allow you to sleep well at night.”
Rep. Berman:
“It has been a great honor serving as a State Representative in the Michigan Legislature.
Thank you to the residents of the 39th District for allowing me to be your voice in Lansing.
I’m proud of working across the aisle to craft sound policy and obtaining a 100% voting and attendance record on behalf of my constituents.
I hope the state doesn’t fall apart now without me here! ;)
Thank you!”
Rep. Bolden:
“Thank you, Madam Speaker,
Colleagues, I stand before you with a spirit of gratitude. And as I begin all my speeches… I’ll be brief!
To my husband, parents, sister and extended family, thank you for supporting me when Rudy Hobbs, Jeremy Moss and Jason Hoskins encouraged me to run for office, which meant leaving my law firm job for a very risky endeavor. Fortunately, it panned out. Earning 45% of the votes in a primary election of 5 people. I hope I’ve made you proud.
To the residents of the 35th House district it has been the honor of my life serving you. Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of representing you: Five bi-partisan bills, millions of dollars back to the district and banning together during a global pandemic. I hope I have made you proud.
To my colleagues that mentored me… thank you for showing me how to be a good legislator. Jeremy Moss, Jon Hoadley, Kristy Pagan, Darrin Camilleri, Abdullah Hammoud, Leslie Love, Robert Wittenberg and Leaders Chris Greig and Donna Lasinski.
To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, thank you for teaching me lessons about discourse and working to find common ground. To Reps Yaroch, Muller, and Chairman Filler I appreciate our conversations and understanding your perspective and you listening to and understanding mine. Speaker Wentworth, not enough people give you credit for how funny you are! Thank you for always listening and having an open-door policy.
I am so fortunate to have grown close friendships with most of my caucus and to individuals that have grown to be family including Jeremy Moss, Sarah Anthony, Angela Witwer, Joe Tate, my Detroit players, my dearest Oakland County delegation, and Kalamazoo folks and others: David Knezek, Jordan Acker, Blake Goodman. I love you all.
And a special thank you to Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for her leadership as an elected official and mentorship. I stand on your shoulders.
I’ve developed pretty thick skin over the years and not much bothers me, but I do have a saying: ‘Don’t mess with my mother, my Man or my Mari’.
To my mother (aka ‘Mama Harris’) who has initially said ‘no’ to many of my ideas but then has supported me 100% in my endeavors, I thank you.
To my husband Dr. Greg Bolden. Thank you for taking it all in and casually saying ‘yeah, what do I need to do’ when I was reluctant to even talk to you about running for office. Contrary to popular belief I would never have run for office if Greg was opposed. Thank you for always going with the flow, even when I thought it was a good idea to run a statewide race, while pregnant, having a full time job. I love you and I wouldn’t be here today without you.
To my Mari, you are such a caring individual and have always been there for me personally and professionally. Just know I got you. Carpool buds for life.
I have since expanded my personal mantra to include my Em, my baby Emerson.
To my beautiful baby Emerson, I’ve accomplished things I didn’t know was possible. Because of my journey with you, I truly know anything is possible. I hope as you grow you will be proud of me. Always be Emboldened.
But friends, while this is a bittersweet moment, no need to shed any tears, I’ll just be across the street, serving you as a Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Again, it has been the honor of my life serving my hometown of Southfield and serving together with all of you.
Thank you,
KHB out.”
Rep. Brann:
“Thank you, Madam Speaker,
I was never in my comfort zone as a politician. Everyone knows my comfort zone is in the kitchen, washing dishes, or bussing tables. I reminded myself every time I came to work here that I represented 90,000 people and voted on bills for 10 million people. For six years, I carried in my wallet, Article 4, Section 51 of the Michigan Constitution to remind myself the public health and general welfare of the people of the state are primary public concern.
As a businessman still working in my restaurant, I never forgot my roots and that made me a better representative because I would see the struggles of my employees, customers, and neighbors, it motivated me to come here and pass policies to make their lives better.
Big or small, businesses are people. Without people, there are no businesses. Everything a business does affects people. As the late Democratic Senator Paul Tsongas once said, ‘you cannot be pro-job and anti-business at the same time. You cannot love employment and hate employers.’ End quote.
I ran on a platform of encouraging
entrepreneurship in our schools. Every student needs to know that they have an
opportunity to succeed in this great country and we should applaud that
success. Thank you, Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Hornberger, for helping me
accomplish my campaign promise of encouraging free enterprise and business
education for our students.
I am proud of my track record as a legislator with 19 public acts, including bills such as:
•Increasing penalties for animal cruelty
•Lowering tether costs for individuals re-entering society
•Honoring 3 fallen service members with highway namings on 131 in Wyoming
•Permitting service animal training in public places
•Raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21
•Requiring law enforcement reporting for missing and unidentified persons
And most importantly, solving a decades-long funding issue for the Sheriffs’ Secondary Road Patrol Program. Thank you, Chairman Mike Mueller, for your partnership on this much needed reform.
I am proud of my appropriations wins too.
My father always said in our great, rich country like ours, no one should be homeless. Thank you, Chairwoman Mary Whiteford, for helping me raise the funding for homeless shelters to provide more bed space.
Thank you, Floor Leader Ben Frederick, for helping me to secure a grant for the expansion of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. I’ve always made it a point to take my restaurant management to this museum to reflect on our broken past and to do better in the future.
For all my budget and policy wins, Thank you Chairman Thomas Albert and Speaker Jason Wentworth. I want to recognize Speaker Jason Wentworth for his humbleness and strength as our speaker. And I see those similarities in our new speaker, Speaker-Elect Joe Tate.
I could not have got these priorities done without my staff. Thank you to my staff members, Drew Jones and Brandon DuBois-Jones for your work, your loyalty, and your friendship these past six years. I have had zero turnover in my office, we started together, and we are now finishing together.
I want to thank my wife, Sue, for always being on my side. She makes me proud as a first responder on the National Ski Patrol. When I have good days or bad days in Lansing or at my restaurant, she is always there for me to celebrate our victories or pick me up when I am down in my defeats.
In conclusion, I will leave you with a quote from the best Beatle, John Lennon, who once said, ‘it matters not who you love, where you love, why you love or how you love, it matters only that you love.’
Thank you, Madam Speaker.”
Rep. Calley:
“Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I rise today in sincere gratitude to my constituents. Thank you for granting me this opportunity to serve you. In my final election, I was gifted with over 70% of your vote. The people of District 87 have inspired me with their strength, determination, collaboration, sincerity, and compassion. I have met so many fantastic servant leaders in Barry and Ionia counties. I appreciate your partnership, and I will benefit from your example for years to come.
To my Savior, all good things come from you. You have blessed me with so many fantastic people throughout this six-year journey.
To my family, I love you. To my three children, you have sacrificed much so that I could serve. Public service really is a family endeavor. More than any other role in my lifetime, I am proud to be your mom. To my husband Brian, you were my inspiration. You made me believe that one person really could make a difference in state government. And you encouraged me to seek this path of service, even when I doubted myself.
To Speaker Wentworth, thank you for your confidence in me. Working alongside you to improve Michigan’s healthcare was a career highlight for me. I am still humbled by the opportunity, and I applaud you for empowering your caucus members to rise to their own potential. This state has certainly benefitted from your leadership.
To Floor Leader Frederick, you have been an inspiration. You are a pragmatic, thoughtful public servant who cares deeply for this institution and this state. Thank you for your sincere approach and your strong – yet quiet – demeanor. Michigan needs more legislators like you.
To my staff, you are essential to my
success. Patricia Garber, Meghan Mott, and Luke Froncheck, I am grateful for
your outstanding service and your friendship. To my current staff members, Thye
Fischman, Zach Barton, and Jacob Manning, I have the best team in this town. My
biggest regret in leaving public service is breaking up our squad. You brighten
and energize every workday. You are extraordinarily talented. I look forward to
the professional victories that await all three of you, and I will always
remain your ally and enthusiast.
Thank you to our Sergeants for your service and sacrifice, and specifically Deputy Chief Fawn McHenry, who is my constituent. It is special to have one of my 90,000 bosses routinely on the floor, and I am honored to count you as a friend.
To our clerks, it has been an honor to serve with you. Clerk Randall is the only one who has ever gaveled me in this room. I admittedly failed to use proper decorum and referred to our esteemed Clerk by a nickname that was reportedly used during his earlier days in this Chamber. I dare not utter it again, but you may want to inquire directly with him.
To my fellow female legislators, I applaud you. We often care for one or more generations while serving our districts. I have seen moms Facetiming their children to help with homework on this very floor. I know of female Representatives who now are caretakers for their parents. You quietly balance so many demands and make it look effortless. If you feel like your toiling is overlooked, I have three words for you: I see you. Your voice here is integral, and I am grateful that you have chosen to give back to our great state while wearing so many other hats at the same time.
Thank you to our phenomenal Republican central staff. To the two gentlemen who endured my Chairmanships, I give you both my gratitude and condolences. Mike Batterbee, you were a wealth of knowledge and a true joy. And Derek Robinson, I could not have asked for more. You are incredibly intelligent, witty, and dedicated. It was a blessing to work with you. Jennifer Merchant, you are simply a rock star. Frankie Dame, I do not know how you balance such tremendous intellect with an amicable demeanor. You are a blessing to this institution and a direct inspiration to me.
To date, I have had 26 Public Acts signed into law. Realistically, that is an incomplete statement. Each one was bipartisan, and each bill needed support from two branches of government. Alone, I cannot enact real change, but together, we can accomplish abundant advancements.
I am awestruck at the history this room contains. My great-grandfather, Herbert Powell, was a delegate here in the Constitutional Convention of 1907-1908. He had already served in the House, and he would later serve in the State Senate. In the next Constitutional Convention of 1961-1962, my grandfather, Stanley Powell, was a delegate. He also served in this chamber for 16 years.
I wonder about their time here. I have asked many people about the political environment of the past. Most often, I hear that it was less partisan. Sure, legislators had their disagreements, but it lacked the simmering slander that we are now accustomed to.
I stand at this particular microphone for a reason. For over five and a half years, my desk was on the left side of the aisle. When the last two terms required a Democrat to sit with a Republican. I requested that opportunity. Rep. Sabo and I were seated together, and I jokingly referred to us as ‘the odd couple’. This term, I was blessed with Rep. Whitsett.
While my seatmates and I were bound to disagree on issues, we chose never to be disagreeable. While we often pushed the opposite voting buttons, we intentionally never pushed each other’s buttons.
It was still easy to find common ground and even easier to use common courtesy. I found the same to be true when working with Minority Vice Chair Ellison, this term.
To my colleagues, whether you are returning next year to this grand building, or you are forging a new path, my challenge to you is to seek civility in service. Michiganders do not want grandstanding. They deserve governance with civility and deference. They expect leaders to talk less and listen more. They want respectful dialogue, not reckless disparagement.
In our great state, we have two peninsulas, which we connected to improve life for everyone. The two sides of this aisle can replicate that bond. May you connect to improve life for everyone.
Thank you.”
Rep. Cambensy:
“They say you can’t buy happiness, but you can choose to live in the U.P. and that’s pretty much the same thing......until you do this job and drive 6 hours each way to and from the capital every week for 6 months straight. Or, you get session scheduled in July and August- literally the only two months of summer we have up there. Or, during Covid when we had to drive down to Lansing for only one day of session, with 4 votes every week.
Yes! This is happiness!
Yet, as all of us U.P. Reps hobble out of our vehicles like we are 90-year olds after 5 years going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth like, well, idiots, I have to say thank you to each and every one of you. You finally got us a state plane as a trial to see if we could save the state some money, and hopefully also our backs.
But the only thing I could really say to Doug Simon after literally putting almost 200,000 miles on my vehicles as a U.P. representative as he walked me through how this was going to go, was, ‘So if the plane goes down, you mean to tell me I will be sitting next to Representative Beau LaFave, and he’s going to come up with Quote of the Day and Kyle Malin isn’t going to get to hear it? That Beau’s quote is going to be the last thing I hear before I die?’
But in all seriousness, if there is one thing that you have all probably noticed is that the U.P. Reps stick together. We were all born there, all raised there, and we are all fiercely independent. Don’t get me wrong, we are pretty different individuals. I’ll start with my Democratic partner-in-crime for my first year in office, Representative Scott Dianda.
Like many of you are familiar with, when there is a newly elected representative of the same party, you take them in and show them the ropes. So the first week we had to head down in January, he said he’ll drive me and we can stop at a few of the county offices and prisons on the way to meet folks. I went into all of the meetings very serious, wanting to know every last issue they were dealing with and what they needed help with. Scott, on the other hand, was cracking jokes and talking about hunting or how much snow they’ve had or a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend. So we get done, and we are driving through this tiny town called Engadine, it’s snowing, and all of the sudden he notices the sheriff do a u-turn and he pulls us over. For once, Rep. Dianda legitimately wasn’t speeding on his way to Lansing, so we couldn’t figure out what the issue was. When the sheriff gets to the car, Scott says, ‘Hello, officer. I just have to let you know I’m fully loaded, I have a few guns in vehicle, and I’m just driving our new State Representative, Sara Cambensy, downstate to Lansing. Is there a problem?’ The officer taps on the windshield and says, ‘Your window tint is a little dark.’ Scott replied, ‘I know officer. I have a glass eye and it gets really bright in here so I got it tinted.’ To which by this point both the sheriff and Scott are laughing uncontrollably and before I know it, he’s waving us off and we take off down the road. But even serving just one year together, I appreciate everything you did for me, for taking me under your wing, and for your friendship. May it officially be voted that we coined the phrase, ‘This place is like the Gong Show.’
Senator Ed McBroom is musically gifted where the rest of us clearly aren’t. Many of you have heard him play the piano in the capitol rotunda, but just imagine being an event where Ed is invited to sing the National Anthem or America the Beautiful to the crowd, and you’re standing right next to him, going through whether you actually remember all the verses in your head and out of courtesy they tell you you can join him if you want.
And then there is Greg. Quiet, unassuming, generally the same look on his face whether he is mad or glad, happy or sad. He’s Finnish. If he has something to say he may or may not say it, or he’ll answer with a ‘huh’ or ‘hmm’ which doesn’t exactly translate into yes or no. He can be the complete opposite of Beau, who we sometimes never stops talking or telling us about his new idea for a bill.
And let’s face it, you literally take the cake, Beau, when it comes to being different than the three of us. I mean, I’ll never forget my second election when I noticed your Facebook post a few days before the election, and you were blowing up pumpkins with your rifle in your backyard, exclaiming that that’s how you feel about the price of car insurance and that the legislature just needed to blow it up like a pumpkin. Not only did it catch my eye, prompting me to say to myself, ‘He’s crazy! What is he doing? People aren’t going to vote for someone like that!’ And to my surprise, and also Ed’s, and Senator Schmidt’s, and even Speaker Lee Chatfield’s, you got a higher percentage of the vote total in your district than the rest of us! I mean, you can’t make this stuff up!
Now I’m fortunate enough to have two senators, with Senator Wayne Schmidt sharing Luce County with me. We first bonded over Beau’s pumpkin blowout, but soon clicked with his ridiculously corny, cheesy sense of humor and his willingness to blow into any meeting in district a half hour late, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘he’s on Senator time.’ I wouldn’t be as successful in my seat without you, Wayne, and I appreciate your friendship and honest conversations about how stuff gets done here in Lansing. Thanks for always having my back, for having awesome staff, and always making sure my office is included.
Senator-elect John Damoose, our time together was short, but you have a heart of gold and I know you are going to do well filling Senator Schmidt’s shoes for the 37th.
Then there’s me, the lone Democrat elected north of Saginaw. And I’m going to skip right over all those good stories about me and reflect a little bit about how I got here, and how I hope I’ll leave Lansing at the end of this month.
Like many of you, my interest in politics came from my parents. From one parent, my father, it began by watching my dad go to our local city commission meetings to speak on some of the most important issues surrounding our community. After several commissioners or community members calling him up or stopping over at our house to ask him to step up and serve, I finally asked him why he didn’t want to do it. His reply was that he didn’t want to serve with people who didn’t think critically on the issues at stake. Afterall, my dad left being a city engineer to start his own business because government can be slow, extremely frustrating, and as he told my brother and I growing up, public sector jobs are often thankless jobs.
As a side note, both my brother and I have
worked the majority of our careers in public sector jobs.
Now, I’ll be the second person to admit, right behind my mom, that my dad is a perfectionist. He’s an engineer. His world can be extremely black and white at times, and when you’re an engineer, if you don’t think critically and run through every scenario using a whole systems approach to problem solving, running calculations from every angle and understanding how one part of a bridge, road, building, etc. impacts the other parts, mistakes can be made. Bad things can happen. Bad things that cost a lot of money. Lawyers get involved, and if you’re not a lawyer, you typically don’t like them and want them involved in anything you do. Like, ever.
So my brother and I grew up with this engineer mentality. This is why when everyone else in a Lansing doesn’t understand what the heck Mike Shirkey is doing, I get it. He’s an engineer. It’s that simple: he’s an engineer.
Which brings me to my mom, a retired registered nurse, who always balanced out the linear side of my brain I got from my dad and made sure I have a whole lot of heart to go along with it. She can’t stand to watch me be in politics, but I know you’re proud of me, mom, and thank God dad married you and not another engineer. You made quite the debut when you came with me to Lansing last year, attending all the events, cracking a beer at one and getting a shoutout from Jason Wadega who stopped his speech to just say how awesome it was that you were in Lansing and, as it’s the U.P. way, were having fun drinking a beer with everyone.
It’s no surprise, I love my family. No, I’m not married, but if you have an hour to go through all of the different guys I’ve dated through the years- the one that brought his own food to my brother’s wedding, the one that serenaded me to Bob Dylan songs and wrote a song about me, to the one who’s mother hated me and drove to Marquette to make her son break up with me, you’d understand why I just need some time for myself at this stage in my life. And that part, along with my two Golden Retrievers, has been awesome.
So what have I hopefully achieved? To date, I have 8 bills passed, but my most important package of legislation are my package of bipartisan mining bills that I am asking this chamber and the senate to still help me do. We reformed auto no-fault insurance, and though not perfect, Representative Karen Whitsett and Representative Leslie Love and I stuck together and helped make sure it could get out the door. There are so many wins we have been able to achieve when we work together, I hope that this chamber can remember that going forward.
So thank you to all of my colleagues in this chamber, both sides of the aisle, who have made Lansing a great place to be despite the politics.
Sherry Gay-Dagnogo you are a powerhouse and I will never forget your speeches on K-12 education.
Gary Howell, for always making sure I was seen and heard on Natural Resources, for coming to Marquette and touring the mines, and even putting me in the Deer Sterilization Subcommittee. Despite the bizarre dialogues, the best part was Getting to know Curt VanderWall and Joe Bellino.
Curt VanderWall, thank you for having my back with my insulin bill. I know you’ll do good work after I’m gone, but you know they did just give me 6 more years in the House. Never say Never.
Tim Sneller, you are one in a million. Thanks for always taking time for me.
Graham Filler, I wish we had more time to work on awesome bill ideas together. Keep up the good work.
Tom Albert, thanks for looking out for the U.P. in the budget, but more do thank you for your integrity to be driven to protect the taxpayer’s dollars.
Jim Stamas for always giving me a hug and making me part of the Whiskey Club. I’ll never forget my first dinner where Larry Inman called me Amelia Earhart, which prompted this gang to always tax me to get me to dress up like Amelia to be the swing vote to stop a bill.
Thank you to Pauline Wendzel, my Majority chair of Commerce and Tourism. I wish we had more time to do great things in there together.
We had a lot of fun my first year with Pat Green, Frank Liberati, Terry Sabo, John Chirkun, and Scott Dianda, Will Snyder and Z. To the back of the room caucus- you’re the future drinking caucus of the sane and rational. Do good things but keep having fun. Thanks for making me part of the team.
To my Northern Caucus members. I love you guys. You’re like my extended family. There are very few issues where our constituents differ in opinion. You’ve always made me feel welcome. There is no partisanship in this group. Imagine if this chamber could emulate that.
Yousef Rabhi. Thank you for coming up to help me from day one and making me one of your assistant floor leader. We are proof that you can be super different politically yet always have the utmost respect for each other. I cherish our friendship and I look forward to keeping in touch after this.
To Representative Joe Tate.
Congratulations and I am so proud of you for your leadership role as the
incoming Speaker. You will do great things. But no matter what happens, the
coolest thing about you will always be your love of Steely Dan.
To Angela Whitwer. I’m so proud of you as you get ready to chair Appropriations in the House. You have been my rock as far as understanding how hard it is to keep a rural Dem seat. I will miss you but I’ll always be a phone call away if you need me.
To my seat mates Terry Sabo, Kevin Hertel and Rich Steenland. We had some great times, great commentary, and thank goodness the mics weren’t hot!
To our HOB maintenance guys, our carpenters and facilities personnel. I will miss you guys and always being greeted with a hello or wave from afar. Thank you for taking such good care of me.
To our sergeants. You guys gotta write a book about this place! The stuff you see here on the floor is some good material! In all seriousness, you have been our protectors, our discipliners, but more so our friends. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and I will miss you.
To the lobby core. There are so many of you to thank, so I’m going to say thank you to all of you at once. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about being lobbied coming in here, but you have all treated me with respect, you’ve been there to provide extensive knowledge on issues for your clients, and you’ve had my back on bills that I’ve introduced that impact your clients. You’ve taught me so much about how important relationships are.
To my Union brothers and sisters. Steve Claywell, I wouldn’t have had my first P.A. without your help. To Doug Stockwell and George Edwardson of OE 324, Geno Alessandrini and Johnathan Bird of the Laborers, Chad Korpi and my United Steelworkers friends, Dean Gutzman and the U.P. Pipefitters, Tony Retaskie with the U.P. Construction Council. You guys helped me the most throughout my 5 years here, you’ve had my back, and I’ll always have yours.
To my Majority Leaders Tom Leonard, Lee Chatfield, and Jason Wentworth, thank you.
To my minority leaders, Sam Singh, Christine Greig, and Donna Lasinski- thank you for doing to unimaginable task of being HR managers in the minority.
To my staff: Jason Chapman, Mary Wardell, Mary Raglin, Connor Loftus, Liz Trombley, Justin Alexander, and Nathan Feidner and my interns, especially Dominic Bertucci. I would not be here with you, I would not be successful without you and your hard work. You are a big reason my district was represented so well, and I am indebted to you for believing in me and working for me on behalf of the district. You have so many opportunities ahead of you and I will always be there to help you out and cheer you on. You were loyal to me and I will always be loyal to you.
So this is it. Maybe not forever, but certainly for now. My dad said if I wanted to do this job, to never forget who you work for, to never forget you agreed to take a step down, to put your personal agenda aside and not work for special interests, but to do the work that the people want you to do.
I hope I have done that. Because there is no bigger honor in serving in this role than bringing the voice of what the majority of the people in your district want to Lansing. My loyalty to the people of the 109th district doesn’t make me fit neatly into my party or caucus at times. Some of you may hate that, but hope you realize why I can never apologize for it. Some legislators bleed red or blue, but my roots run deep and I’ll always bleed for what’s best for the U.P.”
______
The Speaker Pro Tempore called Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Lightner to the Chair.
Rep. Camilleri:
“I want to begin by saying thank you to so many people who helped this improbable journey become a reality.
To my family – thank you all for believing in this idea and jumping in to support my work – no questions asked. You are my backbone and my inspiration.
Your love and encouragement have helped me get through my toughest days and brought joy to our biggest wins. I love you.
To my staff in my office and on the campaign – Josh, Rachel, Alissa, Ian, Meghan, Kyle, Jonathan, Tyler, and our many fellows and interns over the years – Thank you for doing this work with me.
You are all incredible leaders who are helping me change the future of our community and our state every day. You are some of the brightest minds.
Thank you for always believing in Downriver and serving our residents with honor.
To my many friends in the House – past and
present – there are too many of you to name, but thank you for making this
experience special and worthwhile. I can’t wait to keep working with many of
you next year.
To the Brown Boy Caucus - Thank you for fighting the good fights together and being some of my very best friends.
From late nights ordering food and running out of things to talk about on the floor while we wait for votes to showing up for each other in our communities and strategizing about how to be better leaders together – or hell, even competing over how many news clips we could get or whose speech was better, I would not have had nearly as much fun without you all.
Many believe that true friendship isn’t possible in this work, but I’ve added some brothers to my family because of this job. Thank you.
Lastly, to the people of House District 23 – thank you for believing in me and trusting me to be your voice in Lansing. Downriver will always have my heart, and it will continue to do so – alongside Western Wayne County – as I walk over to the other side of this building in January.
Despite our opponents’ best efforts and millions of dollars spent to try and defeat me over the years, Downriver, you have helped me to defy the political odds. Yes, my friends on the other side – voters are smarter than you give them credit for and are not fooled by fear-mongering and lies.
For the last six years, visitors to my office have been greeted with a poster that says ‘Dare Mighty Things’ – which is a shorter version of a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that essentially means that it is far greater to reach for your dreams and fail than it is to be consumed by caution.
My name is Darrin Quiroz Camilleri, and I come from a family of those who Dare Mighty Things.
I am the son of an immigrant from Malta and a Mexican-American who met on the factory floor. Their families made it their mission to strive for something better for themselves and their kids – no matter how little they had in their pocket, they took a chance on a new place and worked hard to succeed. And my parents and grandparents instilled those values in me.
As the first in my family to graduate from college, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my new education and a future career. But it was clear that I wanted to give back – and what better way than to teach at a school in the same neighborhood where my family built their American Story - in Southwest Detroit.
I first had that Dare Mighty Things poster hanging in my social studies classroom. On the first day of work, I walked in – had no textbooks or curriculum and was appointed department chair. To some, that might sound like an endorsement of leadership, but to me that sounded the alarm. What did I just get myself into?
Like anything, I took this challenge and ran with it. I fundraised for a classroom library, wrote a curriculum, and helped my fellow teachers get the semester started and do the same.
It was a struggle, but that year, we got every single one of my students into a community college or four year program. We Dared Mighty Things. And we succeeded.
That experience is what truly sparked my journey here to the Capitol. In order to make things better, I needed to reach for more.
We ran, won, and got to work right away.
A few years later, when COVID hit, we gave clear and consistent information to our constituents, solved thousands of UIA cases, collected and delivered PPE across the community, and brought leadership during a chaotic and divisive time.
When schools needed more funding and teachers were leaving the classroom at record rates, we worked across the aisle and with the Governor to deliver the most school funding in Michigan history.
When they told me that it was impossible to bring all levels of government together to finally get the funding needed to build a bridge on Allen Road in Woodhaven to stop the blocked trains, we Dared Mighty Things and found the $40M to kickstart the project.
When election deniers and a certain former mayor from New York were brought to this capitol to sow doubt in the results of our election, we Dared Mighty Things and fought back with facts and embarrassed their arguments in front of a national audience and won.
When people said that a young teacher with tan skin and an uncommon name who’s never been in politics before could not possibly win in a district like that in Downriver, we Dared Mighty Things, worked harder than anyone else and proved everyone wrong four times in a row.
In Michigan, we’re the state where we can Dare Mighty Things. And I am proof of that. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. And we are just getting started.”
Rep. Cavanagh:
“I want to take this time to thank several people in my journey through the Michigan House Chamber.
I want to begin by thanking my democratic
colleagues for working with me, helping to push life-changing legislation for
the State of Michigan, those whom I sought guidance from, learned from, worked
with and every one I have been able to get to know during my time here.
Although I won’t be going far, beginning my legislative career in the House was life-changing and will stay with me forever.
Thank you to my Republican colleagues and leadership in being partners in our shared goals of making Michigan a greater place to live, work and play for generations to come.
Thank you to Leader Lasinski and Floor Leader Rabhi for your leadership and commitment. What a legacy you have left as we transition to majority, all thanks to your tireless, and often thankless, work.
I want to thank my fellow Latino Caucus members who put their faith in me as Chair, Caucus Chair Anthony for allowing me the privilege to serve as deputy, and to the entire Progressive Women’s Caucus. In the face of some of the greatest challenges to our fundamental rights, we rose to the occasion and delivered reproductive freedom for all of Michigan.
To the Detroit Caucus, thank you for your leadership and fighting for the City of Detroit and all of its residents. Together we have set an example for the growing group of legislators for the terms to come.
I feel honored to have been able to represent the 10th House district and thank all of the residents, the constituents, the leaders, stakeholders, grassroot organizer, and precinct delegates throughout Redford and Northwest Detroit.
I am especially grateful for my family, father, and grandfather who paved the way for my service and dedicated their lives to giving back to their community.
My commitment and passion to serve is a direct result of the values and drive instilled in me by my family and life-long connection to our community. I thank the shoulders I stand on.
Thank you to my partners on the One and Done package, as well as Chair Hall and Vice Chair Yancey, for helping me see through my first public act that gives relief to local governments and Michigan Manufacturers.
Thank you to policy, staff, clerks, and the sergeants that ensure safety within government. A special thanks to the pages who have delivered me sugar-free Red Bull on more than one occasion.
I am not able to thank enough the staff and interns that have worked within my office that allowed me to represent the district, serve constituents, push legislation, provide resources, and, frankly save lives throughout my time here in the House Chambers:
Amber Wise, ChaNell Moore, Autumn Coulter, Reese McCaskill Jr., Mya Veen, Kayla Blauet, Brenna Goss, Eldridge Ross, Emma Walters, and a deep appreciation and thank you to my Legislative Director, Joanne Wisely and former Constituents Director, Steele Hughes. Your work, passion, dedication, and commitment transformed the lives of many throughout House District 10 and I thank you.
I walk out of this chamber and JUST down the hall - with a deep appreciation for what I have learned and how I have grown here, as a person, advocate, change-maker, and legislator.
I am excited to bring my knowledge, experience, and passion to the people of Michigan as the youngest Latina elected and chosen to serve in a leadership role in the Michigan Senate. It has been an honor to serve with you all, and I thank you.”
Rep. Damoose:
“Madam Speaker, as the 101st Legislative Session comes to a close, I want to thank you, and all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the honor and privilege of serving with you these past years. In so many ways, my brief time in the Michigan House of Representatives has served to rekindle my hope for our country’s future.
If one were to gather all of their information from scattered internet sources or the wide range of media that too often reduces political activity to sport, they would naturally end up with a very cynical view of our system and the people working within it. Throughout the course of my life in the private sector, I too was becoming jaded and began to believe some of the caricatures – that those who serve do so chiefly out of self-interest, that they are looking for ways to line their own pockets and extend their own political futures. With few exceptions, I was wrong.
What I have seen instead – again, from colleagues on both sides of the political divide – is a group of people who, by and large, just really want to do a good job; people who want to represent their constituents well; people who actually do want to make the world a better place.
We certainly have different ideas on how to govern, but more often than not, if we can look at those divisions a little differently - and be respectful, and treat others as we would like to be treated – then those divisions can actually make us better. In such a sense, our different ideas could lead to something like what we see in the ancient book of Proverbs in Chapter 27 – ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’
So, I leave the House of Representatives inspired, and more committed than ever to helping rebuild a sense of grace and civility in our political discourse and in the public arena. This is truly the call of our day. Whether we are in these chambers … or engaged on social media … or interacting in our restaurants, stores and other businesses … let us together reject the forces that would fill us with anger, rage, and disrespect … and instead, let us embrace the timeless spiritual attributes of ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…’ (Galatians 5:22-23)
May God bless you, may He bless everyone in this Chamber, and may God bless the great state of Michigan.”
Rep. Ellison:
“Thank you Madam Speaker.
When I first came to Lansing, I arrived here with a job to do. Having served over thirty years in local government, I saw first-hand how the broken municipal finance system at the state level was hurting our local communities. I knew that the only way things would change is if people with my type of experience and love of local government were willing to champion critical issues such as revenue sharing, local control, and municipal finance. In order to help local governments be successful, see small businesses thrive, and protect our local communities I needed to be part of the solution. I ran for State Representative and won. So here I was, in Lansing, ready to change the world.
I quickly joined other legislators who were equally devoted to protecting our local governments and communities. I want to thank Ben Frederick for being such a gracious partner and founding co-chair of the first ever Municipal Caucus. Thanks to the leadership of our friends at the Michigan Municipal League, especially Chris Hackbarth, John LaMacchia, and Jen Rigterink we tackled some key issues, educated so many of our colleagues and while some of the most major issues still need to be addressed, we made significant strides in moving the needle and stabilizing our local governments.
So…
I came up here to be the local government guy…
And I did that…
Yet along the way I’ve come to discover this ‘old local government guy’ has become known for a few other things as well.
My interns would say I’m the ‘coffee guy’. I have had the honor of having many wonderful interns over the years; Lindsay, Nidhi, Clare, Joe, Meghan, Martha, Ciara, Jack, Elizabeth, Zora, Demarco, Stephen, Benjamin, Alexandra, and Eva. While they’re off doing great things around the country and the world, I know they will always remember that all great ideas start over the best made pot of coffee.
I am also known as the ‘Animal Guy’. As most of you know the Detroit Zoo resides in my district, in the City Royal Oak. I took the stewardship of animals very seriously, by bringing together the Animal Caucus of legislators to focus on issues such as anti-breed discrimination legislation and prohibiting the private ownership of primates. I’d like to thank Kirk Profit for his guidance and wisdom on all things Detroit Zoo. And John Lindley for being the best ring leader when the BSL circus came to town. Even the lobbyists who came to my office to discuss the most non animal related issue imaginable, might still be regaled with stories of the lesser known zoo in Royal Oak which is actually located in my home with over 20 pets.
I was the ‘Fish Guy’. Known by many for my giant fish sculpture that graced my 7th floor office window facing out to the Capitol building…
And let’s not forget I’m the ‘Car Guy’. As former Chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise that runs through my district each August, I was ever so proud the day that Joe Biden came to town for a rally and stopped to check out my recently restored antique classic Ford.
What a ride these last six years have been…
There have certainly been many ups and downs. Some of the most memorable include the ‘Green Ooze’ incident of 2019 in Madison Heights and of course, the Covid 19 pandemic and the shift to remote work. However, some of the moments and work I am most proud of include, creating and chairing the first ever Oakland County Caucus, passing Cystic Fibrosis Month resolutions, and being an advocate for animal welfare and local government. Using my experience and expertise in local government to serve as Minority Vice Chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, as well as serving on the Tax Policy, Health Policy, and Families, Children, & Seniors Committees.
If somebody asked me to predict what bill I’d end up being the most proud of, NEVER would I have thought it would be… of all things… a BORING TAX POLICY bill dealing with one small nuanced section of the Personal Property Tax. Yet working with Adrian Cazal through the FOUR. AGONIZING. YEARS… that this simple… yet seemingly impossible-to-pass HB 4833 took to complete… I learned more about the legislative process and what it takes to get a good idea across the finish line. It took a lot of education and understanding across a broad range of stakeholders. It took a strong bipartisan partner in Mark Tisdel to stand with me. It took the willingness of a formidable committed chair to bring everyone to the table and it took the courage of everyone at that table to keep their cool and work toward a reasonable solution. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when egos are required to be checked at the door. Thank you to Chair Julie Calley and again our friends at the Michigan Municipal League for their support.
Perhaps what I’ll remember and carry with me the most throughout my time in the House are the relationships and connections I have made here including several staff members to which I owe a huge debt of gratitude; Dan Opsommer, who showed me the ropes when I first arrived in Lansing. Hannah Chapman, who made sure that every constituent received top-notch assistance and support. Madeline Abernathy, who led the charge in my office to resolve over 1000 constituent UIA issues during the pandemic. And Heidi Zabik, who stuck with me throughout my entire career here in the House.
I would also like to recognize several colleagues who have enhanced my experience in the House:
Tommy Brann
Julie Brixie
Julie Calley
Cara Clemente
Ben Frederick
Gary Howell
David LaGrand
Donna Lasinski
Mari Manoogian
Mike Mueller
Laurie Pohutsky
Yousif Rabbi
Bill Sowerby
Mark Tisdel
And finally, my best friend on the floor, Tim Sneller.
Additionally, I would like to thank our tremendous House and Caucus staff, our Clerks and Committee staff along with our House Sergeants and thanks to Speaker Wentworth.
I would be remiss if I didn’t express, however, how terribly disappointed I am that some of the most critical pieces of legislation remain unfinished. Those of you who will continue to serve in this chamber:
You absolutely MUST address our municipal finance system. Setting aside the funds called for under existing formulas and placing them into a statutory revenue sharing trust fund would be the logical first step. But addressing the way that Prop A and Headlee crash into each other every time housing values drop leaves our locals unable to recover long after the economy has improved. It now falls on you to fix this.
A graduated income tax for the state would lower taxes for 95% of Michigan’s taxpayers while creating a stable revenue stream that could fully fund our cities and infrastructure. It now falls on you to fix this.
And finally, please, you MUST address the issue of safe gun storage and responsible use of firearms. As a charter member of the Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus, and in keeping with my bipartisan philosophy when tackling tough issues, I joined – again across the aisle – to sponsor HB 6350-6353 to provide common sense incentives for the safe storage and ownership of firearms. I hope we might still have a window for their passage during these final session days, but if they need to be reintroduced next year, then please… for our children’s sake, please check your egos at the door and cosponsor some solid and necessary first step legislation that can make a direct positive impact.
These complicated issues are sometimes so large that the solutions seem too tough to tackle especially in a period of hyperpartisanship and growing divisiveness. Perhaps the next legislature will be more willing to leave their egos at the door and work together more to tackle the critical fixes needed.
Speaking of egos…
Sometimes even an issue as non-partisan as a Highway Naming Bill can get blocked for no other reason than One. Senator’s. Ego. My advice to the next legislature: Please don’t be a ‘Tom Barrett’ and fling aside a grieving firefighter’s family, just to pick a bone over one vote I took that he disagreed with.
In closing, let me give some advice to those who will follow us into this chamber. I think it’s pretty normal to arrive in Lansing thinking you are going to single-handedly change the world. But after six years, I’ve realized that our best work gets done when we leave our egos at the door because it’s a lot easier to get the big things done when you remind yourself of who you’re here to serve. Bipartisanship can only prevail when ego is set aside.”
Rep. Farrington:
“Wow – six years flies by.
Heck, when I entered this job I had no grandchildren – now I have two!
That’s why I first ran for office and what
this is all about – it’s about family.
I want to thank my husband, Jeff. He taught me so much and was a true partner in my campaigns, even though he told me I shouldn’t have run in the first place. During my first term when I asked him questions, he made the rule that his wine glass needed to be full before the discussion started. When the glass was done, our discussion was done. Let me tell you, those were some brief conversations! I also want to thank my two sons, Mitch and Nick, along with my and daughter-in-law Jamie whom have all been very supportive.
Thank you to House Leadership, and the Clerks, especially Clerk Randall, all truly professional. Thank you to the Sergeants that protect us and all the staff behind the scenes that make this legislative body run effectively.
I want to thank my staff over the years that have made me look far better than I am. When I decided to run, Allyson Mattice promised me she’d be always be there to guide me, (pause) come to find out, that lasted only four days. Kidding aside, I couldn’t have done my first campaign without her knowledge and constant upbeat attitude. Annie, Nick and Doug have been awesome to work with. The anchor of the group, Mike Wisniewski is a true policy geek that gave me perspectives on various legislation that often led to paths that I hadn’t considered. He made the Farrington compound his summer home and I have the grocery bills to prove it. We lived the Financial Literacy legislation for five years and I’m thankful that he left my office, so we could finally get it passed! I hope all the staff and I continue to stay in touch over the years and wish them all the best of success going forward.
I’d be remiss if I spoke of family and didn’t speak of the many caucus members that have been like that to me over the years.
A shout out to seat mates like Ben Frederick who participated in policy discussions with me and even shared a peppermint patty or two. To Beau LaFave who came in as a freshmen with guns a blazing. No pun intended. Keep fighting Beau. Ryan Berman who made my ears bleed a bit, I’m glad you loved my Christmas Crack. Finally, Julie Alexander and Pam Hornberger. We’ve been friends since our first term and I’m thankful for the ladies close by as the testosterone levels get a bit thick in here. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve had many policy discussions together. Likewise, Michelle – thank you for being my hang out buddy and teaching me a bit about rural Michigan.
I also want to say thanks to some Freshmen like the energizer bunny, aka Timmy Beson, John Roth, Ken Borton and John Damoose. You’re passionate about your work and a blast to hang out with. Continue having fun as it is needed with this political climate.
Thank you to the voters of Utica, Sterling Heights and Shelby Township that have allowed me to represent them. I hope everyone remembers that it’s our constituents and all those living in this great state that should be at the forefront of our efforts and decisions.
Finally, I wish my mother could have seen me in this role. As a single working mom, she raised me and my sister, with the help of various extended family members. She taught me the many lessons regarding integrity, continuous learning and hard work that I hope I demonstrated over the past six years. I leave this chamber in awe of our democratic system and the belief that our better days are always ahead for each and every one of us. God Bless and Thank You.”
Rep. Garza:
“Madame Speaker/Speaker - Colleagues, I rise today for the last time as state representative for the fine constituents of house district 12. My four-year journey in this amazing chamber has me feeling very grateful and humbled. The privilege of serving in this chamber has impacted my life forever, and I am truly thankful for that.
I made history in my nearly decade of service to my Taylor Community. In 2013 as the first person of color elected to the Taylor City Council, and in 2018 in this chamber, becoming the youngest Latino legislator ever elected to the Michigan Legislature.
My path to public service wasn’t a conventional one. I grew up in the hood where the expectation to succeed was low, and to become a State Legislator, was simply unheard of. The very fact that I am standing before you today, and giving these remarks right now is the epitome of the greatness this country has to offer, no matter what you look like. Black or brown, it is possible to have a seat at the table, and it is up to you on how you serve the people from that seat.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize our hard-working Democratic central staff for all of the commitment you give to our caucus, Former Chief Dickson and our house sergeants for keeping us safe, and all of the other staff that make this chamber run smoothly, I thank you.
As many of you know, I started off my
service as a Legislative staffer before being elected as State Representative
for the 12th House District. Staff are never adequately recognized for their
importance to this puzzle we call the legislature. This is why I find it
important to give them the recognition they deserve, because without them, this
place would not run adequately.
In the spirit of giving thanks, this leads me to my amazing staff (some of whom are in the gallery today) Legislative Directors Domonique Clemons, Maddy O’Callaghan, and Christopher Wardell - Thank you for all the work you’ve put in over these years to advance our district’s Legislative agenda. Our office has been one of the most successful in passing legislation, and for that, I am forever grateful to each of you.
To the amazing Angela Osborne, our office mom and Constituent Relations Director, you’ve been the glue that has kept our office together for 4 years. I am beyond grateful that you joined our team at the beginning and have stuck with us. You’re a great friend to Amira and I.
I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize and thank all the wonderful interns that have served our 12th District residents. Thank you all so much for your hard work.
To my residents of the 12th House District (my beloved Taylor, Romulus, Van Buren Twp): Thank you for believing in me to be your voice in the people’s house. Taylor, you took a chance on a young 2 term city councilman, and I hope you are proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. I will always carry with me what an honor and privilege it has been to serve our community in this chamber.
My Democratic Caucus, thank you all for your service to our state and your respective districts. I can’t wait to see what you all accomplish together as the majority. John Chirkun, Sara Cambensy, Frank Liberati, Tullio ‘father’ Liberati, Terry Sabo, and my clubhouse brothers Ty Carter, Richard Steenland, and Kevin Coleman. We really made our mark on Lansing for better or worse, but I couldn’t imagine my time here without each and every one of you.
Kevin - I met you when we joined the legislature together in 2018, and I am blessed to say I not only gained a friend, but a brother for life.
My seatmates Angela Witwer, Frank Liberati, and Samantha Steckloff - Thank you all for an amazing crew to spend my time with. You all made coming to the floor something to look forward to. I could not have asked for better seat mates. Angela, thank you for allowing me to be the only person to call you Angie. Meeting you is one of the highlights of my life, and you are one of the hardest working legislators I’ve ever met, and I’m proud to call you a friend.
To our leadership: Christine Greig, Donna Lasinski, Yousef Rabhi, and Joe Tate - thank you for your tireless effort on behalf of our caucus. Leadership isn’t easy, and I thank you for doing right by our members. And Joe - I am looking forward to your Speakership, you are going to do well my friend.
During my time here I’ve also been lucky to form many relationships across the aisle. Gary Eisen and Scott VanSingel come to mind. I appreciate the opportunities we’ve had to work on legislation together. Scott, if I was ever forced into choosing a Republican to represent me, it would definitely be you.
Last but certainly not least, I want to thank my family. My wife Amira who is with me on the house floor today, thank you for being by my side every step of the way and being genuinely proud of the work that I do on behalf of our community. I could not serve without you by my side. I love you with all my heart.
My sisters Juli, Tristan, and Carmi. Mom Carmen, Uncle Randy, Aunt Michelle, Cousins Elys, Leah, Nathan, and Kaileen. Thank you for always having my back along the way. I appreciate you and love you all.
Colleagues, this is the part of the speech where I am to bid you Farewell. However, I will instead say see you all soon. I thank you all for being part of this amazing journey with me, and I wish blessings upon everyone who has the distinct honor to serve in this chamber.
Thank you Madame Speaker.”
Rep. Glenn:
“‘It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.’ – Teddy Roosevelt
It has been the best of times.
It’s been the worst of times.
No doubt each of us have felt both of those emotions during our service in the House of Representatives.
There is also no doubt that each of us promised that we would work to make things better. I believe that promise, and the oath we each took to uphold the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions, extends well past any service we offer here in Lansing.
Michigan as a thriving state where gas, groceries and housing are affordable to all … with highly educated students equipped to achieve anything they can dream … where others strive to come here to live and work because there’s no better place to live — that’s a goal we all agree on. We can all truly be public servants — not politicians.
One of my favorite examples of public service is the story of Cincinnatus – a farmer living on the outskirts of Rome around 500 B.C., and the person the city in Ohio is indirectly named after. He was often consulted for his advice and wisdom and was a true leader.
When word reached Cincinnatus that the Roman army had suffered a surprise attack and the region was being invaded, he calmly looked at his wife and told her the farming would have to wait. Cincinnatus rallied other farmers and formed a rag tag army of volunteer soldiers – ultimately fighting off the attack and saving Rome.
People hailed him as a hero. He could have seized long-lasting power – but instead, he did something shocking. He stayed in power only long enough to see Rome through the emergency, then he returned to his farm.
What an amazing example of public service.
It’s truly been my honor to represent the people of the 98th District. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served them and worked alongside them. It’s been a stormy journey these 4 years – between Covid, devastating floods, and new economic challenges. But I never cease to be amazed and inspired at their willingness to jump in and work together to do hard things.
May we all strive to do hard things together and to stay in the arena.
I’m blessed to have made some lifelong friends here — people who I would never have met except for serving together. I’m grateful.
Thanks to my amazing team for working hard to help every single day. My family for understanding the endless hours I’m gone. Thank you to all the teams from IT to HR, facilities, mailroom, policy, communications, House Fiscal, all our clerks and our sergeants — you too serve the people of Michigan every day. Thank you.
We are each here on planet earth for ‘such a time as this.’ Make the most of it.
God bless America, God bless Michigan and may God bless each of you and prepare and equip you to do good each and every day.
Thank you.”
Rep. Howell:
“Fellow Legislators - My comments will be very brief and very much to the point. The seven years that I have served in this House have been interesting indeed. At times productive, often frustrating, and occasionally appalling as I have watched the outsized influence of money on the legislative process.
It has been an honor to serve as chairman of your Natural Resources Committee. Our occasional victories in protecting Michigan’s natural beauty and natural resources have been rewarding. The more frequently experienced road blocks to effective environmental protection thrown up by certain special interests have been beyond frustrating. Whoever my successor as chairman turns out to be, I wish him or her well in protecting the Michigan we love.
I would like to say a few words regarding political reality. My influence on policy in this legislature has benefitted from being a member of the majority party for each of my four terms. However, my party is now a minority in Michigan - mostly due to its own fault. We need to learn not to follow false prophets. We need to have the grace, honesty, and patriotism to accept election results in our democracy. There will be no path forward for my party unless we reject the demagoguery of the last few years.
I now return to my family, my farm, and my North Branch community. My heart is there. Best wishes to those of you remaining in this House and to the newly elected legislators. Remember - Democracy is fragile. Please protect it. Thank you.”
Rep. VanSingel:
“The last 6 years have been the most exciting, rewarding, and demanding years of my life. However, all of the stress that inevitably comes with the job was worthwhile, as we have accomplished some amazing things together. I’m thankful that I was able to accomplish several things for my own district and the entire state. Some of these included: reopening the Silver Lake State Park for drag racing, legalizing classroom door barricade devices which have saved lives, creating legislation which provides prosecutors with more tools to prosecute threats against schools, creating a preliminary screening process to make it easier to obtain professional licensing, creating the Water Use Advisory Council, permanently restoring the $170M in School Aid funding that was raided in 2018, helping develop the 2017 MPSERS pension reform, providing easier access to financial aid for students attending college, passing the childhood dental screening legislation that will benefit hundreds of thousands of Michigan children, and last, but certainly not least, obtaining the funding for the Newaygo County Fairgrounds renovation.
While I’m thankful for the opportunity to have served and passed this legislation, I do hope that is not the only mark I leave on this institution. My wish is that the mark I leave is to show that we as legislators can be decent people and still be effective. The words in James 3:9-10 have helped to shape my attitude and behavior as a legislator. ‘With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.’ I was often told, and even demanded to publicly insult the governor and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I refused.
Proverbs 12:22 says ‘The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.’ I never went along with the Big Lie despite harassment, hate-mail, and even threats on my life. This decision may have ended any aspirations I have of pursuing future public service, but my integrity was never for sale. My daughter needs to see an honest man when she looks at her father and there is nothing this life has to offer that will make me compromise that.
As fulfilling as it has been passing meaningful legislation, the people I have met in this job have been the highlight of these past 6 years. I have always had great staff. Zach Rudat, Jason Kraft, Devin Dudley, and Rob Winkelman. You have been like family to me. Especially Rob. He will be 71 years old on December 24 and promised me that he would not retire until my term is complete. He is one of the most dedicated and decent men I’ve ever worked with and has become a true friend.
My Republican colleagues, starting with Gary Howell. Gary, you must be my long-lost brother. There is no one in the legislature that I more closely align with on policy, and I have tremendous respect for your thoughtful and pragmatic approach to solving problems. I hope this is not the end of your public service in Lansing.
Roger Hauck, I really got to know you well in 2018 when we drove around your district together knocking doors. You are such a genuine person, and you have a great sense of humor. Since I mentioned our door knocking, I will never forget when we were driving in rural Midland County and came up to a trailer in the woods. On the porch were several large jars full of urine. The homeowner approached and wanted to shake your hand. You handled that well. We never did figure out what he needed those jars for.
Senator Ed McBroom. I’ve enjoyed your wisdom these past few years in our Wednesday morning Bible study. You also are one of the bravest and most honest men I’ve met. You could have taken the path of least resistance, but you time and time again have chosen integrity.
Jack O’Malley, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you these past four years. You added so much to this institution with your pragmatism and likeable personality. Your departure is a loss for the state of Michigan.
John Roth, maybe it’s a northern Michigan thing, but I’ve become friends with so many colleagues in the Northern Caucus. Though your movie career was brief, I hope our friendship endures for years. On a side note, I do have to tell a story that I’m sure you knew was coming. John offered to take my wife and I for a boat ride while we were on our honeymoon in Traverse City last summer. We got about a mile out in the bay and his boat died. Despite his best efforts, it wouldn’t start, and we had to be towed back to shore. Thankfully we can laugh about this.
Ken Borton, another northerner, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you the past two years and see a bright future ahead. You are a decent man and a good legislator.
Pauline Wendzel, I’ve appreciated your friendship and the fact that you invited me to dinner many times when this lame-duck legislator ran out of options. I wish you well in the remainder of your promising career.
Finally for the Republicans, Tommy Brann. Tommy is one of the most decent and compassionate men I’ve ever met. His time in public office was not for his own benefit, but for the less fortunate and those in need. We all can learn from his example; I know I have. I do have to share a funny story about Tommy though. When I was single, I used to bring my dates to his restaurant, somehow thinking they would be impressed by me being friends with the owner. I later learned from Pat Outman that he used to do the same thing. Well, it apparently worked since we both got married last year. Maybe we both have Tommy Brann to thank for our marriages.
On the Democrat side, Yousef Rabhi very quickly became a good friend of mine. There probably is no one here farther left of me politically, however, he is such a funny and decent guy, none of that mattered.
Mari Manoogian, you are one of the brightest and most talented people I know. You have so much potential, and it will be exciting to see where your career path takes you. I know that so many of us will brag someday that we used to work with you.
Terry Sabo, I’ve enjoyed your friendship over these past 6 years, and I appreciate the frequent texts you sent me to keep me awake in committee hearings.
Samantha Steckloff, it’s been an honor to
serve with you on the transportation budget and you are a wealth of
information. I enjoy your positive personality and sense of humor.
Kelly Breen, you were a great resource on our school safety task force, and I enjoyed getting to know you better through that experience. You have a great heart for people and are a good legislator.
Sara Cambensy, thank you for doing what you know is right, even when it’s not easy. We need more non-partisan legislators like yourself.
Last but not least, Sarah Anthony, perhaps the best friend I made in my 6 years here. You have so much talent and such a likeable personality on top of that. Thank you for your friendship and working together with me on so many important pieces of legislation. I look forward to the day I can call you Governor Anthony.
As I close, I would like to leave a few pieces of advice for my colleagues, my constituents, and my successor, Joe Fox. First, focus on policy and solving real world problems, not making enemies out of people who are different.
Second, most complex issues are deeper than the inflammatory social media posts that we read or a brief soundbite. Dig deeper into issues and find out the facts.
Next, stop using the name of Jesus to justify secular policy positions. I think back to one of my favorite movies, Charlie Wilson’s war. In the movie Congressman Wilson is approached by an acquaintance who frequently uses his name for personal gain. The congressman responds, ‘I’d appreciate it if you didn’t throw my name around quite so much, because from time to time I use it myself, and I need it in good condition.’ Nearly all of us are guilty of this. When we use the Lord’s name for personal gain, it is degrading and even blasphemous. I’m certain he would like to keep His name in good condition as well.
Finally, to be Republican, and a true Patriot, is not to idolize and align yourself with any one person that speaks or acts under that banner. Pray for discernment, then be an independent thinker who bases their decisions on God’s leading, the Constitution, and common sense. Let your first question always be, ‘What’s best for the state and aligns with the desires of my constituents?’ not, ‘What’s best for my party and my popularity?
As I close this speech, and this chapter of my life, thank you to all of those who provided this amazing opportunity. I’m thankful the Lord found a use for a very imperfect man, and I look forward to seeing where He leads me next.”
Rep. O’Malley:
“Farewell.
I was told that these years would fly by, and they sure did. I’ve spent my professional life well aware of the clock, so I will keep things within the time limits.
There are several people that I want to say thank you to. I’d like to begin with my staff. John Wells and Nick Leto, my first staffers, we came together during a polar vortex. Eric Chappell and Cameron Bruneau, two great young men. We made a darn good team. Cam, helping with the constituent stuff and being the Cy Young winner during the unemployment mess. Eric, a great legislative guy. I get a ton of credit for the childcare package, but Eric and Jared Rozycki on our policy team knew it frontwards and backwards.
My policy crew: Jared, as mentioned. Nate Kissling and the round funding bills - helping my ‘ducklings’ try to get across the road. Leah Robinson, ‘Tennessee’ as I call her. Chris Jones. All brilliant minds. Derek Robinson on Tax Policy, a top-notch guy.
To my Transportation Clerk Dakota Soda, you’re a true professional, thank you for your support.
Before becoming a state representative, I talked for a living, so that’s why I appreciate Denny Schwarze. He’s a great writer who could make me sound just as good in writing.
The Whip Team: the late Andrea Schroeder, Becky Burtka, and Dulce Cardenas. It’s been fun; sort of!
Legislators: Tim Sneller, my transportation Vice Chair. You’re a good man and we got a lot done and had a lot of laughs doing it. Matt Koleszar, it was good to get to know you and I respect you.
To my first seatmate, Senator-elect Mike Webber, you’re a good man and you helped me navigate things as a freshman. Triston Cole, my mentor, and an important person in my first term. He and Rep. Brad Slagh also gave us the fleeting and very funny ‘Cole-Slagh’ amendment; it would change the world, I’m sure. Wayne Schmidt, my Lansing roommate; this legislature will miss you. Senator Schmidt introduced me to Letterkenny; ‘pitter patter, let’s get at er’.
Speaker Wentworth, thank you for having my back. Rep. Hall, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and I will follow your exploits. When you need a cigar break, give me a call. Good luck on the road ahead.
To my colleagues as a group, it was an
honor to serve with you. Coming on to this floor and being part of this chamber
is hard to describe, but it’s now a part of my DNA. I’d like to offer some
advice for the future. Limit the amount that politics plays in your efforts
here. I believe it should be more about the people than the party. Yes, there
are extremes on both sides of the aisle, but the majority of citizens really
live in the middle. If you only represent the extremes, you really aren’t
representing the people. To my colleagues who reside in the middle, continue to
push back on the extremes, left and right.
Also, to the Northern Caucus, I want to thank you for your commitment to your constituents. Folks, think about these 13 members who travel up to 8 hours one way to be here. It’s nothing new, but spending 3 nights a week away from family isn’t easy. For those who commute every day, I know that’s not always fun, but when you’re in your own bed, next to the person you love every night, there’s a difference. There are ways to support these men and women, and I hope moving forward this legislature will take a hard look at that.
General Douglas MacArthur famously said ‘Old soldiers never die; they simply fade away’. Well, that’s probably true about old legislators, too. Good luck to all of you.
Robin, I’m coming home.”
______
The Speaker Pro Tempore resumed the Chair.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Motions and Resolutions
By unanimous consent the House considered House Resolution No. 393 out of numerical order.
Reps. Thanedar, Haadsma, Cynthia Johnson, Kuppa and Sneller offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 393.
A resolution to in support of federal legislation to enable the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank.
Whereas, In its 2021 report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reported that the United States received a grade of C- regarding the current state of its infrastructure. There remains a $2.5 trillion investment gap that has continuously grown over the past decade. ASCE estimates that by 2039, this continued underinvestment in critical infrastructure across the country will cost our nation $10 trillion in GDP, more than 3 million jobs, and over $2 trillion in exports; and
Whereas, The ASCE has scored Michigan’s infrastructure with a grade of D+, even lower than the national ranking. Many of Michigan’s roads remain in appalling condition. The ASCE has rated approximately 39% of Michigan’s 120,000 miles of paved roadways in poor condition, 43% in fair condition, and a mere 18% in good condition. Wayne County, as just one example, has reported nearly 60% of its roads to be in poor condition. Finally, 11% of Michigan’s bridges have been deemed structurally deficient. These poor infrastructure conditions cost each Michigan motorist over $600 per year; and
Whereas, The Detroit Public Schools Community District is in a state of dilapidated repair and likely requires over $1 billion to restore. These schools are suffering from inoperable boilers, corroded plumbing fixtures, cracking exterior walls, leaking roofs, and faulty electrical panels known to be fire hazards. At least 100 schools have current capital needs. In September of 2018, the drinking water in 57 of the 86 tested Detroit schools were found to have elevated levels of both copper and lead; and
Whereas, Housing insecurity predates the pandemic and remains a pressing concern for Michiganders across the state. There remains a shortage of 200,000 affordable and available rental homes for low-income renters. In 2019, more than 10,000 Detroit residents experienced homelessness, including 2,326 who were chronically homeless. Of course, COVID-19 exacerbated this crisis. In January of 2021 alone, more than 3,500 Detroiters requested rental payment assistance; and
Whereas, The United States Congress’s introduction of HR 3339, The National Infrastructure Bank Act, which would create a new National Infrastructure Bank, presents a tremendous opportunity for acquiring funding to remedy Michigan’s infrastructure problems. This legislation would create a $5 trillion bank for the purpose of “facilitat[ing] the long-term financing of infrastructure projects.” This bank would not require additional federal spending or the imposition of new federal taxes, instead being financed entirely by repurposing existing Department of the Treasury debt; and
Whereas, The National Infrastructure Bank Act is modeled on the establishment of previous banks utilized to build much of our nation’s infrastructure. Similar banks were employed under Presidents George Washington, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. With the resources consolidated and deployed by virtue of the most recent iteration of a national bank, President Roosevelt was able to bring our nation out of the Great Depression and lead us to victory in the Second World War; and
Whereas, A new National Infrastructure Bank
will help finance all of Michigan’s infrastructure needs. This Bank, as
described in HR 3339, would exist solely to build infrastructure, generate
jobs, and battle poverty. Funding from this bank would be used to fix bridges,
roads, schools, drinking water systems; build affordable housing units; and
install broadband across the nation. The bank would finance new rail and mass
transportation projects, connecting Michigan to high-speed rail corridors in
the Midwest and dramatically increasing manufacturing in the state. Funds would
be used to hire and train many Michiganders who lost their jobs during the
COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas, Support for a National Infrastructure Bank is widespread across our state and the nation. Twenty-one state legislatures have introduced or passed resolutions of support. Local-level municipal bodies across the nation have also expressed support, including: Dearborn Hts. City Council, Highland Park City Council, Inkster City Council, Hamtramck City Council, Romulus City Council, Redford Township Council, Cleveland City Council, Pittsburgh City Council, Chicago City Council, Providence RI City Council, Philadelphia City Council, New York City Council, Toledo City Council, Akron City Council, and many more. National organizations that endorse the establishment of National Infrastructure Bank include: the Public Banking Institute, the National Congress of Black Women, the National Association of Counties, the US High Speed Rail Association, the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers, the American Sustainable Business Council, the National Association of Minority Contractors, the National Federation of Federal Employees, and many others; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we support federal legislation to enable the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Governor, and the Michigan congressional delegation.
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
By unanimous consent the House considered House Resolution No. 394 out of numerical order.
Reps. Beeler and Bezotte offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 394.
A resolution to declare December 2, 2022, as Children of Abraham Day in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, The United States is a tapestry comprising all religious faiths, predominant among them are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; and
Whereas, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have a shared connection to Abraham and recognize this historical connection; and
Whereas, As followers of these faiths, they practice their faith and are called to embrace a spirit of religious toleration as Americans; and
Whereas, The freedom of religion is enshrined as an inseparable cornerstone of American government and public life that guarantees the right of religious expression; and
Whereas, This religious toleration is exemplary not only of their shared heritage in faith but also their patriotism; and
Whereas, Recognizing the importance of religious expression, a shared heritage, and a patriotic spirit of toleration; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 2, 2022, as Children of Abraham day in the state of Michigan.
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
By unanimous consent the House considered House Resolution No. 395 out of numerical order.
House Resolution No. 395.
A resolution to recognize the first anniversary of the Oxford High School Shooting.
Whereas, The November 30, 2021, shooting at Oxford High School ended with the loss of Hana St. Juliana, Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling, as well as the injury of many others. This shocking tragedy shattered our State, and we continue to grieve with their families, friends, and the Oxford community; and
Whereas, Taking a life is the darkest,
most complete rejection of the inherent dignity of every human person. These
murders not only cut short the lives of four young people, they tore the social
fabric — altering the community and our state in ways that will never allow us
to be the same, opening wounds that will never completely close, and tearing
apart hearts that will never fully heal; and
Whereas, Through this gut-wrenching pain and suffering, we see that the heroic actions taken by men and women both inside and outside Oxford High School to protect and care for the children, as well as the measures taken to provide immediate first aid and comfort to them, reflect the best of Michiganders’ character; and
Whereas, The Oxford community has responded to this senseless tragedy with astounding resilience, persevering through this heartbreaking loss with strength, and heart; and
Whereas, These jarring deaths and injuries should remind us of how much we have in common and push us to recommit ourselves to honor the victims of the Oxford High School shootings by working toward both a world in which these senseless acts do not happen and the more perfect union to which we are all dedicated; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the first anniversary of the Oxford High School shooting. We reflect and honor the memory of those we lost.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
By unanimous consent the House considered House Resolution No. 396 out of numerical order.
Reps. Kuppa, Haadsma, Cynthia Johnson and Sneller offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 396.
A resolution to recognize the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971.
Whereas, In August 1947, British rule in India ended, creating the two independent sovereign countries of India and Pakistan, the latter of which included the noncontiguous regions of West Pakistan (Pakistan) and East Pakistan (Bangladesh), also known as East Bengal; and
Whereas, The Pakistani ruling elite was comprised overwhelmingly of West Pakistanis who concentrated the country’s resources and development efforts in West Pakistan to the detriment of East Pakistan’s development; and
Whereas, West Pakistani officials harbored well-documented anti-Bengali sentiment and considered Bengalis to be a lesser people group that had been corrupted by un-Islamic practices; and
Whereas, During elections held in 1970, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority in Parliament on a platform of autonomy for East Pakistan; and
Whereas, Negotiations to form a government between Pakistani President, General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman failed; and
Whereas, At a meeting on February 22, 1971, General Yahya Khan is recorded as saying to his top military brass “[k]ill 3 million of them and the rest will eat out of our hands”; and
Whereas, On the night of March 25, 1971, the Government of Pakistan imprisoned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Pakistani military units, in conjunction with radical Islamist groups, began a general crackdown throughout East Pakistan code-named “Operation Searchlight” that involved widespread massacres of civilians; and
Whereas, Atrocities continued during the ensuing nine month Bangladesh War of Independence as the Pakistani military scapegoated ethnic Bengalis and Hindus and targeted supporters of the Awami League, Bengali military or police personnel, intellectuals, students, and professionals, while victims included members of both majority (Bengali Muslim) and minority (non-Muslim) communities; and
Whereas, The genocide against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus is one of the forgotten genocides of the 20th century and its lack of recognition remains an open wound for millions of people who were directly affected by the atrocities; and
Whereas, Estimates of the number of those killed in these atrocities vary, with the Government of Bangladesh estimating that 3,000,000 persons were killed; and
Whereas, Over 200,000 women were raped. Due to stigma, the full number will likely never be known nor the victims remembered; and
Whereas, As a result of the atrocities and the war, nearly 10,000,000 refugees fled to India. Countless others, up to 50 percent of Bangladesh’s population, were internally displaced; and
Whereas, The Government and people of India magnanimously cared for the refugees until the culmination of hostilities; and
Whereas, In a seminal column on June 13, 1971, for The Sunday Times, titled “Genocide”, journalist Anthony Mascarenhas wrote “It seems clear that the ‘sorting out’ began to be planned about the time that Lt.-Gen. Tikka Khan took over the governorship of East Bengal.” And continues “When the army units fanned out in Dacca on the evening of March 25, in pre-emptive strikes against the mutiny planned for the small hours of the next morning many of them carried lists of people to be liquidated. These included the Hindus and large numbers of Muslims; students, Awami Leaguers, professors, journalists and those who had been prominent in Sheik Mujib’s movement.”; and
Whereas, On March 28, 1971, Archer Blood, the United States Consul General of Dacca, sent a telegram to Washington titled “Selective Genocide” in which he wrote “Moreover, with support of Pak military, non-Bengali Muslims are systematically attacking poor people’s quarters and murdering Bengalis and Hindus. Streets of Dacca are a flood with Hindus and others seeking to get out of Dacca. Many Bengalis have sought refuge in homes of Americans, most of whom are extending shelter.”; and
Whereas, On April 6, 1971, in what became known as the “Blood Telegram”, Consul General Blood sent by way of the State Department’s dissent channel an objection to official United States Government silence on the conflict signed by 20 members of the United States diplomatic staff of Consulate General Dacca which reads in part “But we have chosen not to intervene, even morally, on the grounds that the Awami conflict, in which unfortunately the overworked term genocide is applicable, is purely internal matter of a sovereign state. Private Americans have expressed disgust.” and in which objection Blood concurs stating “I believe the views of these officers, who are among the finest U.S. officials in East Pakistan, are echoed by the vast majority of the American community, both official and unofficial. I also subscribe to these views but I do not think it appropriate for me to sign their statement as long as I am principal officer at this post.”; and
Whereas, On April 8, 1971, Consul General Blood sent another telegram which states in part “‘Genocide’ applies fully to [this] naked, calculated and widespread selection of Hindus for special treatment … From outset various members of American community have witnessed either burning down of Hindu villages, Hindu enclaves in Dacca and shooting of Hindus attempting [to] escape carnage, or have witnessed after-effects which [are] visible throughout Dacca today.”;
Whereas, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee To Investigate the Problems Connected with Refugees and Escapees published a report to the Committee on November 1, 1971, which states “Nothing is more clear, or more easily documented, than the systematic campaign of terror—and its genocidal consequences—launched by the Pakistan army on the night of March 25th. Field reports to the U.S. Government, countless eye-witness journalistic accounts, reports of international agencies such as the World Bank, and additional information available to the Subcommittee document the continuing reign of terror which grips East Bengal. Hardest hit have been members of the Hindu community who have been robbed of their lands and shops, systematically slaughtered, and, in some places, painted with yellow patches marked ‘H’. All of this has been officially sanctioned, ordered and implemented under martial law from Islamabad.”; and
Whereas, The war ended on December 16, 1971, and Bangladesh became an independent country; and
Whereas, In a legal study published in 1972 titled “The Events in East Pakistan”, the Secretariat of the International Commission of Jurists states “There is overwhelming evidence that Hindus were slaughtered, and their houses and villages destroyed simply because they were Hindus.”; and
Whereas, In 1994, reflecting on his time covering the war, New York Times correspondent Sydney Schamberg wrote “Later I toured the country by road to see the Pakistani legacy firsthand. In town after town there was an execution area where people had been killed by bayonet, bullet and bludgeon. In some towns, executions were held on a daily basis … This was a month after the war’s end (i.e., January 1972), … human bones were still scattered along many roadsides. Blood-stained clothing and tufts of human hair clung to the brush at these killing grounds. Children too young to understand were playing grotesque games with skulls. Other reminders were the yellow ‘H’s the Pakistanis had painted on the homes of Hindus, particular targets of the Muslim army.”; and
Whereas, In its “Declaration in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Bangladesh Genocide” United States nongovernmental organization Genocide Watch states “Throughout the nine months of their anti-independence occupation of East Pakistan, the Pakistani Military Forces persecuted, tortured, and murdered representatives of Bengali culture and identity, including poets, musicians, professors, journalists, physicians, scientists, writers, and film makers.”; and
Whereas, The United Nations Convention on
the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, signed in Paris on
December 9, 1948, declares that genocide “means any of the following acts
committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national,
ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group;
causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately
inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its
physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent
births within the group; forcibly transferring children of the group to another
group.” and “The following acts shall be punishable: genocide; conspiracy to
commit genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide; attempt to
commit genocide; complicity in genocide.”; and
Whereas, United States nongovernmental organizations Genocide Watch and the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention have sought international recognition of the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan as genocide; and
Whereas, It is of the utmost importance to recall and document crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide for the sake of posterity, to preserve the memory of the victims, and to deter future atrocities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971. We condemn the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the people of Bangladesh from March 1971 to December 1971; recognize that such atrocities against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide; recall the death and suffering of the countless victims of such atrocities and express deep sympathy for the suffering; and recognize that entire ethnic groups or religious communities are not responsible for the crimes committed by their members
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Messages from the Senate
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 4263, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 41 (MCL 38.1341), as amended by 2022 PA 220.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-2), title amendment and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1912.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-2) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-2) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Coleman Kahle Puri
Albert Damoose Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Eisen Kuppa Reilly
Allor Ellison LaFave Rendon
Anthony Farrington LaGrand Rogers
Beeler Filler Lasinski Roth
Bellino Fink Liberati Sabo
Berman Frederick Lightner Shannon
Beson Garza Maddock Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Glenn Marino Sowerby
Bollin Green Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Griffin Martin Tate
Brabec Haadsma Meerman Thanedar
Brann Hall Morse Tisdel
Breen Harris Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Hauck Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hertel O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hoitenga O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hood Outman Wendzel
Carra Hope Paquette Wentworth
Carter, T Hornberger Pepper Whiteford
Cavanagh Howell Peterson Whitsett
Cherry Johnson, C Pohutsky Witwer
Clemente Johnson, S Posthumus Yaroch
Clements Jones
Nays—0
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the title as amended.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 4264, entitled
A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending sections 7, 20g, 38, 49, and 68b (MCL 38.7, 38.20g, 38.38, 38.49, and 38.68b), section 20g as amended by 1987 PA 241, section 38 as amended and section 68b as added by 2011 PA 264, and section 49 as amended by 2018 PA 336.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-1), full title inserted and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1913.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-1) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-1) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Coleman Kahle Puri
Albert Damoose Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Eisen Kuppa Reilly
Allor Ellison LaFave Rendon
Anthony Farrington LaGrand Rogers
Beeler Filler Lasinski Roth
Bellino Fink Liberati Sabo
Berman Frederick Lightner Shannon
Beson Garza Maddock Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Glenn Marino Sowerby
Bollin Green Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Griffin Martin Tate
Brabec Haadsma Meerman Thanedar
Brann Hall Morse Tisdel
Breen Harris Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Hauck Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hertel O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hoitenga O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hood Outman Wendzel
Carra Hope Paquette Wentworth
Carter, T Hornberger Pepper Whiteford
Cavanagh Howell Peterson Whitsett
Cherry Johnson, C Pohutsky Witwer
Clemente Johnson, S Posthumus Yaroch
Clements Jones
Nays—0
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 4265, entitled
A bill to amend 1992 PA 234, entitled “The judges retirement act of 1992,” by amending sections 301, 305, 509, 604, 714, and 719 (MCL 38.2301, 38.2305, 38.2509, 38.2604, 38.2664, and 38.2669), sections 305 and 714 as amended by 2002 PA 95, section 604 as amended by 2018 PA 335, and section 719 as added by 1996 PA 523, and by adding sections 509a and 714a.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-5) and full title inserted, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1913.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-5) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-5) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Albert Damoose Johnson, S Reilly
Alexander Eisen Kahle Rendon
Allor Farrington LaFave Roth
Beeler Filler Lightner Slagh
Bellino Fink Maddock Tate
Berman Frederick Marino Tisdel
Beson Glenn Markkanen VanSingel
Bezotte Green Martin VanWoerkom
Bollin Griffin Meerman Wakeman
Borton Hall Mueller Wendzel
Brann Harris O’Malley Wentworth
Calley Hauck Outman Whiteford
Cambensy Hoitenga Paquette Whitsett
Carra Hornberger Posthumus Yaroch
Clements Howell
Nays—43
Aiyash Ellison LaGrand Rabhi
Anthony Garza Lasinski Rogers
Brabec Glanville Liberati Sabo
Breen Haadsma Manoogian Shannon
Brixie Hertel Morse Sneller
Camilleri Hood Neeley Sowerby
Carter, T Hope O’Neal Steckloff
Cavanagh Johnson, C Pepper Thanedar
Cherry Jones Peterson Weiss
Clemente Koleszar Pohutsky Witwer
Coleman Kuppa Puri
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for
enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 4266, entitled
A bill to amend 1986 PA 182, entitled “State police retirement act of 1986,” by amending sections 11 and 14 (MCL 38.1611 and 38.1614), as amended by 2018 PA 674.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-1), full title inserted and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1913.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-1) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-1) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Coleman Kahle Puri
Albert Damoose Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Eisen Kuppa Reilly
Allor Ellison LaFave Rendon
Anthony Farrington LaGrand Rogers
Beeler Filler Lasinski Roth
Bellino Fink Liberati Sabo
Berman Frederick Lightner Shannon
Beson Garza Maddock Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Glenn Marino Sowerby
Bollin Green Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Griffin Martin Tate
Brabec Haadsma Meerman Thanedar
Brann Hall Morse Tisdel
Breen Harris Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Hauck Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hertel O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hoitenga O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hood Outman Wendzel
Carra Hope Paquette Wentworth
Carter, T Hornberger Pepper Whiteford
Cavanagh Howell Peterson Whitsett
Cherry Johnson, C Pohutsky Witwer
Clemente Johnson, S Posthumus Yaroch
Clements Jones
Nays—0
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 5839, entitled
A bill to amend 2018 IL 1, entitled “Michigan
Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act,” by amending section 7 (MCL
333.27957).
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-3) by 3/4 vote, full title inserted and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1913.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-3) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-3) was concurred in, 3/4 of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Eisen LaFave Reilly
Alexander Ellison LaGrand Rendon
Anthony Farrington Lasinski Rogers
Bellino Filler Liberati Roth
Berman Frederick Lightner Sabo
Beson Garza Manoogian Shannon
Bezotte Glanville Marino Slagh
Bolden Glenn Markkanen Sneller
Bollin Green Martin Sowerby
Borton Griffin Meerman Steckloff
Brabec Haadsma Morse Tate
Brann Hall Mueller Thanedar
Breen Harris Neeley Tisdel
Brixie Hauck O’Malley VanSingel
Calley Hertel O’Neal VanWoerkom
Cambensy Hoitenga Outman Wakeman
Camilleri Hood Paquette Weiss
Carra Hope Pepper Wendzel
Carter, T Johnson, C Peterson Wentworth
Cavanagh Johnson, S Pohutsky Whiteford
Cherry Jones Posthumus Whitsett
Clemente Kahle Puri Witwer
Clements Koleszar Rabhi Yaroch
Coleman
Nays—9
Albert Damoose Hornberger Kuppa
Allor Fink Howell Maddock
Beeler
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 5871, entitled
A bill to amend 2016 PA 281, entitled “Medical
marihuana facilities licensing act,” by amending sections 402, 501, 502,
and 504 (MCL 333.27402, 333.27501, 333.27502, and 333.27504), section 402 as
amended by 2021 PA 161, sections 501 and 504 as amended by 2018 PA 10, and
section 502 as amended by 2018 PA 648.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-4), title amendment and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1913.)
The question being on concurring in the substitute (S-4) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-4) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Coleman Jones Rabhi
Alexander Damoose Koleszar Reilly
Allor Eisen Kuppa Rendon
Anthony Ellison LaFave Rogers
Beeler Farrington LaGrand Roth
Bellino Filler Lasinski Sabo
Berman Fink Liberati Shannon
Beson Frederick Lightner Slagh
Bezotte Garza Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Glanville Marino Sowerby
Bollin Glenn Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Green Martin Tate
Brabec Griffin Meerman Thanedar
Brann Haadsma Morse Tisdel
Breen Hall Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Harris Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hauck O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hertel O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hoitenga Outman Wendzel
Carra Hood Paquette Wentworth
Carter, T Hope Pepper Whiteford
Cavanagh Hornberger Peterson Whitsett
Cherry Howell Pohutsky Witwer
Clemente Johnson, C Posthumus Yaroch
Clements Johnson, S Puri
Nays—3
Albert Kahle Maddock
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the title as amended.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
The Speaker laid before the House
House Bill No. 5965, entitled
A bill to amend 2016 PA 281, entitled “Medical marihuana facilities licensing act,” by amending section 102 (MCL 333.27102), as amended by 2021 PA 57.
(The bill was received from the Senate on November 30, with substitute (S-2), full title inserted and immediate effect given by the Senate, consideration of which, under the rules, was postponed until December 1, see House Journal No. 83, p. 1914.)
The question being on concurring in the
substitute (S-2) made to the bill by the Senate,
The substitute (S-2) was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Aiyash Coleman Jones Puri
Alexander Damoose Kahle Rabhi
Allor Eisen Koleszar Reilly
Anthony Ellison Kuppa Rendon
Beeler Farrington LaFave Rogers
Bellino Filler LaGrand Roth
Berman Fink Lasinski Sabo
Beson Frederick Liberati Shannon
Bezotte Garza Lightner Slagh
Bolden Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bollin Glenn Marino Sowerby
Borton Green Markkanen Steckloff
Brabec Griffin Martin Tate
Brann Haadsma Meerman Thanedar
Breen Hall Morse Tisdel
Brixie Harris Mueller VanSingel
Calley Hauck Neeley VanWoerkom
Cambensy Hertel O’Malley Wakeman
Camilleri Hoitenga O’Neal Weiss
Carra Hood Outman Wendzel
Carter, T Hope Paquette Wentworth
Cavanagh Hornberger Pepper Whiteford
Cherry Howell Peterson Whitsett
Clemente Johnson, C Pohutsky Witwer
Clements Johnson, S Posthumus Yaroch
Nays—2
Albert Maddock
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the full title.
The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Motions and Resolutions
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Government Operations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The concurrent resolution was placed on
the order of Messages from the Senate.
The Speaker laid before the House
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23.
A concurrent resolution to request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approve the replacement of Michigan’s statue of Lewis Cass with a statue of Coleman A. Young as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection and to take other actions related to this request.
(For text of concurrent resolution, see House Journal No. 63, p. 1072.)
(The concurrent resolution was discharged from the Committee on Government Operations on December 6.)
The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,
The concurrent resolution was adopted.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Motions and Resolutions
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1133.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was placed on the order of Second Reading of Bills.
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1208.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was placed on the order of Second Reading of Bills.
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1203.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was placed on the order of Second Reading of Bills.
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1111.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was placed on the order of Second Reading of Bills.
Rep. Frederick moved that Rule 42 be suspended.
The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the Committee on Appropriations be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1112.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was placed on the order of Second
Reading of Bills.
Senate Bill No. 1133, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2567a (MCL 600.2567a), as amended by 2006 PA 662.
The bill was read a second time.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1133, entitled
A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2567a (MCL 600.2567a), as amended by 2006 PA 662.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 480 Yeas—90
Aiyash Coleman Kuppa Rabhi
Albert Damoose LaFave Rogers
Alexander Eisen LaGrand Roth
Allor Ellison Lasinski Sabo
Anthony Farrington Liberati Shannon
Bellino Filler Lightner Slagh
Beson Frederick Manoogian Sneller
Bezotte Garza Marino Sowerby
Bolden Glanville Markkanen Steckloff
Bollin Green Martin Tate
Borton Griffin Meerman Thanedar
Brabec Haadsma Morse Tisdel
Brann Hall Mueller VanSingel
Breen Harris Neeley VanWoerkom
Brixie Hauck O’Malley Wakeman
Calley Hertel O’Neal Weiss
Cambensy Hood Outman Wendzel
Camilleri Hope Pepper Wentworth
Carter, T Howell Peterson Whiteford
Cavanagh Johnson, C Pohutsky Whitsett
Cherry Jones Posthumus Witwer
Clemente Kahle Puri Yaroch
Clements Koleszar
Nays—12
Beeler Fink Hornberger Paquette
Berman Glenn Johnson, S Reilly
Carra Hoitenga Maddock Rendon
In The Chair: Hornberger
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to revise and consolidate the statutes relating to the organization and jurisdiction of the courts of this state; the powers and duties of the courts, and of the judges and other officers of the courts; the forms and attributes of civil claims and actions; the time within which civil actions and proceedings may be brought in the courts; pleading, evidence, practice, and procedure in civil and criminal actions and proceedings in the courts; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide remedies and penalties for the violation of certain provisions of this act; to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with or contravening any of the provisions of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The House agreed to the full title.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Second Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1208, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 295, entitled “Sex offenders registration act,” by amending section 5a (MCL 28.725a), as amended by 2020 PA 295.
The bill was read a second time.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1208, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 295, entitled “Sex offenders registration act,” by amending section 5a (MCL 28.725a), as amended by 2020 PA 295.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 481 Yeas—96
Aiyash Coleman Kahle Puri
Albert Damoose Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Eisen Kuppa Rendon
Allor Farrington LaFave Rogers
Anthony Filler LaGrand Roth
Beeler Fink Lasinski Sabo
Bellino Frederick Liberati Shannon
Beson Garza Lightner Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Maddock Sneller
Bolden Glenn Manoogian Sowerby
Bollin Green Marino Steckloff
Borton Griffin Markkanen Tate
Brabec Haadsma Martin Thanedar
Brann Hall Meerman Tisdel
Breen Harris Morse VanSingel
Brixie Hauck Mueller VanWoerkom
Calley Hertel Neeley Wakeman
Cambensy Hoitenga O’Malley Weiss
Camilleri Hood O’Neal Wendzel
Carter, T Hope Outman Wentworth
Cavanagh Hornberger Paquette Whiteford
Cherry Howell Peterson Whitsett
Clemente Johnson, C Pohutsky Witwer
Clements Jones Posthumus Yaroch
Nays—6
Berman Ellison Pepper Reilly
Carra Johnson, S
In The Chair: Hornberger
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to require persons convicted of certain offenses to register; to prohibit certain individuals from engaging in certain activities within a student safety zone; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain departments and agencies in connection with that registration; and to prescribe fees, penalties, and sanctions,”
The House agreed to the full title.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Second Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1203, entitled
A bill to amend 2016 PA 345, entitled “Limousine, taxicab, and transportation network company act,” by amending section 4 (MCL 257.2104), as amended by 2019 PA 72.
The bill was read a second time.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1203, entitled
A bill to amend 2016 PA 345, entitled “Limousine, taxicab, and transportation network company act,” by amending section 4 (MCL 257.2104), as amended by 2019 PA 72.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 482 Yeas—89
Aiyash Damoose Koleszar Rabhi
Albert Eisen Kuppa Rogers
Alexander Ellison LaFave Roth
Anthony Farrington LaGrand Sabo
Bellino Filler Lasinski Shannon
Beson Frederick Liberati Slagh
Bezotte Garza Lightner Sneller
Bolden Glanville Manoogian Sowerby
Bollin Glenn Marino Steckloff
Borton Green Markkanen Tate
Brabec Griffin Martin Thanedar
Brann Haadsma Morse Tisdel
Breen Hall Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Harris Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hauck O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hertel O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hood Outman Wendzel
Carter, T Hope Pepper Wentworth
Cavanagh Howell Peterson Whiteford
Cherry Johnson, C Pohutsky Whitsett
Clemente Jones Posthumus Witwer
Clements Kahle Puri Yaroch
Coleman
Nays—13
Allor Fink Johnson, S Paquette
Beeler Hoitenga Maddock Reilly
Berman Hornberger Meerman Rendon
Carra
In The Chair: Hornberger
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to regulate transportation network companies, taxicabs, and certain limousines in this state; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”
The House agreed to the full title.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Second Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 971, entitled
A bill to provide for a military veterans cemetery; to create the veterans cemetery fund; to authorize the purchase of land; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.
Was read a second time, and the question being on the adoption of the proposed substitute (H-1) previously recommended by the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security,
The substitute (H-1) was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 971, entitled
A bill to provide for a military veterans
cemetery; to create the veterans cemetery fund; to authorize the purchase of
land; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental
officers and entities.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 483 Yeas—97
Aiyash Coleman Jones Puri
Albert Damoose Kahle Rabhi
Alexander Eisen Koleszar Rendon
Allor Ellison Kuppa Rogers
Anthony Farrington LaFave Roth
Beeler Filler LaGrand Sabo
Bellino Fink Lasinski Shannon
Berman Frederick Liberati Slagh
Beson Garza Lightner Sneller
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sowerby
Bolden Glenn Marino Steckloff
Bollin Green Markkanen Tate
Borton Griffin Martin Thanedar
Brabec Haadsma Morse Tisdel
Brann Hall Mueller VanSingel
Breen Harris Neeley VanWoerkom
Brixie Hauck O’Malley Wakeman
Calley Hertel O’Neal Weiss
Cambensy Hoitenga Outman Wendzel
Camilleri Hood Paquette Wentworth
Carter, T Hope Pepper Whiteford
Cavanagh Hornberger Peterson Whitsett
Cherry Howell Pohutsky Witwer
Clemente Johnson, C Posthumus Yaroch
Clements
Nays—5
Carra Maddock Meerman Reilly
Johnson, S
In The Chair: Hornberger
The House agreed to the title of the bill.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Second Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1111, entitled
A bill to amend 2019 PA 152, entitled “Lawful internet gaming act,” by amending section 16 (MCL 432.316).
The bill was read a second time.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the
members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1111, entitled
A bill to amend 2019 PA 152, entitled “Lawful internet gaming act,” by amending section 16 (MCL 432.316).
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 484 Yeas—97
Aiyash Damoose Kahle Puri
Albert Eisen Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Ellison Kuppa Rendon
Anthony Farrington LaFave Rogers
Beeler Filler LaGrand Roth
Bellino Fink Lasinski Sabo
Berman Frederick Liberati Shannon
Beson Garza Lightner Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Green Marino Sowerby
Bollin Griffin Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Haadsma Martin Tate
Brabec Hall Meerman Thanedar
Brann Harris Morse Tisdel
Breen Hauck Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Hertel Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hoitenga O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hood O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hope Outman Wendzel
Carter, T Hornberger Paquette Wentworth
Cavanagh Howell Pepper Whiteford
Cherry Johnson, C Peterson Whitsett
Clemente Johnson, S Pohutsky Witwer
Clements Jones Posthumus Yaroch
Coleman
Nays—5
Allor Glenn Maddock Reilly
Carra
In The Chair: Hornberger
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to create the lawful internet gaming act; to require licensure for persons to offer internet gaming; to impose requirements for internet gaming; to provide for the powers and duties of the Michigan gaming control board and other state and local officers and entities; to impose fees; to impose tax and other payment obligations on the conduct of licensed internet gaming; to create the internet gaming fund; to prohibit certain acts in relation to internet gaming and to prescribe penalties for those violations; to require the promulgation of rules; and to provide remedies,”
The House agreed to the full title.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The
motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
Senate Bill No. 1112, entitled
A bill to amend 1972 PA 382, entitled “Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman bingo act,” by amending section 8 (MCL 432.108), as amended by 2019 PA 159.
The bill was read a second time.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
The motion prevailed.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senate Bill No. 1112, entitled
A bill to amend 1972 PA 382, entitled “Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman bingo act,” by amending section 8 (MCL 432.108), as amended by 2019 PA 159.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:
Roll Call No. 485 Yeas—97
Aiyash Damoose Kahle Puri
Albert Eisen Koleszar Rabhi
Alexander Ellison Kuppa Rendon
Anthony Farrington LaFave Rogers
Beeler Filler LaGrand Roth
Bellino Fink Lasinski Sabo
Berman Frederick Liberati Shannon
Beson Garza Lightner Slagh
Bezotte Glanville Manoogian Sneller
Bolden Green Marino Sowerby
Bollin Griffin Markkanen Steckloff
Borton Haadsma Martin Tate
Brabec Hall Meerman Thanedar
Brann Harris Morse Tisdel
Breen Hauck Mueller VanSingel
Brixie Hertel Neeley VanWoerkom
Calley Hoitenga O’Malley Wakeman
Cambensy Hood O’Neal Weiss
Camilleri Hope Outman Wendzel
Carter, T Hornberger Paquette Wentworth
Cavanagh Howell Pepper Whiteford
Cherry Johnson, C Peterson Whitsett
Clemente Johnson, S Pohutsky Witwer
Clements Jones Posthumus Yaroch
Coleman
Nays—5
Allor Glenn Maddock Reilly
Carra
In The Chair: Hornberger
Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:
“An act to license and regulate the conducting of bingo, millionaire parties, and certain other forms of gambling; to provide for the conducting of charity games, raffles, and numeral games; to provide for exemptions from licensing requirements under certain circumstances; to impose certain duties and authority upon certain state departments, agencies, and officers; to provide a tax exemption; and to provide penalties,”
The House agreed to the full title.
Rep. Frederick moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
______
Rep. Frederick moved that House Committees be given leave to meet during the balance of today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of
Motions and Resolutions
The motion prevailed.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 365.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Thomas Albert.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we honor Representative Thomas Albert as his time representing the Eighty-sixth District in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has shown great leadership and dedication not only to his constituents in Kent and Ionia counties, but to all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Representative Albert grew up in Kent County as the proud son of a teacher and social worker and is the youngest brother to four law enforcement officers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in finance from Michigan State University. He served as a logistics officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 to 2010, deploying to Iraq in 2009 as a military advisor and, upon his return, serving as a reservist until 2013. Having obtained his chartered alternative investment analyst certification, Representative Albert worked as an investor for the State of Michigan Retirement Systems until his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. He and his wife, Erica, are raising their five children, Owen, Mary, Jack, Margaret, and Lucia, together in Lowell; and
Whereas, Representative Albert’s experience as a logistician and investment advisor was immediately leveraged upon his arrival in Lansing. He served as the chair of the Financial Liability Reform Committee and as a member on the Agriculture, Law and Justice, and Military and Veterans Affairs committees in his first term. In his second term he joined the Appropriations Committee and four of its subcommittees. He served as chair of the Corrections Subcommittee, and as a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development, Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police, and School Aid and Department of Education subcommittees. In his third term, Representative Albert was named chair of the Appropriations Committee, shepherding the entire budget through the appropriations process, playing a key role in most of the major budgetary issues our state faced during the term, and touching every corner of state government. As Appropriations Committee Chair, Representative Albert advocated for the legislature’s role in the state’s pandemic emergency response and recovery as well as championed a budget that supported adoption and crisis pregnancy centers while restricting state and federal funding for abortion providers and prohibiting medical research on aborted fetal tissue. He also chaired the House Fiscal Agency Board of Governors and was a member of the Legislative Council. Throughout his tenure, he has been a champion for the financial health of Michigan government, with his proudest accomplishments being the reform of the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System, sponsoring legislation that ensures financial best practices and secured $750 million in funding for municipal pension debt, investing in and reforming special education funding, and making carnival amusement rides safer for Michigan families; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House
of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and
thank the Honorable Thomas Albert for his notable contributions to this
legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Albert as an expression of our gratitude and well wishes for the future.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 366.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Julie Alexander.
Whereas, It is with great appreciation that we thank Representative Julie Alexander as her tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Alexander for her work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Sixty-fourth District; and
Whereas, As a valued member of the farming community, Julie Alexander and her husband, Jeff, have raised their four children on a family farm in Hanover Township. Now having eight grandchildren, Representative Alexander values country living, continuing to be active in the community and state promoting Michigan’s agriculture industry. Representative Alexander holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, attended Michigan State University for graduate studies, and is a graduate of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation Emerging Leaders Program. Representative Alexander taught for 22 years in middle school and adult education and continues to own and operate their family farm in Jackson County growing approximately 1,700 acres of crops; and
Whereas, Since joining the Legislature in 2017, Representative Alexander has worked tirelessly to advocate for the constituents of the Sixty-fourth District. Committed to accessibility to her constituents, Representative Alexander worked closely with her local Jackson community to craft legislation that addressed their needs. Representative Alexander served as chair and vice chair of the Agriculture Committee. She also served with distinction as a member of committees on Education Reform, Local Government and Municipal Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy, Health Policy, and Commerce and Tourism. Representative Alexander has been the voice of Michigan’s farmers by educating the public about Michigan’s diverse commodities through her “Grown in Michigan with Julie Alexander” series; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Julie Alexander for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Alexander as evidence of our esteem and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 367.
A resolution of tribute to for the Honorable Sue Allor.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Sue Allor for her work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, her constituents in the One Hundred-sixth District. Throughout her tenure in the House, Representative Allor’s hard work has benefited not only the people of Alcona County, Alpena County, Iosco County, Presque Isle County, and parts of Cheboygan County, including the townships of Aloha, Benton, Burt, Ellis, Forest, Grant, Inverness, Mentor, Mullett, Nunda, Walker, Waverly, and Wilmot, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Born in Detroit, Representative Allor’s life experiences have made her a true representative of Michiganders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy and a master of business administration from Lawrence Technological University. In her career, Representative Allor showed her devotion to public service and to her community as a nurse in various medical settings, as a member of the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners, as a member of the Wilmot Township Board of Review, and as an operations and finance consultant for other businesses. She is also a dedicated wife to her husband and a proud mother to three children and grandmother to five grandchildren; and
Whereas, Since her election to the House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Allor drew on her personal experiences to become an advocate for the hardworking people of the One Hundred-sixth District. She served with distinction as chair of the Appropriations subcommittees for Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, and Agriculture and Rural Development. She also served as vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Representative Allor served as a member of the House committees on Health Policy; and Appropriations subcommittees for General Government, Military and Veteran Affairs, Transportation, and School Aid and Education. Her dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Sue Allor for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Sue Allor as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as she leaves this legislative body.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 368.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Sarah Anthony.
Whereas, It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Representative Sarah Anthony as she departs from the House after over four years of service. She has been an effective and respected leader for this chamber, her constituents in the Sixty-eighth District, and people across the state of Michigan; and
Whereas, Representative Anthony is a Lansing native who has dedicated her education and career to public service. She graduated from Everett High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and legal studies from Central Michigan University, earned a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University, and was awarded a New Leadership Academy Fellowship from the University of Michigan. As a legislative assistant for Representative Joan Bauer and a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, Representative Anthony gained valuable insight into the importance of helping people utilize government services. She also served as deputy director of the Michigan College Access Network for eight years, helping Michigan residents achieve their educational dreams and strengthening our economy; and
Whereas, Representative Anthony was chosen to represent the people of Lansing in a special election in 2018 and subsequently reelected to two full terms. She has served as the Democratic Caucus Chair from 2019 to 2022 and was the first African-American woman from Lansing to be elected to the Michigan Legislature. Representative Anthony served with distinction as minority vice chair of the Committee on Rules and Competitiveness and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges. She was additionally a member of the Insurance Committee and, on the Appropriations Committee, the Subcommittee on Corrections and the Subcommittee on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Representative Anthony has received numerous awards, including a “Legislator of the Year” award from Michigan Works!, a Great Expectations award from the Detroit branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Michigan College Access Network Board of Directors’ Award. She successfully sponsored legislation to help Michiganians afford higher education through the Michigan Reconnect program and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship program; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Sarah Anthony for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Anthony as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
House Resolution No. 369.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Joe Bellino.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we honor Representative Joe Bellino as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served the residents of Michigan, especially his constituents in the Seventeenth District, with honesty and dedication; and
Whereas, Representative Bellino is a lifelong resident of Monroe County, where he has built a successful life. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School and earned an associate’s degree in science from Monroe County Community College. Representative Bellino worked at Bellino’s Quality Beverage before becoming the owner of the successful Broadway Market; and
Whereas, Representative Bellino always works hard to better his community. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Monroe County Community College for 15 years and served as a board chair. In addition, he is a member of the Monroe Exchange Club, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, the National Rifle Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and Midwest Independent Retailers Association. Representative Bellino is married to Peggy Bellino, with whom he shares three daughters and six grandchildren; and
Whereas, Representative Bellino was elected to this legislative body in 2016. He has served as the chair of the Energy Committee and as vice chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee. Representative Bellino was also a member of the committees on Insurance, Natural Resources, Financial Services, Transportation, and Local Government and Municipal Finance. During his tenure, he took interest in a number of policies to improve the lives of Michiganders, as he championed legislation on economic development, health, and criminal procedure; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Joe Bellino for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Bellino as evidence of our gratitude and well wishes for the future.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 370.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Ryan Berman.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Ryan Berman for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Thirty-ninth District. Throughout Representative Berman’s tenure in the House, his hard work has benefited not only the people of the city of Wixom, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield Township, and the village of Wolverine Lake, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Born in Detroit, Representative Berman’s life experiences have made him a true representative of Michiganders. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a juris doctor from Wayne State University Law School. In Representative Berman’s career, he showed his devotion to public service and his community as an attorney at Berman Law and as a reserve police officer with the Sylvan Lake Police Department. He is also a dedicated husband and a proud father of two daughters; and
Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2018, Representative Berman has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the Thirty-ninth District. He served with distinction as the majority vice chair of the House committees on Insurance and Regulatory Reform, and he was also a member of the House committees on Energy; Judiciary; Transportation; Local Government and Municipal Finance; and Financial Services. Representative Berman has also served two terms on the Michigan Law Revision Commission. Representative Berman’s dedication and integrity stand as clear examples of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Ryan Berman for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Berman as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as he leaves this legislative body.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 371.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Kyra Bolden.
Whereas, This legislative body is pleased to honor and thank Representative Kyra Bolden for her service. She tirelessly served her constituents in the Thirty-fifth District, including the communities of Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin; and
Whereas, As a lifelong
resident of Michigan, Representative Bolden is a committed and fearless leader
of her community. She was raised by parents Cheryl Gambrell and Donald Harris
and is a proud sister to Doctor Whitney Brown. She earned her bachelor’s
degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University and a juris doctor from
the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Representative Bolden is also
the wife of Doctor Gregory Bolden II, and a mother to daughter, Emerson Bolden.
As a result of her hard work and experience, Representative Bolden was a
court-appointed defense attorney in the Forty-sixth District Court, served as a
staff attorney for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court, and worked as a civil
litigator in private practice. Representative Bolden has further served her
community through her involvement as the Commissioner of the Southfield Total
Living Commission, and as a member of organizations such as the Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc.; National Congress of Black Women, Oakland County Chapter;
and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Oakland County; and
Whereas, Representative Bolden was a leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. Elected in 2018, she served on the Insurance and the Judiciary Committee, as well as serving as the minority vice chair for the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and as the Assistant Democratic Leader. Representative Bolden worked successfully across party lines to protect vulnerable Michiganders, but of all her accomplishments, she is most proud to have passed legislation that protects survivors of sexual violence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Kyra Bolden for her many contributions to this legislative body and to the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Bolden as evidence of our deepest gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 372.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Tommy Brann.
Whereas, It is with gratitude and pleasure that we honor Representative Tommy Brann. He has served his constituents of the Seventy-seventh District with great dedication, hard work, and compassion throughout his tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives; and
Whereas, Representative Brann was born and raised in Michigan, and has spent over 50 years serving patrons across the state in the many locations of his restaurant, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill. As a third-generation resident of Kent County, Representative Brann has always pursued opportunities to serve his community. He has served as President of the Division Avenue Business Association; Chair of the Godwin Heights Advisory Committee; President of the Wyoming Economic Development Corporation; Chairman of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce; and a member of many other community organizations. Representative Brann has been married to his wife, Sue, for 48 years, and they love spending time in the state’s beautiful outdoors and with animals; and
Whereas, Representative Brann was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. Throughout his time, he served on the Appropriations subcommittees of Community Colleges, State Police, General Government, Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police, Transportation, Corrections, Higher Education and Community Colleges, and School Aid and Department of Education. He also served as vice chair and chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary, and the chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police. Representative Brann has successfully passed legislation that reflects his core values, such as laws that encourage entrepreneurship in children, expand the use of service animals, and protect the health of youth in our communities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Tommy Brann for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Brann as a token of our gratitude and well wishes for the future.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 373.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Julie Calley.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we thank Representative Julie Calley as her tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Calley for her thoughtful work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Eighty-seventh District; and
Whereas, A graduate of Ionia High School and Northwood University, Representative Calley brought to the Legislature a dedication to public service. Before joining the Michigan House of Representatives, Representative Calley served as Ionia County Commissioner for eight years, leading the board as chairperson for three of those years. In 2011, Representative Calley was appointed to serve on the Michigan Community Service Commission and served as chairperson of the Commission in 2015. Representative Calley is a dedicated wife and loving mother of three children; and
Whereas, Since joining the Michigan House of Representatives in 2017, Representative Calley has served the citizens of the Eighty-seventh District with great integrity. Representative Calley served as chair and vice chair of the Elections and Ethics Committee, and served as chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. Representative Calley served with distinction as a member of the committees on Agriculture, Health Policy, Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation, Rules and Competitiveness, and Tax Policy. In her third term, Representative Calley’s colleagues selected her to be Assistant Majority Floor Leader. Representative Calley has worked tirelessly to advocate for the people of the Eighty-seventh District and all of Michigan, as evidenced by her sponsorship of legislation to establish Juvenile Mental Health Courts, rein in the cost of pharmaceuticals, enhance Michigan’s 911 emergency response system, support election integrity, and protect victims of domestic violence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Julie Calley for her notable contributions to this legislative body and the people of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Calley as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavors.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 374.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Sara Cambensy.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we thank Representative Sara Cambensy as her tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Cambensy for her work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the One Hundred-ninth District; and
Whereas, Representative Cambensy earned a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University. Before joining the Legislature, she applied her expertise through her work as a director of adult education and serving as a Marquette city commissioner. Representative Cambensy is dedicated to improving the lives of Michiganders and is working toward a Ph.D. in environmental and energy policy, focusing on water quality and energy reliability issues in the Great Lakes Region; and
Whereas, Since joining the Legislature in 2017, Representative Cambensy has served the citizens of the One Hundred-ninth District with great passion. During her tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives, Representative Cambensy served as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. She served as minority vice chair of the Commerce and Tourism Committee. Representative Cambensy also served with distinction as a member of the committees on Local Government, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation, Regulatory Reform, and Agriculture. Her dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of what it takes to be a successful public servant and a strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Sara Cambensy for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Cambensy as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes in her future endeavors.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 375.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Darrin Camilleri.
Whereas, It is with distinct pleasure that we take this time to honor Representative Darrin Camilleri as his tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served his constituents of the Twenty-third District with unmatched determination and compassion; and
Whereas, Representative Camilleri is a
proud son of an immigrant from Malta and a Latina, and is a lifelong resident
of Downriver and Michigan. As a first-generation college student, he earned his
bachelor’s degree in political science from Kalamazoo College. While in
college, Representative Camilleri was elected student body president, led the Michigan
Federation of College Democrats, and worked for Congressman John Dingell.
His strong dedication to public service led him to become a social studies
teacher prior to his election to this legislative body. Representative
Camilleri has an extensive and inspiring history of involvement with
underserved individuals, as he has spent time as a tutor in Ecuador, a
recreation commissioner, an advisor for the YMCA, and countless other roles;
and
Whereas, Elected in 2016, Representative Camilleri became Michigan’s youngest Latino and first-ever Maltese American elected to the Legislature. During his time in the House of Representatives, Representative Camilleri has served as a member of the committees on Commerce and Trade; Education Reform; Energy Policy; Oversight; Families, Children and Seniors; and Financial Services. He has also provided valuable leadership as minority vice chair on the Education Committee. A trusted voice in his caucus, Representative Camilleri also served as the Minority Whip for the House Democrats during his tenure. As a result of his legislative work, he was awarded Progress Michigan’s Legislator of the Year in 2017, was recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit’s “20 in their 20s,” and given the Michigan Association for Media in Education’s 2018 Outstanding Legislator Award; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Darrin Camilleri for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Camilleri as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 376.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Mary Cavanagh.
Whereas, It is with great appreciation for her hard work and dedication to the Michigan House of Representatives and the citizens of the Tenth District that we commend Representative Cavanagh upon the completion of her service as a member of this chamber. Her passion and commitment to improving the lives of Michiganders benefited not only her constituents, but the whole of our state’s citizenry; and
Whereas, A proud graduate of Wayne State University, Representative Cavanagh brought her passion for community activism with her to the Legislature. She is an alumna of the National Students Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. and a former AmeriCorps member. Representative Cavanagh has served Redford Township as a former and current precinct delegate. Representative Cavanagh has shown her commitment to her community as the director of project development for New Start Construction, an organization focused on rehabilitating houses for some of Michigan’s most at-risk citizens. Representative Cavanagh’s experience collaborating with differing viewpoints to produce positive change helped prepare her for her time in the Legislature; and
Whereas, Since joining the Legislature in 2021, Representative Cavanagh served as a member of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee and the Tax Policy Committee. Representative Cavanagh served with distinction on the executive board for the Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus, as an officer at large of the Michigan Democratic Youth Caucus, as the chair of the Latino Caucus, as the secretary of the Progressive Women’s Caucus, and as the vice chair of the Democratic Caucus. Her efforts in the House of Representatives stand as a testament to her dedication, character, and leadership; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Mary Cavanagh for her service and contributions to this legislative body; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Cavanagh as evidence of our esteem and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 377.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable John Cherry.
Whereas, It is with sincere gratitude that we honor Representative John Cherry as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served all of Michigan and his constituents in the Forty-ninth District, which includes the cities of Flushing, Mount Morris, and Swartz Creek, part of the city of Flint, and the townships of Flint and Mount Morris, with distinction and honor; and
Whereas, Representative Cherry earned a
bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environment and a master’s degree in
public policy from the University of Michigan. His passion for the outdoors led
him to a position in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office
of Science and Policy. He later moved to the DNR’s grants management staff and
was promoted to the Department’s performance management coordinator position in
2011. Inspired by friends and family, Representative Cherry ran for Flint’s
Charter Commission in 2015. Under his leadership as vice chair, the Commission proposed
and implemented Flint’s first new charter in more than forty years; and
Whereas, Representative Cherry was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018. He served as minority vice chair of the Government Operations Committee and was a member of the committees on Commerce and Tourism, Appropriations, and Energy. On the Appropriations Committee, he served as minority vice chair of the Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environmental Quality and as a member of the subcommittees on Joint Capital Outlay and Health and Human Services. During his tenure, Representative Cherry took an interest in a number of policies to improve the lives of Michiganders, as he championed legislation on the environment and recreation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable John Cherry for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Cherry as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 378.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Cara Clemente.
Whereas, We offer this tribute to Representative Cara Clemente who has commendably served this chamber as Representative of her lifelong home, the Fourteenth District. Since assuming her office in 2017, Representative Clemente has honorably performed her duties not only on behalf of her constituents in the cities of Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Riverview, and Wyandotte, but to all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Representative Clemente holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on reading, both from Eastern Michigan University. Representative Clemente also brought a long history of service to her surrounding community before her election to this chamber. For a decade, Representative Clemente worked as a schoolteacher, then as an academic development coordinator for schools in the district she would later serve. She also engaged with her community through management of Clemente’s Restaurant and Bowling Alley, serving patrons just as dutifully as she would later serve constituents. Representative Clemente is also a devoted wife to her husband, Paul, and mother to her three children, Joseph, Nathan, and Emma; and
Whereas, Representative Clemente’s record of service in this chamber is reflective of her commitment to the betterment of the state. She served as the minority vice chair of the Financial Services Committee as well as a member of both the Health Policy and Transportation committees. Her dedicated service on these committees is indicative of Representative Clemente’s involvement and leadership in this chamber. During her tenure, Representative Clemente introduced a wide array of legislation intended to provide funding for victims of domestic violence, expand educational opportunities for students across the state, and even reform how financial institutions operate in Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Cara Clemente for her contributions to this chamber and the State of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Clemente as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 379.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable TC Clements.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative TC Clements for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Fifty-sixth District. Throughout his tenure in the House, Representative Clements’ hard work has benefited not only the people of Monroe County, but all of Michigan’s constituents; and
Whereas, Representative Clements joined
the Legislature in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in law
enforcement and business. He holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts from
Polk State College and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from
Flagler College. Before joining the Legislature, Representative Clements
applied his expertise through his work as the Deputy Chief of Police in Eliot,
Maine, and as a small business owner. He served his community as a Bedford
Township Trustee, where he chaired the Law Enforcement Exploratory Committee
and acted as a liaison for the township’s Park Commission. He is also a
dedicated husband and proud father of three children; and
Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2020, Representative Clements has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the Fifty-sixth District. He served with distinction as the vice chair of the Rules and Competitiveness Committee and was also a member of the House committees on Insurance, Judiciary, and Regulatory Reform. Representative Clements proudly fought to protect the hard-working people of Michigan by supporting legislation that offered the largest debt reduction in state history, which was signed into law. His dedication and integrity stand as clear examples of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable TC Clements for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative TC Clements as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as he leaves this legislative body.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 380.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable John Damoose.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative John Damoose for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the One Hundred-seventh District. Throughout his tenure in the House, Representative Damoose’s hard work has benefited not only the people in the counties of Mackinac, Emmet, Chippewa, and parts of Cheboygan, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Prior to joining the Legislature, Representative Damoose showed a deep commitment to his faith and this nation. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan, he worked in television production at the Christian Broadcasting Network, where he worked on a television program and wrote and produced a documentary. Additionally, Representative Damoose, along with his father, founded 45 North Productions, where he was involved in co-authoring and producing nine national television specials on topics such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Medal of Honor, and military families. Representative Damoose is also a dedicated husband to his wife, Margo, and father to four children; and
Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2020, Representative Damoose has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the One Hundred-seventh District. He served with distinction as the vice chair of the Communications and Technology Committee. Representative Damoose also served as a member of the House committees on Education, Regulatory Reform, and Rules and Competitiveness. Representative Damoose’s dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable John Damoose for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative John Damoose as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as he leaves this legislative body.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 381.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Gary Eisen.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we honor Representative Gary Eisen as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served his constituents in the Eighty-first District, as well as all of Michigan’s citizens, with tenacity and assertiveness; and
Whereas, Representative Eisen is a
lifelong resident of Michigan. Born in Saint Clair, he graduated from Saint
Clair High School, attended Saint Clair Community College, and earned a Welding
Technology Degree from Winona Technical Institution. Representative Eisen has
shown impressive knowledge and service as the owner of Eisen Inc., a welding
and fabrication business, for 46 years. Representative Eisen is also a lifelong
outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He is a dedicated Patriot Life
member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the National Shooting
Sports Foundation, and a member of the United States Practical Shooters
Association. He serves as a concealed pistol license instructor. He is a
seventh degree black belt and is a seven-time National Champion in martial
arts. Representative Eisen is the devoted husband of Annie and loving father to
two children, Bethany and Zachary; and
Whereas, Representative Eisen was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018. He has served dutifully as the vice chair of the Transportation Committee and as a member of the committees on Agriculture; Local Government and Local Municipal Finance; Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation; Workforce, Trades, and Talent; and Military, Veterans and Homeland Security. Representative Eisen is proud of his honest and straightforward approach to policy issues and has championed legislation to improve outdoor recreation, allowing more Michiganders to enjoy the state’s beautiful resources. Of note, he is especially proud to be the House of Representatives and Staff Cornhole Champion for two years; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Gary Eisen for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Eisen as a token of our appreciation and sign of our sincere best wishes for the future.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 382.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jim Ellison.
Whereas, It is truly a privilege to honor Representative Jim Ellison for his six years of service in the Michigan House of Representatives. We commend him for his dedication to the Twenty-sixth District and his long history of service to the people of Royal Oak and Madison Heights, and for his contributions to this great state; and
Whereas, Before his election to the Legislature in 2016, Representative Ellison had a venerable career in local government. For the City of Royal Oak, he served as a city commissioner for four years and then as mayor for thirteen years. Representative Ellison also worked for the Royal Oak Planning Commission, including as its chairman. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise Liaison and President of the Royal Oak Housing Commission. Throughout his career, Representative Ellison has nurtured a large and loving family, with eight children and sixteen grandchildren, many of whom live in southeastern Michigan; and
Whereas, As a member of the House, Representative Ellison drew on his skills as a local leader to bring positive change to the whole of Michigan. His expertise was recognized by his appointment as minority vice chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. Throughout his tenure, he also served as a member of the committees on Families, Children, and Seniors; Health Policy; Tax Policy; and Local Government. Representative Ellison successfully sponsored bills in legislative packages that simplified taxes in order to help small businesses and protected estates from probate abuse; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jim Ellison for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Ellison as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 383.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Diana Farrington.
Whereas, It is with great appreciation for her hard work and dedication to the Michigan House of Representatives and the citizens of the Thirtieth District that we commend Representative Diana Farrington upon the completion of her services as a member of this chamber. In these six years, her passion and commitment to improving the lives of Michiganders have benefited not only the constituents in her district, but the whole of our state’s citizenry; and
Whereas, Representative Farrington joined the Legislature in 2017, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from the private sector. Representative Farrington graduated from Utica High School and studied at Macomb Community College and Oakland University, before becoming a mortgage auditor and starting her own entrepreneurial ventures. Representative Farrington resides in Utica with her husband, former Michigan State Representative Jeff Farrington, is the proud mother of two sons, and is a loving grandmother; and
Whereas, Representative Farrington has worked diligently to address the economic and financial needs of Michiganders. As a testament to her outstanding leadership, Representative Farrington received the 2022 Economic Impact Award from the Michigan Bankers Association. Representative Farrington served as chair of the Financial Services Committee since 2017, and also served on the committees for Energy Policy; Families, Children, and Seniors; Health Policy; Judiciary; Regulatory Reform; Tax Policy; Commerce and Tourism; and Workforce, Trades and Talent. Her dedication to Michigan’s youth was evident through her legislation that reformed financial education in the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Diana Farrington for her service and contributions to this legislative body; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Farrington as evidence of our esteem and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 384.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Alex Garza.
Whereas, It is with distinct pleasure that we take this time to honor Representative Alex Garza as his tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has been an honest and passionate leader for his constituents in the Twelfth District, which includes the cities of Taylor and Romulus and part of Van Buren Township; and
Whereas, As a lifelong resident of Michigan, Representative Garza has an innate and clear passion for serving Michiganders. He earned an associate’s degree in business management from Baker College before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Representative Garza became the youngest and first person of color elected to a local office in Taylor, Michigan when he was elected to the Taylor City Council in 2013. As a testament to his success, he was re-elected to City Council in 2017 and become the City Council Chairman. Adding to his expertise in local government, Representative Garza also developed knowledge of the Legislature as a legislative aide for the Detroit City Council and as the Director of Constituent Relations for former Representative Stephanie Chang. Representative Garza has also served his community through his work as a member of the Taylor Rotary Club and Taylor Goodfellows; and
Whereas, Representative Garza was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018, becoming the youngest Latino ever elected to this legislative body. He has served dutifully on the Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance and the Committee on Regulatory Reform, and he was minority vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He displayed commendable leadership skills as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. Representative Garza worked tirelessly on legislation to improve the lives of all Michiganders, and did so by collaborating in a bipartisan manner on many occasions; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Alex Garza for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Garza as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 385.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Annette Glenn.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Annette Glenn for her work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, her constituents in the Ninety-eighth District. Throughout her tenure in the House, Representative Glenn’s hard work has benefited not only the people in Bay and Midland counties, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Prior to joining the Legislature,
Representative Glenn showed a deep commitment to public service. She holds a
bachelor’s degree in public administration from Boise State University. She
served in multiple legislative offices at both a state and federal level,
including as a former Congressional staff member in the United States House of
Representatives. Representative Glenn also managed campaigns for the state
Supreme Court, Lieutenant Governor, and the state House and Senate.
Representative Glenn served her community as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of
America and as treasurer for the Midland Fleet Feet track team, the Midland
Flames basketball team, and the Kairos Debate Club. She is or has been a member
of the Auburn Lions Club; American Legion Auxiliary, Midland and Bay City post;
and of the Midland, Pinconning-Linwood, and Sanford Chambers of Commerce; while
also being an associate member of the Midland Blue Star Mothers chapter.
Representative Glenn is also a dedicated wife, proud mother of five children,
and grandmother to nine grandchildren; and
Whereas, Since her election to the House of Representatives in 2018, Representative Glenn has demonstrated a deep and tireless commitment to improving the lives of her constituents in the Ninety-eighth District. She has served in a position of political and community leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the region’s history, as her constituents in Midland and Sanford suffered the effects of both the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the evacuation of over 11,000 individuals during the catastrophic flooding that followed the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams. Representative Glenn was also nominated for House Member of the Year by the Michigan Information and News Service in recognition of her efforts during the flood recovery, including hand-delivering to Vice President Mike Pence an appeal for a federal disaster declaration for her flood-ravaged communities; and
Whereas, Representative Glenn served with distinction as the chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police. She also served as the vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality, and School Aid and Department of Education. Representative Glenn also served as a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. She also crafted several new state laws that include advocating for parental rights in schools and improving services for military veterans. Representative Glenn’s dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of hard work, public service, and strong leadership; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Annette Glenn for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Glenn as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 386.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Beth Griffin.
Whereas, It is with distinct pleasure that we honor Representative Beth Griffin as her time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. She served her constituents in the Sixty-sixth District, as well as all Michigan citizens, with passion and dedication; and
Whereas, Representative Griffin is a resident of Mattawan and the mother to two children, Hannah and Joey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne University and a master’s degree in education and English from Old Dominion University. Representative Griffin has served her community impressively. She worked as a special education teacher and was the chair of the Area Agency on Aging, Region IV. Representative Griffin has served as a board member for the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, as a member of the Van Buren County drug treatment and mental health specialty courts, as a precinct delegate, and as a member of countless other organizations dedicated to the betterment of Michigan; and
Whereas, Representative Griffin was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. During her time, she provided leadership as the chair of the Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee and as the vice chair on the Communications and Technology Committee. Representative Griffin also served with distinction as a member of the House committees on Education Reform, Energy Policy, Regulatory Reform, Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Transportation. She has been an advocate for Michigan’s children and has championed legislation that would better prepare them for their futures; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Beth Griffin for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Griffin as evidence of our appreciation and well wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 387.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Roger Hauck.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we thank Representative Roger Hauck as his tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Hauck for his work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Ninety-ninth District; and
Whereas, Representative Hauck was born and raised on a dairy farm in Beal City, graduated from Beal City High School, and attended Central Michigan University. Before joining the Michigan House of Representatives, Representative Hauck worked for the Delfield Company for 24 years and served as a trustee for Union Township. Representative Hauck continues to be active in his community as a small business owner, a member of the Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart Parish, and the Eagles Club. Representative Hauck is a dedicated husband to his wife and a loving father to his two children; and
Whereas, Since his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Hauck has served the citizens of the Ninety-ninth District with great integrity. As a member of the House, he has tackled issues of importance to his constituents, such as the Beal City sewer project and legislation to end surprise medical billing. Representative Hauck chaired the Regulatory Reform Committee and served as vice chair of the Energy Policy Committee. He also served with distinction on the committees for Health Policy, Local Government, Ways and Means, Communications and Technology, and Government Operations. Representative Hauck’s efforts in the House stand as a testament to his dedication, character, and leadership; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Roger Hauck for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to the people of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Hauck as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 388.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Kevin Hertel.
Whereas, We take this opportunity to recognize the Honorable Kevin Hertel’s dedicated service to this chamber as the Representative for the Eighteenth District. Since stepping into his role in this chamber in 2017, Representative Hertel has served not only his constituents in Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and Grosse Pointe Shores commendably, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Representative Hertel’s demonstrated commitment to his community was reflected well during his service in this chamber. While studying political science at Michigan State University, Representative Hertel, alongside students from each of Michigan’s 15 public universities, spearheaded efforts to advocate for an increase in higher education funding. Before taking office, Representative Hertel was also employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, working as a legislative analyst and later as special assistant to the office of the president. Additionally, Representative Hertel served his community as a board member of the Macomb County Care House, a volunteer at the Macomb County Special Olympics, and a dedicated member of the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee. Representative Hertel is also the devoted husband to his wife, Ann, and loving father to their sons, William and Benjamin; and
Whereas, Representative Hertel’s legislative record stands as a testament to his dedication to this state and the citizenry of the Eighteenth District. Representative Hertel served with distinction as the minority vice chair of both the Oversight and Regulatory Reform committees. Representative Hertel was also a dedicated member of the committees on Rules and Competitiveness, Ways and Means, Communications and Technology, and Health Policy. During the three terms he spent as a member of this legislative body, Representative Hertel sponsored a variety of legislative efforts, including, among others, modifying Michigan’s Child Protection Law, allowing chiropractors to form their own professional corporations and LLCs, and amending the Bingo Act; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute in gratitude to the Honorable Kevin Hertel for his commendable service to this chamber and the State of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Hertel as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 389.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable
Michele Hoitenga.
Whereas, It is a great honor to recognize Representative Michele Hoitenga as her time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. She has served her constituents in the One Hundred-second District, as well as all of Michigan’s citizens, with honesty and dedication; and
Whereas, Representative Hoitenga is a lifelong resident of Michigan, which has instilled in her a great passion for the betterment of the state. A degree in human services helped her become the co-owner of PhD Consulting, an oil and gas consulting business, with her husband, Philip. The rapport Representative Hoitenga has built within her community led to her election as Mayor of the City of Manton from 2013 to 2016. She also served tirelessly as a commissioner for the Wexford County Planning Board, vice chair for the Wexford County Republican Party, and treasurer and president of the Manton Chamber of Commerce. Representative Hoitenga is a mother of two sons and considers herself a proud military mom; and
Whereas, Representative Hoitenga was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. She has served as the chair of the Communications and Technology Committee and as the vice chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee. Throughout her tenure, Representative Hoitenga was a member of the committees on Energy; Oversight; Families, Children, and Seniors; Insurance; and Military and Veterans Affairs. Representative Hoitenga is dedicated to improving public safety, as evidenced by her sponsorship of legislation on weapons, crimes, and children; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Michele Hoitenga for her notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Hoitenga as evidence of our gratitude and well wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 390.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Gary Howell.
Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Gary Howell for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Eighty-second District. Throughout his tenure in the House, Representative Howell’s hard work has benefited not only the people of Lapeer County, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, A lifelong farmer, United States Army veteran, and distinguished attorney, Representative Howell’s life experiences have made him a true representative of Michiganders. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from Michigan State University and a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. In his career, Representative Howell showed his devotion to public service and his community as a municipal attorney, chairman of the Lapeer County Road Commission, president of the Lapeer County Bar Association, and president of the Lapeer County Intermediate Board of Education and North Branch School Board. He is also a dedicated husband, proud father of three children, and grandfather of six grandchildren; and
Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives on March 8, 2016, Representative Howell drew on his personal experiences to become an advocate for the hardworking people of the Eighty-second District. He served with distinction as the chair of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee for six years and was also a member of the House committees on Agriculture; Local Government and Municipal Finance; Transportation and Infrastructure; Judiciary; and Workforce, Trades, and Talent. His dedication and integrity stand as clear examples of what it takes to be a successful public servant and strong leader; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Gary Howell for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Gary Howell as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes as he leaves this legislative body.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 391.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable
Cynthia Johnson.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we thank the Honorable Cynthia A. Johnson as her tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Johnson for her work on behalf of the people of the State of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Fifth District; and
Whereas, As a lifelong Detroiter, Representative Johnson served her district with tenacity. Representative Johnson holds an associate’s degree in general studies from Wayne County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Walsh College. Prior to joining the Legislature, Representative Johnson served admirably as a corrections officer and probation and parole agent with the Michigan Department of Corrections. As a tireless advocate for social justice, education, and the city of Detroit, Representative Johnson hosts her own radio show “StandUp Now with Cynthia A. Johnson”, highlighting causes too often overlooked; and
Whereas, Since joining the Michigan House of Representatives in 2019, Representative Johnson has served the citizens of the Fifth District with passion. Representative Johnson served as minority vice chair of the Oversight Committee and the Appropriations subcommittee for Judiciary. She also served as a member of the committees on Agriculture; Families, Children and Seniors; and the Appropriations subcommittees on Agriculture and Rural Development/Natural Resources; and Corrections. Representative Johnson’s efforts in the House of Representatives and her indefatigable crusade for social justice stand as a testament to her dedication to this state and the citizenry of the Fifth District; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Cynthia A. Johnson for her notable contributions to this legislative body and the people of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Johnson as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes for her future endeavors.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 392.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Steve Johnson.
Whereas, We take this opportunity to recognize the Honorable Steve Johnson’s commendable service to this chamber as the Representative for the Seventy-second District, of which he is a lifelong resident. Since assuming office in 2017, Representative Johnson has honorably served not only his constituents in the cities of Wayland and Kentwood and the townships of Gaines, Dorr, Leighton, and Wayland, but citizens across our great state; and
Whereas, Representative Johnson brought to this chamber both educational expertise and a demonstrated commitment to public service. Representative Johnson attained an associate degree in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force and earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University. Before assuming office, Representative Johnson valiantly served his country in the United States Air Force as a staff sergeant and, during his service, was responsible for leading a team of airmen to perform maintenance on our nation’s nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile weapon systems. Representative Johnson has served as a member of both Project HOPE and Christian Neighbors, respectively, two charitable volunteer organizations aimed at providing support for disadvantaged citizens in their communities, and has dutifully served his community as a deacon at Wayland Christian Reformed Church. Representative Johnson is also the devoted husband to his wife, Alissa; and
Whereas, Representative Johnson’s record in the legislature stands as a testament to his commitment to serving our state. Representative Johnson served as the chair of the Oversight Committee as well as the vice chair of both the Communications and Technology Committee and the Appropriations subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges. He also served with distinction as a member of the committees on Elections & Ethics, Judiciary, Tax Policy, Energy Policy, and Military and Veterans Affairs. During his terms, Representative Johnson sponsored legislation to allow Michiganians two-year-long vehicle registration renewal cycles, prohibit state agencies to circumvent FOIA requirements through messaging applications, and modify personal property tax exemptions. Representative Johnson has been a champion of individual liberties, with his proudest accomplishments being leading legislative investigations into undercounting of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic and fighting against corporate nepotism; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives,
That we offer this expression of tribute in gratitude to the Honorable Steve
Johnson for his commendable service to this chamber and the State of Michigan;
and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Johnson as evidence of our sincere gratitude and best wishes.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 397.
A resolution of tribute to for the Honorable Jewell Jones.
Whereas, We offer this tribute in honor of the commendable service of Representative Jewell Jones as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. Representative Jones has honorably performed his duties not only on behalf of his constituents in the Eleventh District, but for all of Michigan’s citizens; and
Whereas, Representative Jones was born to Lyndon Jones and Octavia Smith in Wayne, Michigan. Despite growing up everywhere throughout his life, he considers Inkster, Michigan, where he currently resides, his home. He attends the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he studies political science and business. Representative Jones is a member of the National Guard, Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the Black Student Union, and the Student Veteran Association. Prior to joining the Michigan Legislature, Representative Jones was elected to the Inkster City Council, to which he provided a fresh and unique perspective. He has also served his community in a variety of capacities such as co-founding the DuBois Club, partnering with Enjoy Detroit, and working with Our Own Wall Street, among a long list of impressive leadership roles with other organizations. Representative Jones is most proud of his Ethiopian-Israelite heritage and his role as a son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, a cool uncle, and a dog dad; and
Whereas, Representative Jones was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016, bringing vibrancy and passion. He provided leadership as the minority vice chair of the Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security Committee and served as a member of the committees on Regulatory Reform and Communications and Technology. He is deeply passionate about justice reform and is a staunch advocate for reducing mass incarceration; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jewell Jones for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Jones as a token of our appreciation for his service and our best wishes in his future pursuits of peace and love.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 398.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jack O’Malley.
Whereas, It is with great appreciation for his hard work and dedication to the Michigan House of Representatives and the citizens of the One Hundred-first District that we commend Representative O’Malley upon the completion of his service as a member of this chamber; and
Whereas, Prior to joining the Legislature, Representative O’Malley hosted the morning radio show on WTCM FM, where his familiar voice uplifted the country music community for almost 40 years. Representative O’Malley attended Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University, and is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Broadcast Media. He is involved with his local community, where he is active in the areas of veteran affairs, corrections, law enforcement, and fire departments. Representative O’Malley has served as a volunteer with Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan and Hospice of Michigan. Representative O’Malley is a dedicated husband to his wife, Robin, and a loving father to their two daughters and one son; and
Whereas, Since joining the Legislature in
2019, Representative O’Malley has served the citizens of the One Hundred-first
District with passion. As a member of the House of Representatives, he tackled
important issues surrounding childcare in this state. Representative O’Malley
was also able to use his broadcasting background to help constituents through
the pandemic using his on-the-air updates via Facebook Live. During his time
with the Legislature, Representative O’Malley served with distinction as the
chair of the Transportation Committee, and served as a member of the committees
on Education, Energy, Tax Policy, Financial Services, and Oversight.
Representative O’Malley’s efforts in the House stand as a testament to his
dedication to the people of Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jack O’Malley for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to the people of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative O’Malley as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 399.
A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Scott VanSingel.
Whereas, It is with our deepest gratitude that we recognize Representative Scott VanSingel as his tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He served his constituents in the One Hundredth District with tenacity; and
Whereas, As a fifth-generation resident of Newaygo County, Representative VanSingel is passionate about the well-being of Michigan and its residents. Representative VanSingel graduated from Grant High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University with majors in Finance and Accounting. He also earned a master’s degree in business from Cornerstone University. He applied his wealth of knowledge while working for one of the world’s largest accounting firms, and has since started a successful rental real estate company. He is an active member of his community, serving as a Deacon at Grant Reformed Church, as Treasurer of the Newaygo County Republican Party, and as a member in a number of conservation groups and volunteer activities. Representative VanSingel is an avid conservationist and enjoys Michigan’s great outdoors as a fisherman and hunter; and
Whereas, Representative VanSingel was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. During his time, he served on the Appropriations subcommittees of Corrections, Natural Resources, Joint Capital Outlay, Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police, School Aid and Department of Education, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services, and Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. He also served tirelessly as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Higher Education and Community Colleges, and Transportation. Representative VanSingel served as vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on Environmental Quality; and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Representative VanSingel has shown great dedication to the safety of Michiganders, as evidenced by his work on legislation related to traffic control, crimes, and health; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Scott VanSingel for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative VanSingel as evidence of our gratitude for his service and to offer well wishes for his future.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Notices
The Speaker on the part of the House of Representatives for Senate Bill No. 831, appointed Rep. Whiteford to replace Rep. VanWoerkom as conferee.
The Speaker on the part of the House of Representatives for Senate Bill No. 831, appointed Rep. VanWoerkom to replace Rep. Albert as conferee.
Announcements by the Clerk
December 2, 2022
Received from the Auditor General a copy of the:
· Follow-up report of the Enterprise Data Warehouse, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (071-0520-14F), December, 2022
Gary L. Randall
Clerk
of the House
Rep. Neeley moved that the House adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 5:35 p.m.
The Speaker Pro Tempore declared the House adjourned until Wednesday, December 7, at 10:00 a.m.
GARY L. RANDALL
Clerk of the House of Representatives