No. 86

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

JOURNAL

OF THE

House  of  Representatives

 

101st  Legislature

REGULAR  SESSION  OF  2022

 

 

 

House Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

 

10:00 a.m.

 

The House was called to order by Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Lightner.

 

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—present

Bollin—present              Griffin—present           Meerman—present        Stone—excused

Borton—present             Haadsma—present        Mekoski—e/d/s            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—excused            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. Yousef Rabhi, from the 53rd District, offered the following invocation:

 

“We stand together on this day, humbled by the task that rests before us. We stand in respectful acknowledgement of the civic duty that has been placed in our hands.

Let us always remember in our work the supreme power of the people enshrined in our state constitution, which states that ‘All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security and protection.’

Our task is to uphold that will and that will alone.

May we be granted the strength to overcome the temptations that seek to distance us from this foundational principle.

In that spirit, let us also remember Section 2 of our state constitution, which states that ‘No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil or political rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of religion, race, color or national origin.’

May we find, in these troubling times, the courage to tear down the walls of division that seek to impose themselves among us and tear our nation asunder. For the true test of our resolve shall be in our ability to hold fast to that which unites us and to cast our differences aside for the greater good.

Yet, in so doing so, let us also have the moral fortitude to acknowledge when we have been wrong. No matter how painful it may be, we must have the clarity to confront the deep injustices in our state and nation.

Let the light of our republic shine brightly enough to illuminate our past and present offences so that they may enlighten a future that upholds our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Let us remember that the strength of our union rests in the unwavering belief in the goodness of our fellow Americans. With that goodness in our hearts, there is no force foreign or domestic that can demolish our democracy nor derail our nation’s great path to freedom.

Today, as we conduct the business of the people, let us be guided by these 6 words that shall forever be the guiding light of our great nation:

‘With liberty and justice for all’.

Thank you.”

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Frederick moved that Reps. Brenda Carter, Hood, Scott, Stone, Yancey and Young be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Frederick moved that House Committees be given leave to meet during the balance of today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker assumed the Chair.

 

 

Motions and Resolutions

 

 

The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 400.

A resolution of tribute for Gary L. Randall.

Whereas, It is with great appreciation that the members of this legislative body take this moment to honor Gary L. Randall as he retires from his position of Clerk of the House of Representatives. His steadfast devotion to this institution, his calm and measured approach, and his respect for tradition while embracing the future have set the highest standards of excellence for his successors; and

Whereas, Gary Randall earned his position of leadership in our state as the result of his lifetime commitment to hard work and public service. Son of Clifton and Elsie Randall, he was raised in the city of Ithaca. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1970 and his master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1972. He married his wife, Brenda, in 1973 and is the father of two children, Clifton and Amy, and the proud grandfather to Eli, Charlie, and Molly; and

Whereas, Gary Randall began his professional career as program director at WFYC Radio in Alma. He later moved to WCMU TV/WCML TV in Mount Pleasant to become the director of public affairs and served in that role from 1970 to 1979. His work exemplified his ability to lead and connect with others, skills which he would bring with him to the Legislature; and

Whereas, Gary Randall was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, and served for 18 years. He excelled in serving his constituents in Montcalm, Clinton, Clare, Isabella, and Gratiot counties throughout his tenure as a legislator. As a member of the House of Representatives, he served as the assistant Republican leader; chaired committees on business and finance, commerce, and joint capital outlay; was a vice chair for the committees on public utilities and social services and youth; and was a member of the committees on agriculture, finance, education, administrative rules, conservation, environment and Great Lakes, legislative retirement, capitol restoration, and the legislative council; and

Whereas, Gary Randall remains committed to the betterment of the state of Michigan. He served loyally as Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives from 1997 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2010, and served as Clerk of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2006 and again since 2011. Throughout his time in this role, his legislative expertise and knowledge have been an invaluable asset to this legislative body. He was also chair of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, which was formed in 2014 to preserve, operate, manage, and maintain the Capitol and Capitol Square. As chair, he oversaw four projects in 2015 and 2016 to renew and restore the capitol building and its surrounding grounds. In 2019, he oversaw the approval and construction of Heritage Hall, a magnificent welcome center for the Michigan Capitol building that will enhance the visitor experience for years to come. Today, Heritage Hall serves as a reminder of the selfless efforts made under his leadership; and

Whereas, His love of giving back to his community expanded beyond his work in the Legislature. Mr. Randall served as a member of the Education Broadcast Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Lions Club, Jaycees, the Elks, and Sigma Delta Chi. He was also on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees. His great care and concern for others motivated him to give many, many hours of his time as a mentor and counselor to countless people on both professional and personal matters. We are proud to say that the state of Michigan is better because of his devotion; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we honor Gary L. Randall for his 44 years of distinguished service to this legislative body and wish him well in his future endeavors; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Gary L. Randall as a token of our appreciation and respect.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Messages from the Senate

 

 

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 37.

A concurrent resolution offered as a memorial for Vincent Gregory, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate.

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned about the passing of Vincent Gregory. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader who was committed to his constituents in Oakland county in the Eleventh and Fourteenth Senate districts, and the Thirty-fifth House District; and

Whereas, Vincent Gregory was born in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Dundee High School and went on to serve in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, earning the rank of Corporal. After his service in the Marine Corps, Vincent Gregory built a career in law enforcement with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years, achieving the ranks of corporal and detective. He was also elected as vice president, and later president, of Wayne County Sheriff’s Local 502 Service Employees International Union, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. In 1998, Vincent Gregory won a special election for the Oakland County Commissioner of the Twenty-first District and held that position for 10 years. As Commissioner, Vincent Gregory served as the vice chair of the Airport Committee and Democratic Commission Caucus, the minority vice chair of the Finance and Personnel committees, and a member of the committees on General Government, Public Service, Planning and Building, and Parks and Recreation. In 2007, he accomplished a long-time goal to finish his education by completing the Return to Work Program at Madonna University, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice; and

Whereas, Vincent Gregory was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008, where he served one term. During his time in the House, he served as associate whip. Also, he served on the Appropriations Committee, including serving as vice chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee and serving on the subcommittees of Community Health; Human Services; and Investigations, Intergovernmental Affairs and Oversight. Vincent Gregory was then elected to the Senate where he served as vice chair of the committees on Families, Seniors and Human Services; and the Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security, and minority vice chair of the Appropriations Committee and Appropriations subcommittees on Community Health, Department of Human Services, State Police and Military Affairs, Capital Outlay, Corrections, and Oversight. Vincent Gregory was also a member of the Michigan Law Review Commission, the Legislative Retirement Board of Trustees, and the Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors. Because of his hard work and dedication to serving others, Vincent Gregory’s colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus elected him to serve as assistant minority caucus chair. During his tenure, his extensive experience with law enforcement, local government, and labor issues, as well as his military background, proved to be valuable assets to the Legislature. He dedicated a lifetime of service to the public, and as a member of the Michigan Legislature, worked to advance the concerns of veterans and vulnerable populations around the state. Bipartisan relationships were important to him, and he partnered with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand Medicaid, invest in infrastructure improvements, and provide important services to victims of human trafficking. Improving the quality of lives of Michigan’s citizens was his priority. His colleagues remember him as a kind, generous, and dedicated public servant. After retiring from public office, he remained dedicated to the people of Michigan by serving on the Judson Center’s board of directors and assisting, mentoring, and supporting candidates in their pursuit for political office. Vincent Gregory was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State Officers Compensation Commission; and

Whereas, Vincent Gregory is survived by his wife of 44 years, Yvonne, with whom he raised six children in the greater Detroit area. His family described him as a man of great integrity, optimism, strength, generosity, compassion, dedication, and an authentic man of faith; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Vincent Gregory, a member of the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2010 and the Senate from 2011 to 2018; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Gregory family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.

The Senate has adopted the concurrent resolution.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted by unanimous standing vote.

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker called Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Lightner to the Chair.

 

 

Comments and Recommendations

 

 

Rep. Frederick moved that the following remarks be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Rep. Jones:

“I Rise, today, to Give Honor to the Holy Father, the King of All Israel.

When I think about me arriving to this point in life, I must echo the words of the Notorious B.I.G.: ‘It was all a dream…’. Not really though. I tell people all the time that I had always wanted to be a spy, but for some reason I ended up campaigning for City Council. Now I can neither confirm nor deny if I was a spy or not, because you know what they say – if I tell you, I have to kill you. And I love you all too much to go that route.

And although my life took a completely different route, I am thoroughly thankful for all of the experiences I’ve had, and people I’ve met along the way.

Years ago, my parents, and others, use to drag me around in the community, volunteering with companies and organizations like the Black Caucus Foundation ran by the Formidable Stallworth family, and various places in the world with our church, The Spiritual Israel Church & Its Army.

Running for City Council in 2015 seemed like a random occurrence, but looking back on some of those times, I can now see the process that tailored me into the man I am today. And by being open to the thoughts and ideas of others, and stepping out on faith, led me to the Legislature.

It’s been a phenomenal time. Not only have I had the honor and privilege of being ‘The State Rep’, but I’ve been blessed to be an example to soOo many of what’s possible. Sure, I’ve had some interesting situations and circumstances in my life, but what is life without a little disruption. Disruption is what allows us to grow and develop if we are willing to be a student of life.

There is so much that I can say about my work here and abroad, but I will continue to write my story in real time, every single day. And stay tuned because there is so much on the way.

Likewise, there is so much I can say about many of you, but I don’t want to get us in trouble, after we’ve made it this far. Just kidding – you all are awesome.

I thank the Great and Almighty God of Israel for His Infinite Wisdom and Divine Intervention in all of my affairs. And because I realize that our Supreme God works through bodies, I thank all of my supporters, friends, family, and even those who may think they are my enemies. You all have played an integral role in my life.

I’ll end with this: It’s been real. It’s been fun. But it hasn’t been real fun.

Peace and Love, and as always #HOLLA.

Notable Mentions: ALL STAFF/INTERNS, Late Great Isaac, Tommy, Jason, Ken Cole, Ty Sanders, Berton Brown, Kevin Coleman, Karen Whitsett, Ty Carter, Joe Tate, Tim Sneller, Carpenters, Sergeants, Pages, Clerks, Lobbyists, Precinct Delegates, Toni, Carl, Willie Gunn, Q, Late Great Julie, David K., Incoming Reps: Jimmie Wilson and Donavan McKinney, etc.”

 

 

Rep. Kahle:

“Public service is important, and we each do our part as we live our lives. Whether raising our family, service through our jobs, volunteering, or in our church, the citizens of Lenawee County and all of Michigan are serving in individual ways to better our community and be a blessing to others. It has been my great privilege to serve and do my part as Michigan’s 57th District state representative for the past six years.

As we know, elected office is about the people choosing a fellow citizen to represent the community and I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented the people of Lenawee County in the Michigan House of Representatives for the past six years. I stepped into the arena because I believe the people of Lenawee County deserve a strong, honest voice in the state legislature to promote economic opportunity, represent our values, and advance solutions.

Throughout my tenure in the Michigan House, I have advanced policies to encourage a healthy economy and grow our Michigan jobs. Respect and dignity go with having a job and I believe everyone in Michigan should have that opportunity. A core Republican principle states both government and society should assist those who cannot provide for themselves and should help them become self-supporting, productive citizens with pride in their independence. Individual ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility are basic to good government and the free enterprise system, and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive are musts for a strong economy. I pray our state Legislature will continue to work to protect the freedom of each individual and not restrict it, as government should only get involved in those things which the people cannot do or cannot do so well for themselves. I have worked hard to respect and empower the people I serve and provide a hand-up--not a hand-out.

While balancing the budget and paying down debt, I have worked with my colleagues to focus more resources on our top priorities, including record funding for schools and classrooms, more dollars to fix our roads, revenue sharing for local governments, and supporting necessary resources for older adults, specifically home-delivered meal programs and in-home senior services. And all of this without raising taxes! Government must maintain sound money and responsible economy. The rights of life and liberty are meaningless if citizens are deprived of their property through excessive taxation, inflation, and government waste.

I have worked across the aisle and taken actions to protect the vulnerable in our Michigan communities. I passed legislation to fight child abuse and human trafficking and worked with colleagues to combat the drug addiction epidemic. I’ve supported family caregivers, anti-bullying efforts, individuals with disabilities, and Alzheimer’s awareness and support initiatives. I have fought for safer neighborhoods and communities by investing in law enforcement, supporting crime victims, and championing common-sense criminal justice reforms.

A very heart-felt thank you to the countless individuals that have supported, encouraged, prayed, and given of time, talent, and resources to make me—and our shared principles and values—successful. To the tremendous staff in the House and the dedicated volunteers at home—I say thank you. I could never do what I do without you. To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle—I also say thank you. Seeing firsthand, the variety of vast experiences, differing perspectives, and diversity of backgrounds of 110 different elected individuals, all working together to make Michigan a better place in one single room is dizzying. And awesome. And beautiful. I appreciate all those who work from a place of authenticity, civility, respect, and selflessness, even when our values and perspectives differ.

To the people of District 57: Lenawee County is a tremendous place with generous, hardworking, kind, and smart people, making a positive difference in individual families, businesses, churches, charities, schools, and each and everywhere else. You energize me and inspire me. I truly appreciate you and I am confident we will have the opportunity to continue working together to achieve results for the people of Lenawee County, making our community an even better place to live, work, and raise a family—now and forever.

To my children—Benjamin and your wife Savanna; Rebekah and your husband Ben—and to my beloved husband, Patrick, of 32 years: You have prayed for me, sacrificed for me, listened to me, encouraged me, stepped up to fill in when I’m absent, worked events and parades, and shown up to countless events without complaint. I love you and my most cherished titles are ‘mother’ and ‘wife’. Other than my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you are my life.

To my parents, Paula and Buddy Norris: You have made me what I am. You loved me unconditionally and invested in me as a child and young adult, building a solid, strong foundation for my life. You instilled in me the enduring values of honesty, respect, love for others, love for my country, and love for my God. Thank you.

Lastly, and most importantly, I thank my heavenly Father and Lord for loving me enough to suffer and die for me, so I can know true freedom, be made new, and hold the brightest future possible of eternal life with Him. Nothing else in all of life compares to knowing Jesus and there is no worldly success that matters without Him. ‘For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul’? (Mark 8:38). I know that apart from Him, I can do nothing, but through His strength, I can do all things. I thank my Lord and Savior for life, for family and friends, for the people I work with, and for the opportunity to use the talents He has given me to be a blessing to others.

In closing, my enduring prayer for the state of Michigan is that the Lord will grant us unity. The unity to help those in need, to find solutions to challenges facing our society, and to improve our culture so we honor what is good, the virtues of kindness; humility; hard work; and peace, love, and care for one another. I pray our government will cling to what is honest, right, true, and pure and forsake deception, manipulation, and selfish gain. I pray that all people across our great state will see the potential and dignity in every individual and each of us will be a positive influence in one another’s lives, so everyone can live their life to the fullest. May His light shine through His people unhindered and may God mercifully bless Lenawee County, the state of Michigan, and the greatest country on earth: the United States of America.”

 

 

Rep. Kuppa:

“Colleagues, constituents, staff, guests, and friends and family watching on House TV: Thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey.

What an honor it has been to represent House District 41. I have served the people of Troy and Clawson in this House of Representatives with the same passion and commitment to help the community thrive that I had since moving to Michigan nearly 25 years ago. While my legislative experience has been a rollercoaster, at once educational, exhilarating and enervating, my constituents are the impetus and the inspiration to continue to represent.

And boy, did I represent my purple district!

Who would have thought an immigrant like me, born in India, rooted in faith, raised to value quality public education and the environment, an engineer in the auto industry, a Michigander by choice, would be a state representative?

In my first week, I leaped over desks to cross the aisle and request absolute strangers - even someone with a hard-to-pronounce name like Leutheuser - to cosponsor my first bill: to protect vulnerable adults from online sexual predators. This term, it became a bipartisan package, and with the advocacy of the Hayes Family, I did everything I could to pursue Justice for Allie, especially energized by her mom Dawn. I continue to advocate for policy that is representative of the people I serve. From protecting the water in our Great Lakes and what comes out of our taps, or protecting bees and butterflies, I have been happy to remind everyone of the importance of our natural resources - especially on World Water Day.

When I came to the Capitol, I came with my automotive background and engineer’s drive to seek financial accountability and ensure that we fund our children’s education. It is THE reason that I came to Lansing - and the moral document known as our state budget has gotten so much better at providing for our public schools! But like Duke Ellington said, it’s never enough, never - until we fix our funding models for our schools and cities. Good luck to those who will continue the work on budgets and models that will drive Michigan forward.

Talking about driving Michigan forward…After more than a decade of being introduced every term, the policy known as the Drive SAFE bills were scheduled for a hearing in the Rules and Competitiveness Committee, since we finally got bipartisan support. I leave with the expectation that we will make Michigan more competitive and pass this much needed policy to strengthen our economy and ensure drivers licenses for all.

When I think of what drove me to represent, I think of the children in the district. When I went to classrooms in the district to read them books during March is Reading Month and share the life of a legislator, students would almost always ask me what I hated about my job. Funnily enough, my answer was always the same: driving to and from Lansing in the snow. I gripped my steering wheel so tightly during a snowstorm on the way home after the 2020 MLBC Black History Month event, worried if I would make it home safe. Who knew that I might feel worried about making it home safe a few months later (not because of driving in the snow)?

Who knew that when I came to represent the people of Troy and Clawson, that my reach and the expectations that people had of me, would be even broader? My office got calls from immigrants all over the state, looking for help with local, state and federal issues - serving as a reminder that representation matters. So did a 4th grader remind me, on a field trip to the Capitol, with her bindi, her braided hair and brown skin: after we finished on the House floor and took a group photo, she asked for my autograph. Nivi and all the children and educators I’ve met on this journey, thank you for making me feel so valued, so important.

Talking about importance: I am thrilled to say that the Indian American community has now gotten the hang of coming to the State Capitol for their annual Indian American Legislative Day, and that Governor Whitmer helped me make history, holding the first ever Diwali reception in her residence at my request in 2019.

Talking about requests, I’m so grateful to all the staff and interns on Team Kuppa, who fulfilled requests from constituents from UIA to I-75 - particularly Ashleigh Schoeninger, who started with me as an intern early on in my first term. Thank you for your dedication, your loyalty and your service.

Also in my first term, my seatmate gave me a task: to continue his echo for Justice for All during the Pledge of Allegiance. I hope that in the next term and beyond, our call, for justice for all, is answered.

In addition, I have a few more remarks for the record but not spoken on the House floor, since I took the 5 min. time limit seriously, unlike several of my colleagues. When you’re an Asian American, a woman and a minority within a minority, and especially a representative of a 50-50 district, you are taught to follow the rules, keep your head down, and push yourself to color within the lines.

I want to thank my friend, constituent and City of Troy Councilwoman Ann Erickson Gault for being here on the floor with me, and Sandeep, son of my college alumni and constituent Dwaraka Prasad Boppana, for watching from the gallery. Thank you to all the other constituents and supporters who have been there for me, including Matt Binkowski, John Kulesz, Hirak Chanda, Kelly Jones and State Rep. Elect Sharon MacDonell, who will come to work here in Lansing after I leave and serve most of Troy and the rest of the new House district 56.

For all that I have been able to do, as a state representative here in the State of Michigan, I most especially want to thank my family - the Tadepalli’s, the Kuppa’s, the Challa’s, and so many others in my extended family around these United States. Of course, it starts with my parents, Dr. Usha K. Srinivas and Dr. Srinivasa K. Sastry, who gave me an upbringing that made me more sensitive to the plight of those who are ‘otherized’ because we lived in both the Old World and the New World. I want to thank those in the Hindu community such as Nasy Sankagiri, Suril Patel, Lakshmi Vadlamudi and members of the Hindu Community Relations Council of Michigan; Chandru Acharya and his network of national Hindu leaders, my Hindu American Foundation colleagues Rishi Bhutada and Mihir Meghani and many others, for recognizing the importance of the glass ceilings we broke when I became a state legislator and the first Hindu and Asian American immigrant in the state legislature. So much gratitude is due to my friends in the interfaith community such as Steve Spreitzer, Rev. Bob Cornwall, Rev. Charlotte Sommers, Rev. Rich Peacock, Paula Drewek who helped me keep the faith amid the partisan divisiveness and reminded me that I was here to establish pluralism in our polarized political arena.

Thank you to the colleagues who heard me and truly saw me: Rep. Lori Stone, Rep. Rachel Hood, Rep. Julie Brixie, Rep. Ronnie Peterson, Rep. David LaGrand and Floor Leader Yousef Rabhi. For Stone-cold, I missed you today but you’ve been a seatmate to help me keep my sanity in this crazy place. Rep. Tenisha Yancey - I missed you too: your advice (and the card that reminds me that I am stronger than I know), will stay with me forever. Former Rep. Leslie Love, thanks for checking in even though you left because of term limits - I’ll always remember how you asked me daily ‘are you coming back?’ during my first term. and Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson - thank you for mentioning me in your remarks and acknowledging what others won’t about my time in the legislature. And my dear friend Sen. Stephanie Chang - you’ll continue to do great things; sorry I’m not going to be there to do them with you in the other chamber. Close but no cigar!

And finally to those three people I love so much: my husband Sudhakar Tadepalli, and our kids Shreekari and Shreyas. I know that I have allowed my commitment to public service to consume me for the last five years, not leaving much for you and for us. Know that I did so to create a more just and equitable society for you, for those who are on the margins, for our planet and for our future. Your support is what sustains me in my pursuit of dharma and has empowered me to be the best public servant I could be. Thank you.”

 

 

Rep. LaFave:

“Colleagues,

I wasn’t going to do a speech, but Speaker Wentworth and Fredrick told me that if I didn’t, nobody would know how I actually felt before I left town…

I owe a huge thank you to my staff, past and present:

Rep. Elect Joseph Aragona, Sam Olsen, Danielle Branz, Alex Dempsey, Brady Kenyon, Jake Sullivan, Mike Kryzaniak, Elliott Bunek, Tom McNamee, Grace Farley, and Deb Drick. I couldn’t have done it with you. I appreciate all the hard work and putting up with me - which I know can be difficult.

I also need to thank my mother and father, BJ and Joseph LaFave as well as my grandmother, Grandma Barb and my Grandpa Nort. I love you. Thank you for all your support.

This speech could have been 20 minutes, but Rep. Cambensy took most of the thank-you’s that I needed to say. As always, thank you Representative Cambensy. You saved us all time and I appreciate it.

What is a 30-year-old doing on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives saying goodbye to a job he loves because he has too much experience to continue? Term Limits…Aren’t those a bi….never mind!

So how did I get here?

Many of you know this, but many of you don’t. I was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan with significant medical complications. They airlifted me to Milwaukee Children’s Hospital where I spent the next six weeks in intensive neonatal care. They operated on me dozens of times to keep me alive. When I was six months old, they amputated my left leg. I now walk and run for office with the assistance of a prosthetic.

After graduating from Kingsford High School, I earned a degree in International Relations and Political Economy from Michigan State University. I then went to law school. I wanted to be a lawyer to fight for people that needed to be treated fairly under the law.

But, before I finished my degree, I realized there were individuals that needed someone to fight for them. They were the people of Dickinson, Delta, and Menominee Counties.

I went back home after my first year. I knocked on 10,000 doors. I was honored to be elected state representative even though my second favorite political party spent half a million dollars to keep me out of here! If you knock on 10,000 doors and you care about people, you can win.

Why did I do it?

The cost of car insurance was far too expensive for the people of my district. It was three times cheaper to move a mile across the border into Wisconsin. For my friends in Detroit, it was cheaper in the U.P. Although, we still have a huge problem in the cities, we were able to lower the cost of car insurance for the first time in 40 years. There’s more work to be done, but I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished.

Another big reason that I ran for office was that kids were fleeing the Upper Peninsula of Michigan because they didn’t think they could get a good paying job. They didn’t know companies were paying $20/hour down the road at Boss Snowplow, Systems, CCI, Engstrom Helicopter, or all the other good paying, blue-collar jobs that we had. I was able to get 30 pages of red tape cut down to three so our high school kids can now get a paid internship with high school credit.

What drives me?

I think the things that drive me most are bringing a voice to this government for the people that live 400‑500 miles away in the Upper Peninsula. Sometimes when you must be the voice of a constituency that lives that far away, you might need to be a little bit louder than others, a little louder than what most are used to or what most are comfortable with. If anybody was wondering why I am that way, that might be part of it. But more than that, it was my desire to make our world, and by extension our government, more equal – to create an equality of opportunity for all, an opportunity to succeed, and to have equality under the law.

I would like to leave a short bit of advice to the incoming politicians:

1.    Don’t be afraid of being called a politician. Everyone thinks that’s a dirty word. Embrace it. You are a politician. It’s not a bad word. Just be honest with the people.

2.    Be interested in your colleagues and the staff. Be interested in their stories and what matters to them.

3.    Be nice. Especially if you just recently destroyed their bill in an open committee hearing. To those of you on the receiving end of that, I apologize.

4.    Remember that you do not work for the Speaker of the House, the Minority leader, the lobbyists, your colleagues, or anyone else but your 90,000 constituents and most importantly your conscience.

5.    Bring back daily floor speeches in the House of Representatives and vote on floor amendments. For the betterment of the institution, do as the Senate does.

6.    Lastly, don’t be a rubber-stamp for the swaying, fleeting popular will of your 90,000 constituents. Nor are you to be a dictator. Instead, do monthly office hours. Listen to constituents’ concerns. Do not be paralyzed by public opinion. Greg, Sara, and Ed can all tell you stories of constituents back in my district who come up to me at the Upper Peninsula State Fair and say, ‘Representative, you’re no good and I don’t disagree with you, but I’ll be voting for you in November.’ I sometimes wonder why they still think I’m a good representative. I realize it’s because I explain in clear language where I’m coming from. Whether in monthly office hours or radio talk shows, if you talk honestly with the people you represent about why you voted the way you did, rather than let them speculate about it, they’ll usually let you get away with a lot.

7.    Don’t try to repeal the bottle deposit law…Thanks Joe Babe. Appreciate that one. I had to learn that one the hard way.

To the people of the 108th District who took a chance on a 24-year-old law school student, who knocked on their door, I say thank you. It was the absolute honor and privilege of a lifetime. In keeping with today’s theme set by my colleagues in their speeches with quotes from American generals, let me leave you with the words of Douglas MacArthur as he was ordered to abandon the Philippines to privations of a hostile army, ‘I shall return!’

Thank you, Madam Speaker.”

 

 

Rep. LaGrand:

“Madam Speaker,

Thanks for the opportunity to make a final speech.

I’d like to thank my family for supporting my time here, my staff for the same reason, and my community for sending me here.

I’m going to follow the rule of a good commencement speech: probably no one will remember what you said, and at best they’ll remember one thing. So I’m going to say one thing.

I spent all my three and a half sessions as a member of the minority party in both the House and the Senate. I have one parting piece of advice, for my Democratic colleagues entering into next session in the majority party in both chambers: be charitable, generous, and inclusive. There are important reasons to do so. Here are two.

People on my side of the fence, my Democratic friends, often express real devotion to the notion of diversity. We do not, always, emphasize intellectual and ideological diversity in that devotion as much as we ought. Shouting down, or otherwise silencing differing convictions is always a sign of weakness, and even an implicit admission of wrong. Truth does not need to fear disagreement. Debate can strengthen ideas, and aid in fleshing them out. Real robust and candid discussion of policy can allow weakness to be revealed prior to reliance, and sometimes most radically, debate can change one’s mind. No one has a monopoly on good ideas- not even us.

Second, remember that no majority lasts forever. Just ask Aric Nesbitt. Policies and procedures that one side in a two party forces through by dint of majority can just as easily be reversed. In a purely Machiavellian sense, the only reason for a majority to pay any attention to a minority is because of that future possibility of reversal. So, resist the urge to settle scores, or take petty revenge, or to demean those in minority. Use the old Boy Scout principle for camp sites for this chamber- try to leave it cleaner than when you moved in.

Machiavelli aside, there is a much more important reason to respect your colleagues in minority, and include them in deep, meaningful and powerful ways whenever possible. I am convinced that our Democratic Republic may be at a tipping point. A necessary precondition for the functioning of a democracy is to be able to disagree without imputing malice to the motives of the other party. We are at risk of losing our grip on this presumption. We see it in the media, we hear it in casual talk from voters, and we hear it in our own caucus rooms as explanatory narratives for the actions of the other party. Resist it. We have used a conflict-based model for campaigning too long in this nation, and it has ceased to serve us well, if it ever did. Avoid talking about ‘fighting’ with those you disagree with, or ‘winning’. Fighting harms. Winners imply losers. So, listen to your Republican brothers and sisters in this chamber. They have things to teach you. Keep listening. If power corrupts, it begins with not listening. I leave here with many, many colleagues who have listened to me, from both parties. If I haven’t listened enough, I’m sorry. Too late now, for me. But it’s not too late for you, my Democratic brothers and sisters. You’ve spent your time here so far trying to be heard. Now, please, try to listen, and keep trying. Peace.”

 

 

Rep. Manoogian:

“Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I can’t believe it took me until this final speech to think to do something about how outrageously tall these podiums are.

Those of you who know me, know that I’m nothing if not self-aware, so I want to say up front that I recognize the absurdity of a 30-year-old giving a so-called retirement address.

I know the question everyone has wanted to ask me but haven’t worked up the courage to ask is ‘Why didn’t you run again?’

So, I’m going to do something that doesn’t often happen in this institution: I’m going to tell you the truth.

I’m confident that the people of my district would have continued to provide me with their overwhelming support had I sought this office again, just as they did in 2018 and 2020. But, I recognize that it is a rare privilege to walk away from public office on one’s own terms before a vote is cast, or before term limits would prevent me from seeking re-election.

I want to be vulnerable with you all here, because I think by being vulnerable, occasionally, we remind each other that we are not only more than the party label behind our name, but also that we are more than the title that comes before it.

I just…didn’t want to run for office again this year. And I decided that that was okay.

I can even tell you when the exact moment was that I knew it. It was a few days before the filing deadline, and Rep. Bolden—excuse me I mean, Madam Future Justice Bolden, carpool karaoke and travel buddy—and I decided to attend an event together after session. People, who I know were well-intentioned and meant only kindness, not only asked me if I was running again, but then proceeded to tell me what a disappointment it would be if I decided not to. How everyone was counting on me and that I would be letting people down.

As the event was winding down and we were walking to her car, I fought back tears, looked at Kyra, and said, ‘There’s no way I can keep doing this anymore.’

This isn’t to say that I’m not incredibly honored for the opportunity to serve and humbled by the tens of thousands of people who have supported me with their vote and in so many other ways over the years.

Or that I’m not grateful to have been elevated to leadership within my caucus and state and national political parties on numerous occasions, including becoming the ‘big effing deal’ girl, according to Stephen Colbert during the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

But all of that came with pressure—pressure from the outside, like what I just briefly mentioned, and pressure that I put on myself—to be ‘on’ constantly. To be working. To be climbing. To represent my ethnic community—one of literally a handful of us in the whole country with the privilege of being an elected political leader. To be planning the next move without seeming like too big a threat or too self-important that you get iced out or seem disingenuous.

When you run for office, and then serve in the Legislature, there is so much that is simply out of your control. As much as we try to control as many details as possible, there are just so many things that are dependent on the decisions and choices that others make. But putting your name on the ballot—that decision is entirely up to you.

In that moment, in that parking lot, standing beside my best friend, I knew that I needed to listen to myself and trust my instincts; the same way I trusted myself when I took a leap of faith and put my name on the ballot in the first place.

I’ve learned so much in the past four years, not just about governing and legislating, but about people, and myself. Lessons that I know I would have never learned but for this incredible opportunity to serve and lead this early in my career. So, here are just two of those lessons:

The first: To borrow a phrase from Senator Cory Booker, do not let this institution steal your joy.

It’s easy to let the Legislature and all the comes with it steal that away. The long nights. The failed negotiations. Serving in the Minority! To my friends on the other side of the aisle, welcome. Becoming so consumed with work that you forget why you even ran in the first place.

Whether it was working out or finding time to watch my favorite TV shows or a basketball game, I honestly thought I was heeding the advice of many folks to carve out time for myself. It wasn’t enough.

And, One (A). Do not let this institution rob you of something that you will never get back: time. Especially, time spent with people you love and care about—including yourself. This is really, really hard, because it feels like we are constantly in a battle against time, and that we are never doing enough.

I’m not saying to skip votes. Here’s what I am saying: take the vacation or staycation. Take the couple of days off to recharge. Go on the date with your person. Mute the notifications for an evening. Workout without your smart watch. Put the workout on your schedule and don’t move it. Run your calendar—don’t let lobbyists or anyone else dictate your schedule.

Find the thing that you love that keeps you grounded—in my case, it was returning to the ice and figure skating with my friends again. And if you need to miss a dinner because your daughter has her ballet recital, or your husband had a horrible day at work and, while he won’t admit it, really needs you, or if the idea of attending another work event that day makes you want to tear your hair out—skip the dinner. I swear, it won’t matter in the long run.

And the second: do not let anyone dim your light.

Between people across the aisle, and people in your own party, to say nothing of the nastygrams we all get sent to our emails and social channels, there are plenty of people who will do their best to dim your light and make you feel so small that you’d fit in your own pocket.

Believe me, I of all people know it is hard to tune out the noise. But in this job, it is essential that you surround yourself with people who make your light shine bright and will keep that light ignited when others try to snuff it out.

There is so much good—so much light—to look forward to in the new year. For the first time since before I was born—which I know, to some of you, may not seem all that long ago—our state will have a Democratic trifecta! And leading the charge is a once-in-a-generation leader in Governor Whitmer, but also my friends Joe Tate and Winnie Brinks and so many other incredible people—who will finally get to shine. The future is bright for Michigan’s working families, organized labor, manufacturing, and reproductive freedom.

All of these are the reasons I ran for this office in the first place. To stop the brain drain from Michigan. To invest more in our people and kids, so we can create a Michigan where we all have the opportunity to thrive. And to get to see this come to fruition—it is truly a joy, and keeps my light ignited.

And so, that leads me to the folks I want to thank. The people who keep my light bright:

My parents, George and Sandy. My sister, Alis—my cooler, smarter, funnier better half who honestly should have run for this seat instead of me. They altered their whole lives for me to be able to pursue this dream, and I’ll always be grateful for them. Love you guys.

To the Armenian community: I’m grateful to have been our voice in the Legislature for the past four years. I look forward to continuing to fight the righteous fights with you. Thank you to my priest Der Hayr Hrant Kevorkian and to Hayr Soorp Aren Jebejian for your wisdom and spiritual guidance.

To my Democratic colleagues: Leaders Greig and Lasinski, Speaker-elect Joe Tate, Reps. Angela Witwer, Sarah Anthony, Matt Koleszar, John Cherry, the Oakland County Caucus, and of course, Uncles Jim Ananich, Terry Sabo, Tim Sneller, Jim Ellison and Tyrone Carter—I love you all and wish you all nothing but the best in the coming year.

To Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden: folks often say that there is no such thing as true friendship in politics, but that just means they have never met us or seen us in action. Thank you for always having my back through the tough times and encouraging us to celebrate during the great ones.

To my Republican colleagues, including the Speaker and Majority Floor Leader, and Reps Scott VanSingel and Mike Mueller: I’m grateful that you worked with me on legislation this term, to varying degrees of un‑success. Even more, I’m grateful for your friendship and leadership.

To all of my campaign staff, and office staff, including Steve, Vicki, Erin, Carolina, Claudia, Sanika, Alex, and of course the man who wore all the hats, my forever bestie, Blake. Our district was well taken care of because of you all. I’m so proud to see where you all have landed thus far on your journeys. I also want to extend gratitude to Democratic Central Staff, committee clerks Joy Brewer and Melissa Sweet, and the sergeants, especially Deputy Chief Sergeant Fawn McHenry.

To Governor Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and Secretary Benson, Senator Gary Peters and Colleen Peters, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Senator Mallory McMorrow and Ray Wert, Senator Jeremy Moss, Robert Wittenberg, Jordan Acker, David Knezek, Dave Woodward, friends from Aspen Rising Leaders and Truman National Security Project, Avery Jaffe, Anthony Barsamian, Ariana Kabodian and Emily Balbes, Lena Krikorian, Matt Andonian and so many others who have stood with me throughout this whole ride. Thank you.

And finally, to the people of the 40th district: You took a chance on me, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt, serving you has been the honor and privilege of my life. You placed your faith and trust in me, and I’ll never forget how my community had my back. I will always have yours.

Thank you.”

 

 

Rep. Marino:

“Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye for what has been the most difficult yet most rewarding experience of my life.

By constitutional design, we all hail from unique geographical backgrounds; however, through the will of the People, we are more diverse than simply Republicans and Democrats or white collar versus blue collar. Scott Diana (no, not one of those stories) would often tell me Marquette and Macomb have more in common than the rest of the state - I’m still not quite sure what to exactly make of that but get the gist.

In all seriousness, I hope each of you know, through my actions and our interactions, that I have always tried to put partisanship and credit aside to do what we collectively think is best for whom we have the distinct honor of serving here at the State Capitol.

Along the same notion, forgive me Mr. Speaker, but as the only male with three amazing sisters in my family, a niece turning 1 next month, and another arriving shortly thereafter…I am proud that our State has progressed enough to be led by statewide officeholders who are women. While we may certainly disagree on matters of policy (and basic, fundamental law, for that matter), I hope their roles in our state will ensure my sisters, my nieces, and all woman have equal opportunities to make this state even greater.

In similar spirit, Speaker-elect Tate, I genuinely look forward to watching you become the first black Speaker of the House next month – albeit I’ll be watching on House TV.

Without question, there was nothing I loved more than serving as this body’s Chair of the Commerce & Tourism Committee. For what I thought was a doomed 6-5 Committee with John Reilly and Darrin Camilleri became the most rewarding experience during my time in this Chamber. In fairness, Darrin – you, along with Abdullah Hammoud, Senator-elect Cherry – are the future of our generation in democratic politics…and I’ll include Yousif in there once I get my hearing back from his outcries. Along with Leader-elect Hall and Rep. Beeler on my side of the aisle – I’m grateful knowing our generation is beyond well-represented with articulate and educated leaders like you.

Now, to my geriatric collogues – I’m kidding. Although, I did embarrassingly forget that John Reilly and I aren’t exactly ‘peer generations’ once in committee…and John Reilly, thank you for making me work countless hours negotiating legislation and making me a better legislator. I’ll admit, I do not believe it is possible to match your drive, intellect, and dedication to principles. Thank you for always treating me with kindness and respect.

As I reflect on my time in public service, what would appear to be so seemingly bittersweet, I certainly have regrets as that clause ‘to the best of my abilities’ can be haunting. I lost my grandmother who was my best friend just a few days after being elected to this body, I lost my mother 18 months later, and nearly lost my life another year later. However, as you know, I entered this chamber this term on portable oxygen and truthfully did not think I would be speaking to you today.

Just a few days ago, I was organizing some files and a card fell out – it was unopened. While I shouldn’t be surprised, the note read ‘Steve – our whole caucus is praying for you to regain strength and to heal. We love you and we’re so glad you’re back in caucus.’

To my caucus, thank you for being there for me – even though I struggled to reciprocate. I’m healthy, the medical community is not quite sure why, but I know in my heart that your encouragement made the difference.

In closing, to serve the residents of my hometown of Harrison Township and portions of Macomb and Clinton townships - in this Chamber is – without question – the highest honor ever bestowed upon me. I am grateful to my constituents for knowing I always put my district first, even if it wasn’t politically convenient or expedient.

From working with two governors, political titans like Candice Miller and Mark Hackel, and serving alongside future senators, a Member-elect of Congress, and a Justice to our State’s Highest Court…I can honestly say that I was blessed for these six years to walk with giants.

Thank you to our House Sergeants for making us feel safe, our House Clerks including Joy Brewer and Clerks Randall and Brown, my wonderful team of Mary Kay – who put up with me for all six years – and my LD, Ed. Thank you to mentors and role models in my life such as Rick Lantz, Kendall Wingrove, and John Pirich. Thank you to the score of Chairs I served under, and to our Macomb Delegation for always looking out for our redheaded stepchild of a county.

Thank you to my family and true friends like Jim Lower, Clay Carpenter, Sean Callewaert, Jake Haddad, Mike Dyjewski, and Phil Garvey, and my biggest role model and my hero, my father who is with me today - and has been by my side and there for me even when I didn’t always know I needed him. Thank you, Dad.

Lastly, I thank each and every one of you for all you do day in and day out of the citizens of our great state, and wish you nothing but the absolute best in your future endeavors.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.”

 

 

Rep. Pepper:

“There were speeches given yesterday that were longer than my term. So, I can’t say that it has been a mere 8 months, but what I can tell you is that well human beings are gestated in that time and it’s a long period of time for someone who is doing the gestation, correct? That’s what I hear anyway. I can also say that that period of time is similar to the period of time served by the very person that the House Building is named after. That person is Cora Anderson, who served just a little more than a year and a building is named after her. Now I figure if she can do that, well 8 months? How does ‘The Capitol presented by Jeff Pepper’ sound? Can we do this? Alright. So, the 8 months is not too short of a time. Now I have to say that the most troublesome thing is what happened when I got into this. What I didn’t know is that the party that is so strong for the right to work, would deprive me of the right to work for the past 8 months. I have been in session for a total of 19 days. 19 days, during my term. I have met in committee once. So I must say, the legislative experience that I have heard so many members talk about has been one that I can feel somewhat but I never really experienced it. There were times during the course of the summer that I was just angered by this. I just came to accept it and came to the opportunity to work with all of you. Now, people ask why I ran for this job. Here I am, 70 years old. All I can say is that alcohol was involved. There was more to it than that. I did have a long history of political involvement. When I graduated MSU, I ran for County Commissioner. I have to tell you all, that I ran as a Republican. Back then, there were Republicans such as Bill Milliken, Jacob Javits, Nelson Rockefeller. These are the types of Republicans that I sought to emulate. Now, you all are probably wondering why I didn’t mention people like Madison, but I can assure you that I am not that old. But it is true that this is my 8th decade of life and I ran because it’s never too late to be what you might have been.

In my life, I have been instructed how to cower under a desk during the Cuban missile crisis, I watched as sober caskets marched down constitution avenue burying the body of the assassinated JFK, I saw Reagan get assassinated, heard Bobby Kennedy’s assassination and MLK, then there was 9/11. I’ve witnessed many horrible events in my lifetime, but the one that pushed me to run came a week before the filing deadline, Jan. 6th 2021. I saw an angry group of ordinary Americans ransack and pillage the US Capitol, driven by fear, division and creating suspicion. I thought this was the most awful chapter I’ve seen in my country. To see the symbol of democracy attacked for no good reason, that is why I ran.

My campaign was not one that was well throughout. That happened on the 6th and the filing deadline the 10th. There was a void to be filled and I thought that I would fill it. Right off the bat, I realized ‘what have I done’. I ran against an opponent that will be joining this chamber because districts change, in Alabas Farhat. And he will be a member of this body in January. He called when he saw that I ran. He said that ‘well, my team and I are ready to hit the ground running, so who do you have’. And I said, ‘well Alabas, you are talking to them. It’s me, ready to roll’. I get up in the morning and Alabas is feeding homeless veterans and walking elderly across the street. I thought, I would embarrass myself. But here is the thing about an election in February, you don’t have to knock doors because it’s too cold for people to answer. You don’t have to put out signs because the ground is too cold. So, our campaign was phones and mailings. And as it turned out, being a 5th gen resident of Dearborn, the name carries some weight and here I am.

Now, when I got up here and I already said what I did about pillaging, was engaging in the legislative process. But it may not have been a perfect fit for me. The first person to congratulate me was the speaker who sent me a text early in the morning. And I thought, wow, I’m not in Kansas anymore. A couple days later, I’m sitting in a bar with some friends and talking about what I will do next. Then my phone rings. I said, oh it’s the governor. I pick it up and it’s the governor. She says, Hello it’s governor Whitmer. Now I have to go find some place that isn’t blasting Metallica. I go to the men’s bathroom, only to hear someone being very loud and thinking this is not a good way to first meet the governor. But I came up here and I was treated very well by everyone I met.

My colleague Brad invited me to participate in a bible study group. I was raised Catholic, so I wonder what the bible was. So I go into the meeting one morning and a number of people from the other side of the aisle. We start reading around the table and it became my turn. I mispronounced Malachi and from that point on, I said that I won’t come back unless we cover single syllable books.

One of the things that stunned me when I first came up here was actually about the concept of checks and balances. I thought it was just an inter-governmental thing. No, it’s checks that are given to you and balances in your account. The money up here is stunning to me. The first thing I see when I am up here is a flyer saying to ‘join us for a reception here for an hour. $1000 contribution if you want to be that way, $2500 contribution for thanks for coming, $5000 contribution for now we’re talking, $10,000 for okay now you’re a friend. You go to one of these things and it’s pretzels, which I think, ‘really for all this money’. Anyway, I have participated as robust as I could.

I have meet so many wonderful people here. And serving in a minority position is all I know. It’s nice being up here with this microphone and knowing that I won’t be gaveled down, which isn’t a criticism on the Pro Tempore. It was kinda interesting for me to see the deliberative process which I thought I would be a part of. I thought there wouldn’t be much to convince me to do something that I wouldn’t have thought. But, there is just so little of that. I would like to think and hope that people do better in the next legislative session. With that said, this is what I think and hope for. Oh, one other thing. This is the corruption of it to the effect. One day we were in session and Tommy Brann brings me a bottle of this Steak Shake. There is a bill, coincidentally introduced by Tommy to raise the age of cigarettes. Now, that’s something I would never agree to but I see Tommy over here with the Steak Shake. And think, can I really do this to Tommy? I waited and saw that it would pass so I voted in favor of it. There was a second portion that was being voted on, regarding criminal ramifications. I voted no when he got up and left the room. In conclusion, what I want you all to know is that I am like everyone else, very blessed to be a part of this particular Legislature. I came here and I saw on both sides of the aisle, dedicated, principled, smart and courageous individuals. And I know this isn’t an easy thing to do, it’s hard work. For those who were out campaigning in your districts and serving your constituents, this is hard work and it’s a sacrifice. I personally know that you are all remarkable people and your willingness to do it shows that your constituents are well served.

As we move into a new Legislature with a new majority, I hope that we will take the time to view this as not being a moment where power shifts but potentially a movement from both sides of the aisle. You’re going to have 27 new members on one side and like 28 on the other. There is an opportunity here for those who are returning to teach those who are to arrive, how to conduct legislative business that is fair and impactful to both sides. So I hope that the Democrats will realize that this is a moment to grab, this a moment to do good. This is not a moment to be petty and I don’t believe they will be. There is a movie called the Bridge of Spies, where Tom Hanks is representing a prisoner set to be hung for treason. He asks the man if he is worried and the response is, would it help? I’m certain that being a better and kinder majority will help but returning the favor will not. Now I believe Democrats will be that way. If not, well know that I am coming back. I’m not watching this on TV. I’m sorry, that was longer than intended and I thank you all. It has been my privilege. I have learned from and have been enriched by all of you. And I thank you for that.”

 

 

______

 

 

Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Lightner called Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Paquette to the Chair.

 

 

Rep. Sneller:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Colleagues, staffers, and guests in the gallery, I just want to say what an honor it has been to serve as the Representative for the 50th House District these past six years. I feel as though I have been in the desert for forty years, and I’m finally getting to the promised land! I was here in the house when the Democrats lost control of everything, and it is such an honor to still be here as they gain back control again.

As most of you know, I got my start in the Michigan Legislature as a staffer in 1983, which means my time here is older than most of your staffers. I have spent most of my life here working in the Legislature, and I am so thankful for all of the friends and lessons that I have learned and gained over the years.

I said a few weeks ago in my invocation ‘We will not always see eye to eye or agree with those sitting next to us, but we must respect and appreciate that we are in this chamber to serve the needs of those who elected us. While we stand in this chamber where so many have come together before us, let us work together to serve the people of Michigan.’ Colleagues, my final bit of advice to you is that you need to complete as much bipartisanship work as you can.

To my Republican friends and colleagues, my final hope for you is that you learn to win elections by building coalitions, not through spreading conspiracies. Now to my Democratic friends and colleagues, you have been given by the voters an opportunity to govern. I hope that you take that trust to represent everyone seriously, because if you don’t, as I’ve said before, one day the pendulum will swing back. The only way you will be able to get anything done around here is if you work together.

And now I’d like to take the opportunity to thank a few people:

Across the aisle I’d like to thank first Chairman Jack O’Malley. For your partnership, and friendship, that we developed over the past four years. I wish you well on your future endeavors. Speaker Wentworth, I was honored to serve with you, and appreciated your trust in me when you gave me my committee assignments at the beginning of 2021. Gary Howell, I would like to thank you on behalf of Representative Cherry and myself for your friendship and kindness. It was a pleasure serving with you. I wish you the best of luck. Ben Frederick, I’d like to thank you for over twenty years of friendship, both as staffers and now as legislators. I have always believed that former staffers make the best legislators. I wish you well my friend.

To my current and past Democratic colleagues, thank you for the many years of comradery, countless laughs, and encouragement. Specifically, I want to highlight John Cherry, who entrusted in me the responsibility of becoming his legislative director in the Senate, and I look forward to the many challenges and successes we will have in the future. Cara Clemente, thank you my friend, I always appreciated you being like a sister, and pulling me back when I needed to be reined in. Bill Sowerby, I value our friendship, working relationship, and I wish you the best on your retirement. Last but not least, Jim Ellison, you were like an older brother to me, and I appreciate the knowledge and wisdom you taught me about local government, and commend your appreciation of animal rights. Thank you all for your friendship, and for always having my back.

To my minority leader, Donna Lasinski, thank you for your leadership and for navigating us all on a path back to majority. I will always refer to you as Madam Speaker. Floor leader Rabhi, I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow into this job. I remember the first month we were here in January of 2017, we were in a late-night session. We were adjourning at 11:58 pm and coming back at 12:01 am the next day to continue session. I remember you running down the stairs to leave because you thought they meant 12:01 pm. I wish you well my friend.

Now, as we all know, staff run the show around here. As a staffer for thirty-six years, I know how important it is to have an amazing staff and treat them well. To my staff, I am so thankful for you all. Thank you, Vicki Baron and Drew Marsh, for getting my office set up. Tim Drake, Mary Raglin, Holly Armstrong, and Griffin Wiles, I am so thankful for the work that you all did in my office, you all served the 50th District well. Thank you as well to all of the interns who worked in my office, particularly Isaac Henry and Peyton Klochack who I’m so proud of and am happy to see going on to be full time staffers. I also want to highlight John Cherry’s staff, Mikaylah Heffernan and Katie Olkowski. I have enjoyed all of our time together, and for all of the assistance you’ve provided to my office. You both are gems. And finally, my current staff, Ashley Christian and Nikki Goodnight, thank you for serving our constituents, working on our bills, and sharing many laughs in the office. I always tell my staff that they are the grandkids I never had, and that couldn’t be more true. I love you guys so much, I couldn’t have asked for a better staff. While I’m sad to say goodbye, I’m so excited to see all that you will do in your careers.

To the constituents of District 50, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for trusting me to represent you here in Lansing. One of the things I’m most proud of is that during my time in office I hosted 300 coffee hours! It was so wonderful getting to see all of your faces and hear your stories. I’ve lived in this district my whole life–I am a Burton boy through and through, and I feel so honored to have served you.

And finally, to my family, I’m thankful for your support all of these years. Thank you to my parents, my many nieces and nephews, and specifically my siblings Carol, Ron, and Sandy. Not many people know this, but my sister Carol was actually the one who was originally getting into politics, and she told me that she thought I would do really well working in Lansing and gave me my first connection here. Unfortunately, she passed away a few weeks later, but because of her I was able to get my first job out here in Lansing and start my forty year career. My family has been my rock, and I love you all very much.

For the past forty years, the Michigan Legislature has been home, and I am so thankful for you all.”

 

 

Rep. Thanedar:

“Colleagues and friends – I rise today to give thanks. Thanks not just to the people in this chamber or the people of the district who entrusted me to fight for them; but, thanks to this country, the United States of America, which has given me so much.

Before I was a state legislator, or a scientist, or even an American, I was a young person halfway around the world with a dream of a better life for me and my family.

You see friends, growing up our family didn’t have a lot. In our family’s 900 sq. ft home in a small town in southern India my 7 siblings and I weren’t always sure where our next meal would come from. The home had no running water, and often no electricity.

But in 1979 everything changed for my family. I was given the opportunity to study for my Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Akron. But, before I could travel to the U.S. I needed to obtain a student visa, which was denied on my first four trips to the American embassy in Mumbai. But, on the verge of giving up, I was approved for temporary student residency on my 5th trip to the American embassy.

That day at the American embassy changed my life forever. Because of it I was able to study under some of the most brilliant scientists in the world – found successful businesses that helped bring to market lifesaving drugs, employ hundreds of people, and now it has gifted me the profound privilege of public service.

What is most remarkable about my story is that in America, it’s not remarkable at all. This is a land established by immigrants in search of freedom and opportunity and since our country’s founding we’ve been a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

Before I close this chapter and look to the next, I pause to appreciate what we’ve done together in the spirit of making Michigan a place where stories like mine are possible.

Among the things I’m most proud of was our ability to work together on last year’s education budget, which saw the largest per-pupil increase in funding in our state’s history. My story would not have been possible if it were not for the education I received – and I’m heartened that we took steps to invest in the pathways of success for generations that will follow us.

Next year I’ll be taking on a new mission – serving the people of Michigan in the United States Congress. There I’ll continue the work on fighting to expand opportunity and ensure America remains that brightly lit beacon of hope for every American and aspiring American.

Thank you to the people of Detroit for their trust, thank you to my wife Shashi, Son Neil, his wife Shoua, son Samir, and grandsons Kai and AJ.

Thanks to my staff and the interns who helped me do this job well.”

 

 

Rep. Whiteford:

“Thank you Mr. Speaker.

I want to start out by saying that speeches like this aren’t really my style, I would much rather be a voice for the voiceless when given the opportunity to address a crowd. But as I thought about it and what I might say, I remembered that my speech will be entered into the official journal and I want my family and grandchildren, even great grandchildren, to be able to look back on my service with pride.

I recall being a 21-year-old new nurse at a children’s hospital and noted that policies were only ever changed and improved reactively after a child died, so I started writing proactive policy and training other nurses. I’m still a policy wonk.

While raising my children, I constantly sought out the best policies to help them to reach their fullest potential. I helped in their classes and spent the off time taking them on field trips whenever I could. I still love finding opportunities for children.

When my husband and I started our business, I realized that many laws and rules are established in response to the actions of one bad player. That’s when I adopted the motto: Do not legislate to the exception. Too often this isn’t understood. I also got to know legislators for the first time and realized that they are just regular people like me, and I got the idea to run for office someday. During the years I was fortunate to spend raising my children, I learned as much as I could about policy, politics, and even getting over my stage fright.

I am the first in my family to ever run for office, but I definitely wasn’t alone. I want to thank my husband, Kevin, for always being there for me. You are my true north. I want to thank my mom, Joanne McCarthy. You are my biggest fan, and you would be here today if you weren’t so sick. I thank God for every day that I have with you and know you will watch over me and our family from heaven.

I want to thank my children and their spouses: Scott and Kary, Alisa and Laura, Ken and Kate. A special thanks to my beautiful grandchildren, Reese, Beckham, Novak and Wellington. My role has affected your lives in good ways and in bad ways. You have always stuck by my side and I love you.

You are my why, and I hope that you look fondly at my time here, and that you reach for the stars as I did. I look forward to spending more time with you.

As I drive through my district I recall so many fond memories of my time with my constituents in the 80th district. It’s truly sad to me to be ending my time representing you. I have made so many lifelong friends, and my time with you has impacted my legislative priorities every single day. From the requirement that you be informed of prescribed burns in the Allegan State Game Area, to offering a tax credit if you suffered the tragic loss of your baby before birth. From supporting foster children, foster parents, and those who have been a victim of human trafficking, to creating the most comprehensive hotline in the country, the Michigan Crisis and Access hotline, now 988, where anyone can call and get the help that they so desperately need. Our state will soon have crisis stabilization units and more psychiatric inpatient options, especially for children, and more psychiatric nurse practitioners.

I’m blessed to be part of a trio who have served under 4 speakers. Representatives Howell and LaGrand, it’s been a fun class of three. Speakers Cotter, Leonard, Chatfield and Wentworth, thank you for your trust and having my back. It’s an honor serving with you, Clerk Randall. I wish you the best in your well deserved retirement. I have a feeling you are not going to be lounging very much.

I have chaired appropriations subcommittees for all three of my terms, DEQ and DHHS under appropriation chairs Laura Cox, Shane Hernandez and Thomas Albert. I loved working with my vice chairs Phil Green, John Hoadley, Abdullah Hammoud and Felicia Brabec. I have been blessed to prioritize the voiceless in every corner of our state and everywhere in between. The hours and hours that I have spent with my fiscal and policy teams forged some of my favorite Lansing friendships. Kevin Koorstra, Sue Frey, Viola Wild, Kent Dell, Sydney Brown, Austin Scott, Steve Daunt, Allisyn Mattice-Eskau, Jenn Merchant, Nathan Kissling, Chris Jones and Alex Dempsey. Rachel Doane has been with me throughout my entire time here, and I appreciate our work together. A special thanks to all of the members on my bipartisan adoption and foster care task force, Jared Rozycki my policy lead and the person who put together our report and Drew Beardslee who got the package through the finish line. My appreciation goes out to chairman Albert for your foresight on this massive issue and for appointing me chair of this task force.

Outsiders frequently state that all politicians are sell-outs and cheats. I am here to attest that I have never been treated improperly, Kevin is the only man for me, and if you surround yourself with great people and remember where you come from, you will stay true. I’ve also purposefully made friends with women and men who love their spouses and family. I will never forget you.

Besides my 36-year marriage to Kevin, this job has been my greatest adventure. This country girl, nurse, wife, mom and grandma from Allegan County had 27 bills signed into law and chaired the health and human services committee of over $30 billion for 4 years. I even ended my time here as Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

A huge thanks to all of my friends here. Thank you for sharing yourselves with me. God bless you and your loved ones and God bless everyone in our great state.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.”

 

 

Rep. Yaroch:

“Thank you Mr. Speaker,

I want to thank my wife, Sara, I met in you in law school, while initially you were not thrilled with me, you learned to look past my social awkwardness, and we now have two wonderful daughters, Reagan and Madison. Both named after presidents. Thank you for your support.

Sara, Reagan, Madison, I love you all.

Thank you to my district, it has been an honor to serve.

My wife and my new boss are friends, they like to joke that my spirit animal is a honey badger, when I think about it, I think they’re right.

Rep. Calley, many of my bills went to your committee, so I want to say I am sorry, I get a little intense when I push for good policy. It’s a Macomb thing. I truly hope you will run for Governor, and I want to have the first Julie Calley for Governor sign in my yard.

Rep. Beson, thank you for reminding me to not be a honey badger all the time.

Rep. Bolden, your honor, I look forward to the opportunity to argue a case in front of you some day.

To everyone who came by my desk and thought that I was grumpy, I am sorry, well as I said I am socially awkward, and I don’t have poker face. You see I had no intention of being a representative, I had prepared to be a fire chief at this point in my life.

I was a local government official; you see on one of my many trips to advocate for local government, I had a bad day of not getting anywhere on these issues. I was walking down the sidewalk outside the Capitol, I remember saying to Bob Morris, a local government advocate, who was walking with me, ‘If I have to run for office to get a bill introduced then’, he interrupted and said you should run. I said, Bob this is a little weird, why he said, you are Democrat, yea he said, I said you know I am a Republican, yea, A Democrat is suggesting to a Republican they should run for office? He said, I am an old Democrat and I just want good people to serve. I doubt he agrees with many of my votes, but I think he would appreciate my commitment. Thank you, Bob.

I remain frustrated with state government. We have an EGLE that will go to war over an acre of wetland, but preventing a green ooze in Oakland County, or keeping Dams from failing, seems to fall through the cracks. EGLE feels it is better to let sewage go into Lake St. Clair than contain it in the Chapaton reservoir awaiting complete treatment. Also, there is no ‘A’ in EGLE, when EGLE learns to soar then I’ll call them EAGLE.

It is disappointing when a LARA Bureau director feels that it is OK to not be honest in a committee hearing and the LARA director suggests this was a technical issue and not an ethics issue. The budget included ethics and customer service training, but that budget item is being denied.

Based on the number of complaints from citizens I have received about LARA, why would we not do customer service training. In fact, why would we not do customer service training for all our employees. We need to remember that we serve the people, the people do not serve us.

Thank you to my current and former staff, Liz, Marla, Zac, Caitlin.

To stay connected I’ll answer the office phone. Sometimes I sit at the front desk to greet people. One time, someone from a lobby firm came by to leave some information on an issue they were advocating for. I started asking questions about the literature they had handed me. It appears they thought I was the legislative assistant, and they got a little crabby with me for asking questions. I told them thank you for the information and I will pass it along to the representative, I said ‘o’ wait I am the representative. They got embarrassed, but from that I hope they learned to be respectful of everyone they come across.

One of my most difficult moments I have had was in my first term, the 99^th Legislature. At the end of the term, I had to call a gold star mom from my district to tell her that her son, a Navy Seal who died in combat was not going to get the highway naming that she had requested. She was very upset that her son was not worthy of the honor that the Legislature had given so many others who died in combat. I expressed my apologies and explained that for reasons beyond explanation the bill sat on the House floor without action. I promised her that this would be my first bill I introduce in the 100^th Legislature, which it was and this wrong was corrected within the first few months.

Everyone is making asks of us.

My ask is that bills aren’t judged by who the sponsor is, not whether Republican or Democrat, but on the worthiness of the policy.

My ask of you future committee chairs, you will have the power to kill bills. Governors can veto bills because they were selected in a statewide election, but if you kill a bill you are denying 109 other districts the option to discuss the idea. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court doesn’t decide what cases are taken up. It takes 4 of nine justices to hear the case. I think committees should hear a bill, if the committee members want to hear the bill.

My Ask of the next approps chairs, is to give your subcommittees as much leeway as you can to negotiate their individual budgets. It is very large budget and no one person can have the depth of knowledge as a whole team digging into it.

Also, there are billions still left to appropriate, and as we face a possible recession or maybe we are in one depending on your definition, the banker always gets their money first. I was on city council during that last recession and my experience has been that paying down debt provides more flexibility in times of fiscal strain.

It seems that the left keeps trying to out progressive each other and on the right if you are not conservative enough, or Republican enough, or Trump enough you will be called a RINO. This is not a red state or a blue state, and while the left and right dig into their own priorities, it seems the people in the purple get missed.

Our founders were imperfect people, they brought together this imperfect union and gave us a framework to resolve our issues peacefully. This is the people’s House and this is where our differences should be resolved. Compromise should not be a bad word; it is what our founders envisioned. It does not mean we have a uni-party, it means you are governing for all the people. I ask that we work together to calm the tensions in this country by finding the common ground.

To my Democratic colleagues, it is ok to say no to our Governor, I’ve told Gov. Snyder no before, it can be done. I even voted to override a Governor Snyder veto. Power corrupts and ultimate power corrupts ultimately. If you do not maintain the checks and balance between the branches, you no longer have three branches.

There are R’s, D’s and B’s. B is for Bureaucrat. While they fall under our Governor, the bureaucracy is the unelected third branch and it needs to be kept in check and focused on serving the people.

It has been said, ‘The cornerstone of a democracy rests on a foundation of an educated electorate.’ There is much talk that our democracy is under attack, each party blaming the other. I think the real failure is that we have media outlets that are more focused on telling their readers or viewers what they want to hear than providing the impartial information.

I think Laina Stebbins of Michigan Advance, is a clear example of an editorialist claiming to be a journalist. I had advocated for the role of the Legislature in a pandemic, by articulating the credentials of the members of the Legislature verses the credentials of those who were doing press conferences on this. Paraphrasing now, Laina wrote that I had incorrectly stated that our Governor, Director Gordon and Dr. Khaldun lacked the relevant expertise in public health to guide the state through the pandemic. That’s not what I said. She did not cite any health professional to challenge my statement, it was merely her own position. Do they teach medicine or emergency management in Journalism school? I have 27 years in the field as a paramedic and I was in the field through H1N1, Zika, and when we were learning how to address AIDs.

So I am not clear how going to journalism school makes you an expert to state as fact that I am wrong. Again, an editorialist claiming to be journalist to move their own political agenda.

I want to acknowledge all the journalists who when I read your article, I can’t tell your political view. Thank you for fulfilling the purpose of Freedom of Press, which is keeping government in check.

God bless you and God bless the State of Michigan.”

 

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 Military, Veterans and Homeland Security be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 104.

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 Health Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 183.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 272.

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 Rules and Competitiveness be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 712.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 727.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 783.

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 Transportation be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1009.

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 Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1047.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1060.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1061.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1062.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1084.

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 Rules and Competitiveness be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1085.

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 Transportation be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1143.

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 Transportation be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1151.

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 Regulatory Reform be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1163.

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 Regulatory Reform be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1169.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1221.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1222.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1223.

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 Tax Policy be discharged from further consideration of Senate Bill No. 1224.

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The bill was placed on the order of Second Reading of Bills.

 

 

The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 401.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Bronna Kahle.

Whereas, It is a privilege to recognize the Honorable Bronna Kahle for her six years of service in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Kahle has dutifully served all of Michigan’s citizens but especially her constituents in the Fifty-seventh District; and

Whereas, Representative Kahle holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in communication arts and a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College. Before her election to the Legislature, Representative Kahle applied her business acumen to improve the lives of seniors in her community as a small business owner and Director of the Adrian Senior Center. She also volunteers for numerous good causes, including the local Chamber of Commerce, Associated Charities, the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, Habitat for Humanity, Zonta of Lenawee, and Adrian College; and

Whereas, Representative Kahle has won numerous awards for her work on business and health policies, including the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Legislator of the Year award from LeadingAge Michigan. Representative Kahle served as chair of the Committee on Health Policy, vice chair of the Committee on Workforce and Talent Development, and a member of the committees on Families, Children, and Seniors; Tax Policy; Ways and Means; Insurance; and Judiciary. Representative Kahle is also co-chair of the Health and Human Services Committee for the Council of State Governments Midwest. She has worked tirelessly to improve this state for her loving family, her community, and all Michiganians; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Bronna Kahle 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 Kahle 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. 402.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Padma Kuppa.

Whereas, It is a privilege to recognize Representative Padma Kuppa as she departs from the House after four years of service. As a dedicated member of her community, she has been a powerful champion for the Forty-first District, which includes the cities of Troy and Clawson, and for all the people of Michigan; and

Whereas, Representative Kuppa is a proud Indian immigrant and career woman. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Warangal, India, then had a varied career in higher education, marketing, the automotive and financial industries, and information technology. In her over two decades in Michigan, she has built a loving family and strong ties to the city of Troy, where she co-founded the Troy-area Interfaith Group, previously worked as a planning commissioner and on the zoning board of appeals for the city, and currently serves as president of the Troy Historical Society. In 2015, she was inducted into the MI-India Hall of Fame. The first Hindu to serve in the Michigan Legislature, Representative Kuppa is a member of the Bharatiya Temple of Metropolitan Detroit, a former board member of the Hindu American Foundation, and a current board member of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion; and

Whereas, Since her election in 2018, Representative Kuppa has worked tirelessly to improve the everyday lives of Michigan’s citizens. During her first term, she was awarded a fellowship to attend the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development, where she demonstrated her commitment to being the best possible representative for her constituents. Representative Kuppa was a member of leadership as the Assistant Democratic Whip, and she served on the committees on Energy, Local Government and Municipal Finance, Rules and Competitiveness, and Tax Policy. Additionally, Representative Kuppa was appointed to the Prescription Drug Task Force, and she drew on her education and technical career on the MiSTEM Council. Representative Kuppa supported legislation to facilitate broader participation in the democratic process and improve the health of 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 Padma Kuppa 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 Kuppa 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. 403.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Beau LaFave.

Whereas, It is a pleasure to recognize the Honorable Beau LaFave as he completes his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative LaFave has been an energetic and active advocate for the people of the state of Michigan, and especially the One Hundred-eighth District, which includes his lifelong home of Iron Mountain as well as Delta, Dickinson, and Menominee counties; and

Whereas, Representative LaFave is a graduate of Kingsford High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political economy from Michigan State University’s James Madison College. He has also been active in politics, serving as a precinct delegate for the Dickinson County Republican Party since 2012. After attending Wayne State Law School for one year, he postponed his pursuit of a juris doctorate degree to serve the people of the Upper Peninsula; and

Whereas, During his three-term tenure in this chamber, Representative LaFave served as chair of the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security; majority vice chair of the committees on Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources; and a member of the committees on Agriculture, Energy Policy, Oversight, and Transportation. He was additionally a member of the Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates. Representative LaFave successfully sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to implement commonsense reforms and facilitate efficient governance. To improve our schools, he sponsored a law that required high school students to be awarded high school credit for qualifying internships or work experience, as well as bills in legislative packages designed to improve school safety. Representative LaFave was also a champion for persons with disabilities, sponsoring a package of bills to require the use of the updated, more dynamic accessibility symbol and a bill to allow the use of powered wheelchairs on sidewalks without a driver’s license; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Beau LaFave 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 LaFave 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. 404.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable David LaGrand.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative David LaGrand for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Seventy-fifth District. Throughout his tenure in the House, Representative LaGrand’s hard work has benefited not only the people of Grand Rapids, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, A native of Grand Rapids, Representative LaGrand’s life experience has made him a true representative of the people of Michigan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Calvin College and a juris doctor from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining the Legislature, Representative LaGrand showed his devotion to public service and to his community as a small business owner, an attorney at Warner, Norcross and Judd, an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, a member of the Grand Rapids City Commission, and a member of the Grand Rapids Board of Education. He is also a dedicated husband and proud father of four children; and

Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2016, Representative LaGrand has focused on improving the lives of his fellow Grand Rapidians by supporting policies that fully invest in education, support small businesses, protect the environment, and reform the criminal justice system. He served with distinction as the minority vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and the Appropriations General Government Subcommittee. Representative LaGrand was also a member of the House committees on Oversight; and Appropriations subcommittees on Agriculture and Rural Development, and Joint Capital Outlay. Representative LaGrand’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 David LaGrand 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 David LaGrand 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. 405.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Mari Manoogian.

Whereas, It is a distinct privilege to honor Representative Mari Manoogian as her time with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to an end. She has admirably and avidly served the people of the state of Michigan, but especially the Fortieth District, including Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, a portion of West Bloomfield Township, and her hometown of Birmingham; and

Whereas, Representative Manoogian holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and security policy and a master’s degree in global communication and public diplomacy from the George Washington University. She interned in the United States Congress and at the United States Mission to the United Nations. Representative Manoogian also worked at the United States Department of State; and

Whereas, During her four years in the House, Representative Manoogian continued to bring attention to international issues, while also working to improve domestic policies. As a proud Armenian-American, Representative Manoogian introduced resolutions to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and oppose military aggression against her ancestorial homeland. In addition, she successfully sponsored legislation to help Michiganders save money to purchase their first homes. She is also an advocate against distracted driving, championing legislation to modernize our state’s laws and introducing multiple resolutions to bring awareness to the issue. In her second term, Representative Manoogian led her party as Deputy Democratic Caucus Whip. Representative Manoogian additionally served as minority vice chair of the Committee on Energy and a member of the Committee on Commerce and Tourism and the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Mari Manoogian 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 Manoogian 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. 406.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Steve Marino.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Steve Marino for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Twenty-fourth District. Throughout his tenure in the House, Representative Marino’s hard work has benefited not only the people of Harrison Township, Clinton Township, and Macomb Township, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, Born in Detroit, Representative Marino’s life experiences reflect his ability to represent Michigan’s diverse citizenry. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics, public policy and public administration, and political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University, where he was also student body president. Before joining the Legislature, Representative Marino applied his expertise through his work as a Macomb County Commissioner and a small business owner of a public affairs firm. He has remained active in his community as well, currently serving on the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce’s Public Policy and Military Affairs committees as well as previously serving on the Macomb Health Department Hearing Board and Harrison Township Zoning Board; and

Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Marino has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the Twenty-fourth District. He served with distinction as the chair of the Commerce and Tourism Committee and as the vice chair of the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee and the Appropriations subcommittees on Community Colleges and State Police. Representative Marino was also a member of the Appropriations subcommittees on Joint Capital Outlay, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Natural Resources, and was a member of the House committees on Appropriations; Families, Children, and Seniors; Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation; Elections and Ethics; and Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security. His 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 Steve Marino 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 Marino 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. 407.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jeffrey Pepper.

Whereas, It is a distinct pleasure to honor Representative Jeffrey Pepper as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives concludes. During his time in this legislative body, he has been an impassioned and fearless leader for his constituents in the Fifteenth District; and

Whereas, As a lifelong resident of Michigan, Representative Pepper attended Dearborn Public Schools. He continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and a juris doctor from Wayne State University. Representative Pepper, inspired by a wealth of knowledge and his desire to serve others, established the largest mediation practice in his community in his decades-long career. While he is an established and successful legal professional and business owner, Representative Pepper is also proud to be a husband, father, and grandfather; and

Whereas, Representative Pepper’s commitment to bettering his community led him to be elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022. He enthusiastically served as a member of the committees on Families, Children, and Veterans; Agriculture; and Administrative Rules. Representative Pepper demonstrated his communication and collaboration skills through his work on bipartisan bills to protect Michigan’s schoolchildren; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jeffrey Pepper for his contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Pepper 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. 408.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Ronnie Peterson.

Whereas, It is most appropriate that we thank the Honorable Ronnie Peterson as his tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Peterson for his work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Fifty-fourth District; and

Whereas, Representative Peterson is a civic leader who is deeply committed to public service. Prior to joining the Legislature, he served his community as a member of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and the Ypsilanti City Council. Representative Peterson is an advocate for economic development and job growth in his community, founding the Eastern Washtenaw County Leaders forum and the Spark East Business Incubator. Representative Peterson is passionate about bettering his community and served on the boards of numerous associations and charitable organizations including the Washtenaw Development Council, Vantage Point, Detroit Regional Aerotropolis, and Ypsilanti Breakfast Optimist Club. He worked tirelessly in his community to improve mental health services, expand dental health service delivery, and provide job opportunities; and

Whereas, Since joining the Michigan House of Representatives in 2017, Representative Peterson has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the Fifty-fourth District. He has served as minority vice chair for the Appropriations subcommittees on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services, and Transportation. He also served with distinction as a member of the Appropriations subcommittees on Military and Veterans Affairs and State Police, and Joint Capital Outlay. Representative Peterson was integral in the development of several economic opportunities, public safety initiatives, and accessibility initiatives for the Ypsilanti region. His 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 Ronnie Peterson 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 Peterson 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. 409.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable John Reilly.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative John Reilly as his tenure with the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. It is a pleasure to salute Representative Reilly for his work on behalf of the people of the state of Michigan and, in particular, the citizens of the Forty-sixth District; and

Whereas, Representative Reilly joined the Legislature in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from his work as an automotive technology engineering test technician and business owner. Representative Reilly graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School and went on to obtain an associate’s degree in automotive technology engineering from Oakland Community College. Representative Reilly worked for twenty years in the automotive industry and owned his own home-service business. Representative Reilly is a devoted husband to Karen, his wife of thirty-six years, and a proud father of four children. Representative Reilly is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys backpacking, camping, hunting, and fishing; and

Whereas, Since his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Reilly has demonstrated his deep commitment to improving the lives of his constituents in the Forty-sixth District. He served with distinction as vice chair on the Financial Liability Reform Committee and the Oversight Committee. Representative Reilly was also a member of the House committees on Education Reform, Energy Policy, Regulatory Reform, Commerce and Tourism, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation, Communications and Technology, and Financial Services. His dedication and integrity stand as a clear example of what it takes to be a successful public servant; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable John Reilly 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 Reilly as evidence of our appreciation and best wishes in 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. 410.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Daire Rendon.

Whereas, The House of Representatives now takes this opportunity to commend the Honorable Daire Rendon for her service to this chamber as the Representative for the One Hundred Third District. Since assuming office in 2017, Representative Rendon has carried out her admirable service in this chamber not only to her constituents in Missaukee, Crawford, Kalkaska, Roscommon, and Ogemaw counties, but to Michigan’s citizens across the state; and

Whereas, Representative Rendon’s professional and personal experiences prior to beginning her service demonstrate expertise she brought to bear during her tenure. Formerly an employee of the Social Security Administration, Representative Rendon would go on to purchase and successfully expand one business – Check Alert Systems – and found another that remains in operation today – Dragon Payment Systems. As evidence of the expertise she developed as a business owner, Representative Rendon was appointed by Governors John Engler and Jennifer Granholm, respectively, to serve the Michigan Bureau of Consumer and Industry Services as a member of the Michigan Collection Practices Advisory Board. Representative Rendon also served as a chairperson of the Michigan Home Builders Associate Council and as president of the Michigan Association of Collection Agencies. In addition, Representative Rendon chaired the first Missaukee County Relay for Life in 1998, reflecting a lifelong support of the American Cancer Society and her drive to aid research for the disease that she herself overcame. All of this was accomplished with the help of Representative Rendon’s devoted family, including her husband, Bruce, two married daughters, and three grandchildren; and

Whereas, Representative Rendon’s legislative record reflects the dedication and tenacity with which she served this chamber. Representative Rendon served with distinction as the chair of both the Insurance Committee and the Families, Children, and Seniors Committee as well as the vice chair of the latter. Representative Rendon also served as a member of the House committees on Agriculture, Judiciary, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation, House Agriculture, Commerce and Trade, Michigan Competitiveness, and Natural Resources. During her tenure, Representative Rendon sponsored legislation to reform how electronic voting systems operate to secure our elections, provide funding for supporting tourism attractions in northern Michigan, to expand eligibility for individuals to receive guardianship assistance payments, and address a variety of other issues; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute in gratitude to the Honorable Daire Rendon for her dedicated service to this chamber and the State of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Rendon 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. 411.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Terry J. Sabo.

Whereas, It is an honor to recognize the Honorable Terry J. Sabo as he concludes his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Sabo has been a dedicated servant to the citizens of Michigan, especially his constituents in the Ninety-second District, which includes the cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and North Muskegon and the townships of Muskegon, Laketon, Fruitland, and Whitehall; and

Whereas, Representative Sabo has dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. After graduating from Ravenna High School, he served in the United States Air Force for four years as a security policeman, then had a career as a certified firefighter and police officer for over 25 years. In the latter part of his professional career, he became involved in local government, serving as a Muskegon County Road Commissioner and as chairman of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners. Representative Sabo also strongly believes in civic service. He is a member of several service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 8846, the American Legion Post 9, the Muskegon Northside Lions Club, and the Muskegon Heights Optimist Club. Representative Sabo and his wife, Denise, reside in their lifelong home of Muskegon County, where they have four children and ten grandchildren; and

Whereas, Since his election to the House in 2016, Representative Sabo has been an active and influential legislator. During his three terms, he served on numerous committees, providing leadership as minority vice chair of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and the Committee on Workforce, Trades, and Talent. He was also a member of the committees on Appropriations, Agriculture, and Local Government and the Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates. On the Appropriations Committee, Representative Sabo was minority vice chair of the Subcommittee on General Government and a member of the subcommittees on Agriculture and Rural Development, Corrections, and Transportation. Additionally, he is chair of the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus. Representative Sabo successfully sponsored legislation to codify best practices in the foster care system, facilitate occupational licensing, improve government finances, and fund several projects in Muskegon County. Among those many projects were funding for the Muskegon County EXIT Program, which helps incarcerated individuals succeed upon returning to their community; various road and infrastructure improvements; and the complete restoration of the Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Terry J. Sabo 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 Sabo 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. 412.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Tim Sneller.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we honor Representative Tim Sneller as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served all of Michigan and the constituents in the Fiftieth District with hard work and leadership; and

Whereas, Representative Sneller is a lifelong resident of Genesee County and was raised by Andy and Margaret Sneller with siblings Carol, Ronald, and Sandi. He attended Burton Bentley High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a secondary teaching certificate from the University of Michigan-Flint. Representative Sneller worked at the Flint General Motors Truck and Bus Plant, where he became a proud member of the UAW Local 598. He was also a social studies and history teacher. He is a member of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce, the Burton Chamber of Congress, and the Greater Flint Health Coalition Board of Directors and a sponsor of the Burton Project Heat is On. Representative Sneller has a long history of legislative service, as he worked for over thirty years as a legislative aide to several legislators. His experience in these roles equipped him with the skills necessary to be an effective legislator and dedicated public servant; and

Whereas, Representative Sneller was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. During his time, he has exemplified leadership as the minority vice chair of the Transportation Committee. Representative Sneller also served with distinction as a member of the House committees on Energy, Rules and Competitiveness, Insurance, Agriculture, and Financial Liability Reform. He has worked tirelessly on legislation to improve transportation and vehicle safety measures across the state. He is most proud of his dedication to his constituents in the Fiftieth District. He hosted over three hundred coffee hours with constituents and responded to over thirty thousand constituent calls during the COVID-19 pandemic; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Tim Sneller 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 Sneller 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. 413.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable William Sowerby.

Whereas, It is with sincere gratitude that we honor Representative William Sowerby as his tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has shown great dedication not only to his constituents in the Thirty-first District, but to all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, Representative Sowerby grew up in Saint Clair Shores as one of five children. He attended Lake Shore High School and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Wayne State University. He was employed as an automotive sales representative for eighteen years and was elected to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 1988. As a commissioner, Representative Sowerby made significant strides towards bettering his community. He also served as a board member of the Community Mental Health Board and of S.M.A.R.T., a public bus transportation service. Representative Sowerby was elected treasurer of the Charter Township of Clinton, where he served five terms, and chaired the Clinton Township Community Blood Drive, which collected six-thousand two hundred-forty pints of blood under his leadership. He is married to Dr. Martha Higgins, who he is looking forward to spending more time with in retirement. He is the proud father of one son, Brad, and daughter-in-law, Briana, and a grandfather to one grandson, Braydon. Representative Sowerby is active in downhill skiing, hiking, bicycling, and volunteering; and

Whereas, Representative Sowerby was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. During his time, he served with distinction as the minority vice chair of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee. He was also a member of the committees on Judiciary, Education, and Local Government and Municipal Finance. Representative Sowerby is proud of his perfect attendance and voting record over his six years of service and using tough scrutiny to consider all legislation. Of all his work, Representative Sowerby is most proud of his efforts to protect Michiganders from negligent construction companies and to increase government transparency; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable William Sowerby 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 Sowerby 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. 414.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Richard M. Steenland.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we recognize Representative Richard M. Steenland for his work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, his constituents in the Twenty-second District. Throughout his tenure in the House, his hard work has benefited not only the people of the cities of Roseville and Warren, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, A lifelong Roseville resident, Representative Steenland chose to stay in the community that he loved while establishing a career and raising a family. From a young age, his parents, a father who was a Roseville Police Officer and President of the Roseville Community Schools’ Board of Education, and a mother who was a stay-at-home caretaker, instilled in Representative Steenland a sense of community pride, hard work, and duty for civic engagement. Today he honors his parents’ legacy through the funding of a scholarship in their honor. Throughout his life and career, Representative Steenland has always tried to embody these values to create a better community. He graduated from Roseville Brablec High School in 1979, received an associate’s degree in general studies from Macomb Community College, and attended Oakland University. Representative Steenland raised three children, Ricky, Anna, and Julia, and is a proud grandfather to Beckham and Beau; and

Whereas, Throughout his career, Representative Steenland has continued to serve his community. He has served as a court administrative aide; Friend of the Court Investigator; alternate union steward in UAW Local 889; on the Roseville City Council; and as President of the Macomb County Clerks Association. He is most proud of his time as the Roseville City Clerk, when he administered over thirty elections; oversaw the hiring of over two hundred police and fire employees; trained over two hundred and seventy-five election inspectors; oversaw the licensing of over fourteen-hundred new businesses; and maintained transparency by being one of the first cities in Macomb County to submit election results to the public. He also volunteers with the Warren-Sterling Heights Elks Club, the Roseville Optimist Club, the Roseville Goodfellows, and the Roseclair Eagles; and

Whereas, Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2020, Representative Steenland’s proudest achievements have come from being a strong advocate for all of his constituents, and working in a bi-partisan manner to make Michigan a better place. Representative Steenland served with distinction as a member of the House committees on Insurance; Regulatory Reform; and Military, Veterans and Homeland Security. During his tenure, he worked in a bipartisan manner to provide additional support to police, fire fighters, military members, and veterans. He also worked to make historic investments in education and economic development. His 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 Richard M. Steenland 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 Richard M. Steenland 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. 415.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Shri Thanedar.

Whereas, It is a pleasure to recognize the Honorable Shri Thanedar for his service to his constituents in the Third District and the people of this state as he concludes his time in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Thanedar has endeavored faithfully to advocate for the city of Detroit during his term in office and serve as a model of the American Dream; and

Whereas, Before his election to the House in 2020, Representative Thanedar had a successful career as a scientist and entrepreneur. In 1979, he immigrated to the United States to seek greater opportunities and earn money for his family in India. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Bombay before participating in a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. He utilized his education to become a small business owner in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. He has become a proud member of the Detroit community, along with his wife, Shashi, and his two sons, Samir and Neil; and

Whereas, Representative Thanedar was highly involved in the Committee on Appropriations, serving as minority vice chair of the Subcommittee on the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and as a member of the Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the Subcommittee on School Aid and Department of Education. In this role, Representative Thanedar helped allocate funding to improve the state’s public health, environment, and schools, including working on the state’s largest ever per-student investment in education; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Shri Thanedar 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 Thanedar 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. 416.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Rodney Wakeman.

Whereas, It is a distinct pleasure to honor Representative Rodney Wakeman as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served his constituents in the Ninety-fourth District, as well as all of Michigan’s citizens, with dedication and leadership; and

Whereas, Representative Wakeman was born and raised in Saginaw. He earned an associate’s degree in arts from Delta College and a Certificate of Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. His knowledge and savvy contributed to the success of his family business, Wakeman Funeral Home in Saginaw. Representative Wakeman is a proud servant of his community and is a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the President of the Valley Lutheran High School Foundation, and a member of the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science Advisory Committee, along with holding a number of other roles in community organizations. In 2011 and 2015, Representative Wakeman was appointed to the Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science by Governor Rick Snyder and served as chair from 2015 to 2018; and

Whereas, Representative Wakeman was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018. During his time, he served as the vice chair of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee and the Financial Services Committee. He also exemplified leadership as the chair of the committee on Families, Children, and Seniors. Representative Wakeman served dutifully as a member of the committees on Commerce and Tourism, Education, and Communications and Technology. Using his vast expertise, Representative Wakeman sponsored legislation to improve the licensed practice of Mortuary Science and worked to improve the lives of vulnerable Michigan residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Rodney Wakeman 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 Rodney Wakeman as a token of our appreciation and gratitude.

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. 417.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Mary Whiteford.

Whereas, It is with great joy and appreciation that we recognize Representative Mary Whiteford as her time in the Michigan House of Representatives concludes. She has been a strong and empowering leader for her constituents in the Eightieth District; and

Whereas, Representative Whiteford brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Legislature. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Northern Illinois University before working in pediatric neurosurgery and emergency units for 15 years. She is also a small business owner; together with her husband, Kevin, Representative Whiteford operates a financial planning firm. Representative Whiteford is a passionate member of her community and has volunteered in schools, led homeowners associations, and was appointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission to raise awareness of human trafficking. She is a proud mother of three children, Scott, Alisa, and Ken, and a grandmother to Reese, Beckham, Novak, and Wellington; and

Whereas, Representative Whiteford was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016. Her trusted expertise allowed Representative Whiteford to be appointed as the chair of the Appropriations subcommittees on both Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services as well as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Throughout her tenure, she also served on the Appropriations subcommittees of Health and Human Services; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance and Financial Services; and Joint Capital Outlay. She has also served as a member on the Health Policy Committee. In her third term, Representative Whiteford served as both majority vice chair and chair of the Appropriations Committee. Throughout her time, Representative Whiteford staunchly advocated for the betterment of Michigan’s mental health system, as evidenced by her successful sponsorship of the law creating the Michigan Crisis and Access Line. She also sought to make lasting improvements to the child welfare system through her work on the Adoption and Foster Care Task Force. Above all, she is proud to be a role model for her children and grandchildren; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Mary Whiteford for her notable contributions to this legislative body; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Whiteford to extend our thanks 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. 418.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Tenisha Yancey.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we take the time to honor Representative Tenisha Yancey for her work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan and, in particular, her constituents in the First District. Throughout her tenure in the House, her hard work has benefited not only the people of Grosse Pointe Woods, Harper Woods, Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, and Detroit, but all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Representative Yancey’s life experiences have made her a true representative of Michiganders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Eastern Michigan University and a juris doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. In her career, she showed her devotion to public service and to her community as a project manager for the Wayne County Land Bank, as a government relations executive and community outreach coordinator with the Wayne County Executive’s Office, as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Juvenile Division of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and as a member of the Harper Woods Board of Education. She also became a proud mother of one child and grandmother to three grandchildren. She remains an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and she is excited for the opportunity to continue to serve her community as a Thirty-Sixth District Court judge after leaving the Legislature; and

Whereas, Since her election to the House of Representatives in 2017, Representative Yancey drew on her personal experiences to become an advocate for the hardworking people in the First District. She served on the Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, which saw many of its recommendations become legislation. She also served on the Jail Reform Advisory Council, which followed the outcomes of legislation from the Task Force. Representative Yancey proudly worked on legislation for expungements of driving under the influence offenses, seeing the value in providing second chances to more Michiganders who need it. She served with distinction as the minority vice chair of the Tax Policy Committee and was also a member of the House committees on Judiciary, Regulatory Reform, and Transportation. 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 Tenisha Yancey 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 Tenisha Yancey 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. 419.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jeff Yaroch.

Whereas, We take this opportunity to recognize the commendable service of the Honorable Jeff Yaroch, a lifelong resident of Macomb County, who has served this chamber as the Representative for the Thirty-third District. Since assuming office in 2017, Representative Yaroch has represented with integrity not only the interests of his constituents in the villages of Armada and New Haven, cities of Memphis and Richmond, and townships of Armada, Lenox, Ray, Richmond, and Macomb, but those of all of Michigan’s citizens; and

Whereas, Representative Yaroch holds an associate degree in fire science from Macomb Community College, a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Baker College, and a juris doctor degree from Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School. He is a member of the Lions Club, an organization that emphasizes volunteer and service-oriented work in communities across the world. Representative Yaroch developed his leadership skills in the course of earning his status as an Eagle Scout. Before stepping into his role as a legislator, Representative Yaroch dutifully served as a firefighter and paramedic for twenty-seven years, eventually attaining the rank of battalion chief. For seventeen years, Representative Yaroch served his community as a member of the Richmond City Council, further illustrating his commitment to public service. Representative Yaroch is also a devoted husband to his wife, Sara, and proud father of two daughters named after presidents, Reagan and Madison; and

Whereas, Representative Yaroch’s record in this Chamber reflects his commitment to following the Constitution and serving the interests of individual citizens above all else. He served as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Insurance and Financial Services as well as vice chair of the Judiciary, Corrections, and Transportation subcommittees. Additionally, Representative Yaroch served as a member of the Appropriations subcommittees on Agriculture & Rural Development/Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Health and Human Services. During his tenure, Representative Yaroch sponsored legislation on numerous topics, including to expand worker’s compensation benefits for firefighters with cancer, to create a personal protection equipment stockpile to better prepare for future pandemics, to require feedback from nursing home inspectors in order to protect our state’s vulnerable populations; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Jeff Yaroch 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 Yaroch 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. 420.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Terence Mekoski.

Whereas, It is a pleasure to recognize Representative Terence Mekoski for his service in the Michigan House of Representatives. Representative Mekoski has advocated for the interests of the Thirty-sixth District, which includes Shelby Township, Bruce Township, Washington Township, and the Village of Romeo in Macomb County, while simultaneously considering the benefit of the state as a whole; and

Whereas, Prior to his special election in 2022, Representative Mekoski was a dedicated member of law enforcement and an active member of his community. After receiving his associate degree, he served at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years, retiring in 2016 as Deputy Commander of Patrol Services. Representative Mekoski is a member of the Knights of Columbus, chairs the Light and Dark Ministry in Detroit, and volunteers for Vets Returning Home. He is currently studying criminal justice at Columbia Southern University, embracing a mindset of constant self-improvement and dedication to his craft; and

Whereas, Representative Mekoski served on the committees on Judiciary, Local Government and Municipal Finance, and Regulatory Reform. He has co-sponsored bills to improve the safety of Michigan schools and promote better mental health among students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Terence Mekoski 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 Mekoski 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. 421.

A resolution of tribute for the honorable Pamela Hornberger.

Whereas, It is with gratitude that we take this time to honor Representative Pamela Hornberger as her time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. She has shown great leadership and dedication to her constituents in the Thirty-second District; and

Whereas, Representative Hornberger is a lifelong resident of Macomb County, which has provided her with insight and passion. Representative Hornberger earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, her teaching certification from Wayne State University, and a master’s in education administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Her vast knowledge and expertise grew even more throughout her over 20 years as a teacher. She has also served as a Trustee on the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education; the Regional Representative for the Selective Services Board; the chairperson of the Michigan Association of School Boards Legal Trust Fund; and the secretary of the Republican Committee of Northern Macomb County; and

Whereas, Representative Hornberger was elected to her seat in 2016. She exemplified leadership as the Speaker Pro Tempore, the chair of the Committee on Education, as the vice chair for the Committee on Education Reform, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and the Department of Education. She was also a member of the committees on Commerce and Trade, Health Policy, Judiciary, and Elections and Ethics. She has been a champion for legislation to improve the safety of Michigan’s children and to protect the well-being of all Michiganders; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Pamela Hornberger 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 Hornberger 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. 422.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Yousef Rabhi.

Whereas, It is with great pleasure that we recognize the service and leadership of Representative Yousef Rabhi. Representative Rabhi has shown dedication and passion for serving Michiganders and his constituents in the Fifty-third District, which includes Washtenaw county. Throughout his time in the Legislature, he exemplified what it means to be a public servant; and

Whereas, Representative Rabhi was born in Ypsilanti and raised in Ann Arbor, he attended Ann Arbor Public Schools. His passion for his community and social change was apparent from an early age eventually earning his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Michigan. While finishing his degree in 2010, he was elected to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, serving in that capacity for the next six years. During this time, he pursued a career working in public land stewardship and ecosystem management at both the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation and the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. He also remained deeply involved in his community throughout this time, serving on nearly 20 boards, committees, and commissions with the goal of building a more sustainable, equitable and just community for all; and

Whereas, Representative Rabhi was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016 and served with great integrity and passion throughout his tenure. During his time in office, he served as the minority vice chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Environmental Quality and was a member of the subcommittees on Community Colleges and Higher Education, where he proposed protections for the School Aid Fund. Representative Rabhi was also a member of the Government Operations Committee where he advocated for corporate tax reform. In 2018, he was elected as the House Democratic Floor Leader, a role in which he served for two consecutive terms and proved to be a great asset and leader for this chamber in his role. Representative Rabhi remained steadfast in his pursuit towards causes such as healthcare reform, consumer protections, worker’s rights, and combating climate change; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Yousef Rabhi 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 Rabhi as an expression of our gratitude and 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. 423.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Ben Frederick.

Whereas, It is an honor to recognize the Honorable Ben Frederick as he concludes his six years of service in the Michigan House of Representatives. He is a respected colleague who has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Eighty-fifth District, which includes Shiawassee County and the southwestern portion of Saginaw County, and to secure a bright future for all of Michigan; and

Whereas, Representative Frederick has spent his career as a devoted servant of the people, dedicating most of his adult life to various public service roles beginning at age 19. At the state level, he worked as a legislative staffer and campaign manager for various legislators for over fourteen years. At the local level, Representative Frederick served as a member of the Owosso City Council and as mayor of Owosso for seven years, the youngest person to hold that position in city history. During his time as an elected official, Representative Frederick earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University and a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University. In 2012, Representative Frederick was named a Citizen of the Year by the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, and he has worked with many other organizations, including the Pregnancy Resource Center of Shiawassee County, Shiawassee-Saginaw Habitat for Humanity, the Kiwanis Club of Owosso, and Friends of the Shiawassee River. Representative Frederick married his high school sweetheart, Lydia, and together they are raising their family in his hometown of Owosso; and

Whereas, Representative Frederick has served as chair of the Committee on Workforce and Trade Development, majority vice chair of the Committee on Health Policy, and a member of the committees on Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce and Trade, Energy, Insurance, Local Government, and Regulatory Reform. On the Appropriations Committee, he served as chair of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges. Representative Frederick was also appointed to the Select Committee on Reducing Car Insurance Rates, the House Fiscal Agency Governing Committee, the Michigan Workforce Development Board, and the Legislative Council. While Representative Frederick successfully sponsored a variety of bills, his areas of focus included providing greater postsecondary educational opportunities for adult learners, elevating professional trades careers, incentivizing economic development and historic preservation, and advocating for adults and children with special needs; and

Whereas, In his final term, Representative Frederick was appointed Majority Floor Leader. In this role, he concentrated on preserving the integrity and traditions of the House of Representatives while effectively and efficiently steering the chamber in the passage of several notable pieces of legislation, including bills sponsored or promoted by Representative Frederick to help Michigan students pursue apprenticeships, support small businesses, appropriate record investments for higher education, and create greater opportunities for jobs for the hardworking 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 Ben Frederick 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 Frederick 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. 424.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Donna Lasinski.

Whereas, We now take this opportunity to recognize and thank the Honorable Donna Lasinski’s dedicated service to this chamber as the Representative for the Fifty-second District. Since assuming office in 2017, Representative Lasinksi has honorably served not only her constituents in Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Saline, and Whitmore Lake, but all of Michigan’s citizens. In her capacity as the House Minority Leader during her final term, Representative Lasinski brought great dedication and leadership to this legislative body; and

Whereas, Representative Lasinski holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. Before her election to the legislature, Representative Lasinski led a distinguished career as an advocate and leader in Michigan’s education sector, serving at different times as the treasurer of the Ann Arbor School Board, director on the Washtenaw County Association of School Boards, leader of the Education Millage Team, parent liaison for the Great Start Collaborate for Early Childhood in Washtenaw County, and the interim director for Success by Six, also in Washtenaw County. Representative Lasinski is also the founder of ThinkStretch, LLC, a company which served schools across thirty-eight different states developing summer learning programs for early k-12 students. Representative Lasinski is the wife to her husband, Mike, and mother to her three sons: Alec, Nate, and Jack; and

Whereas, Before serving her third and final term as the House Minority Leader, Representative Lasinski served as the minority vice chair of both the Energy Policy and Energy Committees as well as a member of the Communications and Technology, Insurance, and Tax Policy Committees. While in office, she proudly championed an initiative alongside the Governor to provide funding for all four-year-old children in the state to receive preschool education in addition to spearheading historic efforts to initiate and expand program funding for Michigan students at all levels of education throughout the state. Furthermore, Representative Lasinski championed the creation of new economic development tools that generated thousands of high-paying jobs and billions of dollars of investments in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this sincere expression of gratitude to the Honorable Donna Lasinski for her commendable service to this chamber and the people of the State of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Lasinski as evidence of our deepest thanks and best wishes.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Rep. Tate offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 425.

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Jason Wentworth, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Whereas, It is with great admiration and gratitude that we take the opportunity to deeply thank the Honorable Jason Wentworth for his service as a Representative in this chamber for six years, serving his final term as the Honorable Speaker of the House. Throughout his tenure, Speaker Wentworth has served the members of the Ninety-seventh District, including constituents residing in Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, and Osceola counties, with enthusiasm and integrity. During his term as Speaker, he has proven to be a dedicated servant to the people of Michigan and a strong leader in this chamber; and

Whereas, Speaker Wentworth’s tenure in office was defined by his deep commitment to serve the people of Michigan, reflected by the life he led before assuming his role as Representative. Speaker Wentworth joined the United States Military in 2001, serving the nation as a military police officer in the Army and completing a tour of duty in South Korea. Speaker Wentworth also holds a bachelor’s degree in public safety from St. Petersburg College in Florida, and a master’s degree in leadership from Central Michigan University. Following his military service, Speaker Wentworth continued his dedication to public service by utilizing his skills in both public and private sectors of law enforcement in Michigan and also served as the East Central Michigan regional coordinator for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Speaker Wentworth is also the devoted husband to his wife, Heather, and loving father to his three children: Kiley, Makayla, and Alexa; and

Whereas, Speaker Wentworth’s legislative record in this chamber speaks to the integrity with which he served. Before assuming his role as Speaker, Representative Wentworth served as chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee as well as a member of the committees on Insurance, Workforce and Talent Development, Michigan Competitiveness, and Ways and Means. Speaker Wentworth also served with distinction as alternate chair and chair of the Legislative Council as well as vice chair of the House Fiscal Agency Governing Committee. Speaker Wentworth’s participation reflects a career-long dedication to pursuing economic development opportunities for Michiganders across the state. Before assuming his role as Speaker, Representative Wentworth introduced successful legislation related to many such efforts, including broadly revising Michigan’s no-fault automobile insurance laws. Speaker Wentworth also served with distinction as the Speaker Pro Tempore from 2019 to 2021 before being selected by his peers to lead this chamber as Speaker of the House in the 2021-2022 legislative session; and

Whereas, Since assuming his role as Speaker, the Honorable Representative has continued his work on behalf of the people of Michigan by guiding numerous legislative efforts. These accomplishments include working across party lines to strategically invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the state’s SOAR fund which created thousands of jobs across Michigan, introducing successful legislation to reform and impose regulations related to Michigan’s pharmaceutical practices and protect consumers, working alongside Michigan’s School Safety Task Force to ensure that students statewide may feel safer in their classrooms, and investing significant financial resources into caring for our state’s honorable military veterans; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute in deep appreciation and commendation for the Honorable Jason Wentworth, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for his distinguished service on behalf of this chamber and the State of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Speaker Wentworth as evidence of our gratitude and best wishes.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Announcement by the Clerk of Printing and Enrollment

 

 

The Clerk announced that the following bills had been reproduced and made available electronically on Tuesday, December 6:

House Bill Nos.     6547  6548

 

 

Communications from State Officers

 

 

The following communications from the Secretary of State were received December 7, 2022 and read:

 

Notices of Filing

Administrative Rules

 

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 #2021-074-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-15) on this date at 2:48 P.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Public Health Code – 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.

 

March 17, 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 #2021-082-LE (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-16) on this date at 1:17 P.M. for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity entitled, “Historic Preservation Certificate”.

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.

 

March 17, 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 #2021-020-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑03-17) on this date at 3:11 P.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Professional Engineers – 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.

 

April 25, 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 #2021-053-LR (Secretary of State Filing #22‑04-01) on this date at 1:30 P.M. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs entitled, “Social Work – 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

 

 

Rep. Meerman introduced

House Bill No. 6549, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1451a.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Education.

 

 

Rep. Meerman introduced

House Bill No. 6550, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 3120 and 3122 (MCL 324.3120 and 324.3122), section 3120 as amended by 2021 PA 91 and section 3122 as amended by 2019 PA 79.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

Rep. Sowerby introduced

House Bill No. 6551, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

 

 

Rep. Sowerby introduced

House Bill No. 6552, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

 

 

Reps. Kuppa, Brixie, Hood, Glanville, Hope, Cynthia Johnson, Brabec, Cavanagh, Steckloff, Garza, Peterson, Ellison, Koleszar and Damoose introduced

House Bill No. 6553, entitled

A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending section 520a (MCL 750.520a), as amended by 2014 PA 64.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

Reps. Kuppa, Hood, Glanville, Hope, Cynthia Johnson, Brabec, Cavanagh, Steckloff, Garza, Peterson, Cherry, Ellison, Koleszar and Damoose introduced

House Bill No. 6554, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding sections 21317 and 21717a.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

 

 

Reps. Cavanagh, Young, Pohutsky, Aiyash, Morse, Sowerby, Haadsma, Tyrone Carter, Witwer, Steckloff, Breen, Neeley, Peterson, Coleman, O’Neal, Stone, Weiss and Whitsett introduced

House Bill No. 6555, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7b (MCL 211.7b), as amended by 2013 PA 161.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Tax Policy.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6556, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 41301, 41302, and 41303 (MCL 324.41301, 324.41302, and 324.41303), as amended by 2018 PA 451.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6557, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending the heading of part 163 and sections 16301 and 16303 (MCL 324.16301 and 324.16303) and by adding sections 16304, 16305, 16306, 16307, and 16308.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6558, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 16309.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

Reps. Rabhi, Camilleri, Pohutsky, Aiyash, Sowerby, Steven Johnson, Allor and Carra introduced

House Bill No. 6559, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending sections 4ee and 25 (MCL 205.54ee and 205.75), section 4ee as added by 2015 PA 251 and section 25 as amended by 2020 PA 29.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Tax Policy.

 

 

Reps. Carra, Camilleri, Pohutsky, Aiyash, Sowerby, Steven Johnson, Allor and Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6560, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7ff (MCL 211.7ff), as amended by 2020 PA 28.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Tax Policy.

 

 

Reps. Rabhi, Pohutsky, Camilleri, Aiyash, Sowerby, Steven Johnson, Allor and Carra introduced

House Bill No. 6561, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending sections 4cc and 21 (MCL 205.94cc and 205.111), section 4cc as added by 2015 PA 252 and section 21 as amended by 2020 PA 30.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Tax Policy.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6562, entitled

A bill to amend 1968 PA 15, entitled “Correctional industries act,” by amending sections 6 and 12 (MCL 800.326 and 800.332), section 6 as amended by 2015 PA 249 and section 12 as amended by 1996 PA 537.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6563, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 3, entitled “An act to provide for the regulation and control of public and certain private utilities and other services affected with a public interest within this state; to provide for alternative energy suppliers; to provide for licensing; to include municipally owned utilities and other providers of energy under certain provisions of this act; to create a public service commission and to prescribe and define its powers and duties; to abolish the Michigan public utilities commission and to confer the powers and duties vested by law on the public service commission; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; to provide for the continuance, transfer, and completion of certain matters and proceedings; to abolish automatic adjustment clauses; to prohibit certain rate increases without notice and hearing; to qualify residential energy conservation programs permitted under state law for certain federal exemption; to create a fund; to encourage the utilization of resource recovery facilities; to prohibit certain acts and practices of providers of energy; to allow for the securitization of stranded costs; to reduce rates; to provide for appeals; to provide appropriations; to declare the effect and purpose of this act; to prescribe remedies and penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” (MCL 460.1 to 460.11) by adding section 6aa.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Energy.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6564, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 3107c, 3107d, 3109a, and 3114 (MCL 500.3107c, 500.3107d, 500.3109a, and 500.3114), sections 3107c and 3107d as added and section 3109a as amended by 2019 PA 22 and section 3114 as amended by 2019 PA 21.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Rules and Competitiveness.

 

 

Rep. Rabhi introduced

House Bill No. 6565, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 348, entitled “An act to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants relative to rental agreements for rental units; to regulate the payment, repayment, use and investment of security deposits; to provide for commencement and termination inventories of rental units; to provide for termination arrangements relative to rental units; to provide for legal remedies; and to provide penalties,” (MCL 554.601 to 554.616) by adding section 6a.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.

Reps. Rogers, Ellison, Puri, Hope, Breen, Brixie, Cynthia Johnson, Peterson, Kuppa, Pepper, Rabhi, Brabec, Clemente, Sowerby and Aiyash introduced

House Bill No. 6566, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 382, entitled “Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman bingo act,” by amending section 5d (MCL 432.105d), as added by 1999 PA 108.

The bill was read a first time by its title and referred to the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security.

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker Pro Tempore assumed the Chair.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Second Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 1084, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7b (MCL 211.7b), as amended by 2013 PA 161.

The bill was read a second time.

 

Rep. Hall moved to substitute (H-1) the bill.

The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-1) was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Rabhi moved that Rep. Aiyash be excused temporarily from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Rep. Frederick moved that Rep. Clements be excused temporarily from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 1084, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7b (MCL 211.7b), as amended by 2013 PA 161.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 486                                    Yeas—87

 

 

Albert                                Coleman                  Johnson, C                             Peterson

Alexander                          Damoose                 Jones                                     Posthumus

Anthony                            Eisen                       Kahle                                     Puri

Beeler                                Ellison                     Koleszar                                Rabhi

Bellino                              Farrington                Kuppa                                    Rogers

Berman                             Filler                        LaFave                                   Roth

Beson                                Fink                         LaGrand                                Shannon

Bezotte                              Frederick                 Lasinski                                 Sneller

Bolden                              Garza                       Lightner                                 Sowerby

Bollin                                Glanville                  Manoogian                             Steckloff

Borton                               Glenn                      Marino                                   Steenland

Brabec                               Green                      Markkanen                             Thanedar

Brann                                Griffin                     Martin                                    Tisdel

Breen                                Haadsma                 Meerman                               VanWoerkom

Brixie                                Hall                         Morse                                    Wakeman

Calley                                Harris                      Mueller                                  Wendzel

Cambensy                         Hauck                      Neeley                                   Wentworth

Camilleri                           Hertel                      O’Malley                               Whiteford

Carter, T                            Hoitenga                  O’Neal                                   Whitsett

Cavanagh                          Hope                       Outman                                  Witwer

Cherry                               Hornberger              Paquette                                 Yaroch

Clemente                           Howell                     Pepper                                  

 

 

                                                              Nays—13

 

 

Allor                                 Maddock                 Rendon                                  Tate

Carra                                 Pohutsky                 Sabo                                      VanSingel

Johnson, S                         Reilly                       Slagh                                      Weiss

Liberati                                                                                                          

 

 

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 provide for the assessment of rights and interests, including leasehold interests, in property and the levy and collection of taxes on property, and for the collection of taxes levied; making those taxes a lien on the property taxed, establishing and continuing the lien, providing for the sale or forfeiture and conveyance of property delinquent for taxes, and for the inspection and disposition of lands bid off to the state and not redeemed or purchased; to provide for the establishment of a delinquent tax revolving fund and the borrowing of money by counties and the issuance of notes; to define and limit the jurisdiction of the courts in proceedings in connection with property delinquent for taxes; to limit the time within which actions may be brought; to prescribe certain limitations with respect to rates of taxation; to prescribe certain powers and duties of certain officers, departments, agencies, and political subdivisions of this state; to provide for certain reimbursements of certain expenses incurred by units of local government; to provide penalties for the violation 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. 783, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending sections 520, 522, and 524 (MCL 206.520, 206.522, and 206.524), sections 520 and 522 as amended by 2015 PA 179 and section 524 as amended by 1987 PA 254, and by adding section 521.

The bill was read a second time.

 

Rep. Hall moved to substitute (H-2) the bill.

The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-2) was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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. 783, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending sections 520, 522, and 524 (MCL 206.520, 206.522, and 206.524), sections 520 and 522 as amended by 2015 PA 179 and section 524 as amended by 1987 PA 254, and by adding section 521.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 487                                    Yeas—88

 

 

Albert                                Coleman                  Johnson, C                             Peterson

Alexander                          Damoose                 Jones                                     Posthumus

Anthony                            Eisen                       Kahle                                     Puri

Beeler                                Ellison                     Koleszar                                Rabhi

Bellino                              Farrington                Kuppa                                    Rogers

Berman                             Filler                        LaFave                                   Roth

Beson                                Fink                         LaGrand                                Shannon

Bezotte                              Frederick                 Lasinski                                 Sneller

Bolden                              Garza                       Lightner                                 Sowerby

Bollin                                Glanville                  Manoogian                             Steckloff

Borton                               Glenn                      Marino                                   Steenland

Brabec                               Green                      Markkanen                             Thanedar

Brann                                Griffin                     Martin                                    Tisdel

Breen                                Haadsma                 Meerman                               VanSingel

Brixie                                Hall                         Morse                                    VanWoerkom

Calley                                Harris                      Mueller                                  Wakeman

Cambensy                         Hauck                      Neeley                                   Wendzel

Camilleri                           Hertel                      O’Malley                               Wentworth

Carter, T                            Hoitenga                  O’Neal                                   Whiteford

Cavanagh                          Hope                       Outman                                  Whitsett

Cherry                               Hornberger              Paquette                                 Witwer

Clemente                           Howell                     Pepper                                   Yaroch

 

 

                                                              Nays—12

 

 

Allor                                 Liberati                    Reilly                                     Slagh

Carra                                 Maddock                 Rendon                                  Tate

Johnson, S                         Pohutsky                 Sabo                                      Weiss

 

 

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 meet deficiencies in state funds by providing for the imposition, levy, computation, collection, assessment, reporting, payment, and enforcement by lien and otherwise of taxes on or measured by net income and on certain commercial, business, and financial activities; to prescribe the manner and time of making reports and paying the taxes, and the functions of public officers and others as to the taxes; to permit the inspection of the records of taxpayers; to provide for interest and penalties on unpaid taxes; to provide exemptions, credits and refunds of the taxes; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; to provide an appropriation; 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. 727, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 527a (MCL 206.527a), as amended by 2018 PA 309.

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. 727, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 527a (MCL 206.527a), as amended by 2018 PA 309.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 488                                    Yeas—93

 

 

Alexander                          Eisen                       Kuppa                                    Rabhi

Allor                                 Ellison                     LaFave                                   Rogers

Anthony                            Farrington                LaGrand                                Roth

Beeler                                Filler                        Lasinski                                 Sabo

Bellino                              Fink                         Liberati                                  Shannon

Berman                             Frederick                 Lightner                                 Slagh

Beson                                Garza                       Manoogian                             Sneller

Bezotte                              Glanville                  Marino                                   Sowerby

Bolden                              Glenn                      Markkanen                             Steckloff

Bollin                                Green                      Martin                                    Steenland

Borton                               Griffin                     Meerman                               Tate

Brabec                               Haadsma                 Morse                                    Thanedar

Brann                                Hall                         Mueller                                  Tisdel

Breen                                Harris                      Neeley                                   VanSingel

Brixie                                Hauck                      O’Malley                               VanWoerkom

Calley                                Hertel                      O’Neal                                   Wakeman

Cambensy                         Hope                       Outman                                  Weiss

Camilleri                           Hornberger              Paquette                                 Wendzel

Carter, T                            Howell                     Pepper                                   Wentworth

Cavanagh                          Johnson, C               Peterson                                 Whiteford

Cherry                               Jones                       Pohutsky                                Whitsett

Clemente                           Kahle                       Posthumus                             Witwer

Coleman                            Koleszar                  Puri                                        Yaroch

Damoose                                                                                                        

                                                               Nays—7

 

 

Albert                                Hoitenga                  Maddock                                Rendon

Carra                                 Johnson, S               Reilly                                    

 

 

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 meet deficiencies in state funds by providing for the imposition, levy, computation, collection, assessment, reporting, payment, and enforcement by lien and otherwise of taxes on or measured by net income and on certain commercial, business, and financial activities; to prescribe the manner and time of making reports and paying the taxes, and the functions of public officers and others as to the taxes; to permit the inspection of the records of taxpayers; to provide for interest and penalties on unpaid taxes; to provide exemptions, credits and refunds of the taxes; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; to provide an appropriation; 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.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Mekoski entered the House Chambers.

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker Pro Tempore called Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Lightner to the Chair.

 

 

Comments and Recommendations

 

 

Rep. Mekoski:

“Madam Speaker, Distinguished Representatives, and fellow Michiganders, thank you all for this opportunity to reflect on my time serving the people of Michigan’s 36th district.

It has been a blessing, and such a privilege to serve the people of Michigan’s 36th district this past year. My term started with a special election in the spring and serving with you all has been extraordinary.

Even in the face of an unexpected life-threatening illness upon taking office, I am proud of the work our office has done to advocate for, represent, and fight for the citizens of northern Macomb county.

After dealing with some of the health challenges that I have experienced over the past few months, it has made me realize that whether we are a Democrat, or a Republican, we are all Americans elected to serve and lead with integrity.

There are countless individuals that I’d like to thank and although I cannot possibly list them all in just a few minutes, I’d like to wish a heartfelt thank you to a few very important people. First and foremost, I’d like to thank My team, my Chief of Staff Danny Bartolotta, Constituent Relations Lois Maljak , Dawn Beattie and Marlene Jacobsen. I would also like to give a very special thank you to my beautiful wife Anna, my family and all our volunteers.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I’d like to thank the great people Washington Township, Bruce Township, Shelby Township, and the Village of Romeo. You all have given me the honor of a lifetime to come to Lansing to serve you, and to be your voice. And this experience is one that I will treasure for a lifetime.

For my staff and I, this is not the end, it is just the beginning. As I always say, the best is yet to come!

May God Bless you, this hallowed chamber, and the great state of Michigan.

Thank you and God bless you all!”

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker assumed the Chair.

 

 

Rep. Hornberger:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am going to start with a complaint. I am extremely disappointed….extremely disappointed, that after nearly six years serving in this institution, battling with people and various groups, I have had buttons made about me, and mean tweets about me from people I’ve never really had a conversation with, but I have never, not once had my picture on the digital billboard truck in front of the Capitol. It is extremely disappointing, but I’ve still got a few hours.

On to Thank yous.

Thank you to my family.

My daughter, the strongest, smartest most dynamic young woman I know. Your perspective has been invaluable. Every day of my life is better because of you.

My parents for showing my sister and me that the American dream is possible.

My sister for her continued strength and selflessness when our mom had a devastating stroke in 2016 and again this year when she passed away. You stepped up and filled the role of care giver when I had to be in Lansing. I am grateful for you.

Thank you to Sonny Koch and Phil Kraft, who I consider family. We have been a team since day one. Thank you for your knowledge, dedication, levity and for getting my often-dark sense of humor. I appreciate you more than you know.

Thank you to the constituents of the 32nd district, who have trusted me to serve with each of you in the majestic institution for the past six years. We are so fortunate to be here, 110 of us, elected to represent the over 10 million people of our state.

Thank you, Jason Wentworth, for stepping up to lead at a time when our state, this institution and our caucus needed not only a strong stead leader, but someone who would lead with integrity. It has been an honor to serve with you, our caucus, and our leadership team.

Thank you to our caucus for electing me to serve as the first female Speaker Pro Tempore. Thank you for believing in me and trusting in me to maintain the dignity and integrity of this awesome institution. It has been an honor to serve you.

Thank you to our, Clerk Gary Randall, to Rich Brown and Scott Starr. You, your team on the rostrum, and behind the scenes that uphold the integrity of this House and made my job easy. I appreciate each of you so very much.

To our caucus members who realized early on that I am a rule follower, and an equal opportunity gaveler. You came to me with your floor speeches seeking a review so that you would not be gaveled. Thank you for respecting this institution.

And now, the best thank you.

I am grateful for all my Republican colleagues, but today I’m going to take a few minutes to celebrate some special people. 

Thank you to the women who are my sisters in our House Republican caucus. The women who strive every day to make our state a better place for all Michiganders. I am honored to be one of the 15 women serving in our Republican House Majority.

The women I serve with come to our Republican Caucus with a variety of backgrounds. We are educators, farmers, nurses, business owners, commissioners, mayors, entrepreneurs, advocates, and volunteers. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and partners. We have overcome life threatening illness, loss, and trauma. Collectively, we have experienced everything a woman might experience in her lifetime. Together we are strong advocates for conservative values in our communities and across our state.

Including Representative Schroder, House Republican women held five of the top leadership positions in our State House. Elected by our fellow majority caucus members because of our hard work and dedication. Our leadership team empowered the women in our caucus to lead committees, task forces and workgroups responsible for making positive reforms to Michigan law. We were chosen to lead not simply because we are women, but because we are knowledgeable and accomplished individuals who have earned the respect of our colleagues and are deserving of these roles. We have never whined about or demanded parity, we earned it by working alongside our male colleagues, never being treated as anything less than equal.

Our dedication to our caucus and excellent public policy has earned us the chairmanships of key House policy committees, many of us retuning as chair for the second term in a row. Republican women chair Agriculture, Communications and Technology, Education, Elections and Ethics, Financial Services, Health Policy, Insurance, Local Government and Municipal Finance, and the Workforce, Talent and Trades policy committees. We are responsible for substantial portions of the Michigan budget serving as chair of the Appropriations subcommittees an Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources, Environment Great Lakes and Energy, Health and Human Services, and Judiciary.

Thank you to Representatives Andrea Schroeder, Ann Bollin, Annette Glenn, Beth Griffin, Bronna Kahle, Daire Rendon, Diana Farrington, Julie Alexander, Julie Calley, Mary Whiteford, Michele Hoitenga, Pauline Wendzel, Sarah Lightner and Sue Allor for your tireless work and dedication to the people of Michigan. Thank you for being positive role models for our daughters, granddaughters, and women across our state, and for your fierce dedication to conservative values. March may be the Women’s History month, but every month of the year I appreciate and celebrate your accomplishments in our communities and the Michigan Legislature. Thank you to my Republican sisters for your vast positive impact on Michigan’s future, and personally, for your unwavering support.”

Rep. Rabhi:

“MISTER SPEAKER!

Thank you Mr. Speaker, hopefully the floor leader will start the clock over for me.

‘When you meet your friend on the roadside, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue. Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear of their ear; For their soul will keep the truth of your heart,’-Khalil Gibran.

I begin today with a dedication for those who have made this journey possible,

To the People of the 53rd district who placed their trust in me, thank you. Not just for electing me, but for stepping up to be citizens when this state and this country needed you. My work is not my own. It may be my name on the door but it is not my office, nor is this my chair. It does not belong to me, but rather to you. Never doubt the power you hold, nor the greatness of your voice. Never doubt that your vote matters. You are the leaders, the champions for freedom and justice, you are the water warriors, the marchers, the protesters, the callers, your voice will be heard.

Many nights in this town when the circumstances of the business before us were bruising, when hope for many of the issues I cared about seemed all but a sliver of fading light, when the forces of money and greed had all but won, you were what kept me seeing light. You were the soldiers that carried me on your shoulder that led me to hope once again. For even in the darkest days here in this room, I may have felt like I was physically alone, but I knew that you were there, always with me, showing me the path of righteousness and guiding me through a dense fog. Thank you.

To my colleagues, present and past, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I have a very different and unique relationship with each and every one of you, but I consider you my friends even when we do not agree.

There are unforgiving moments in the place, which try us endlessly. There have been challenges but those challenges have become a bond. To my brothers and sisters in the democratic caucus of the 100th and 101st legislature who placed your faith in me and gave me the great honor of serving as your Floor Leader for four years, I can tell you, from the core of my being, that I am thankful to you and humbled by the faith that you have placed in me.

To my republican colleagues, I see you as my brothers and sisters too. One of my favorite stories to report back home was how we would find common cause in the most unlikely places, and with some of the most unlikely people. We discount each other too much, and when we do, we lose sight of the great truth that our modern society has indoctrinated us to forget- when we peel back the layers of a person we find, that at our core, we have more in common than we are led to believe.

To my staff, Jelani, Alexi, Maketa, Seyed, Aaron, Emily and all of our interns, I do not deserve you. I don’t know where I would be or who I would be without you, but I can guarantee I would not be half the legislator I am. You changed lives back home, helped people at the end of their options find hope again, stepped up for working people struggling to feed their families during a pandemic and helping them to get their unemployment. I remember a story- you even showed up at one of our constituents houses with bags of groceries when we couldn’t get food assistance to them in time, and we knew that all they had left in their fridge was a packet of ketchup. You would stop at nothing to serve our constituents. We have been through a lot over the years but one thing has never changed: we are and will always be a team. No matter where you go from here or what is next, I want you to know that I would move heaven and earth for you just to give you back an ounce of what you have given me. I will be forever in your debt. On behalf of myself and the tens of thousands of constituents you served, Thank you.

To my mom Peggy, and my dad, Lounes- or as I call him ‘baba’, who could not be here tonight- to my brother Nino, to my aunt Sonya who is here today, to all of my other aunts, aunties, uncles, cousins and my family from Michigan to Algeria, to my girlfriend Katie- who’s up in the gallery- and to my stay at home cat, Lalla Aicha, I love you all very much. Each of you is very special to me. You have been my rock through this mighty journey never wavering nor flinching in your outpouring of love, support and pride. You have each taught me so much and helped me to grow. I am who I am because of what you have given me. There have been many sacrifices that you have made to allow me to make this journey. From late nights in Lansing, to non-stop evenings and weekend meetings in-district, I have not been there for you as much as you deserve. Every sacrifice that I have given, you have shouldered part of that burden and you have done so with un-questioning love and support.

To my ancestors. I speak to the heavens now, for they are all passed. But I am often asked, where do my passions and my values come from? Where do I get my fighting spirit or my endless tenacity? It is from you.

To my grandfather, Amar, who was a guerilla freedom fighter in the Algerian war of independence. Who deprived himself of food, water, shelter and comfort. Who put his entire self and his literal life on the line for the cause of freedom from the tyranny of French colonial oppression. Who, to his last dying breath, lived with two French bullets still lodged in his body from the war. You are my hero.

To my grandmother, Tassadit, who is the most tenacious woman I have ever met. Who was herself a freedom fighter, and hero of the people of Algeria for her bravery in the war. Who kept the guerrilla fighters alive by smuggling food and other supplies to the forces. Who raised two kids, and even gave birth in the woods while fleeing from French carpet bombing and napalm. Who was tortured in front my dad and his little brother. Who they tried to break, but was unbreakable. You are my hero.

To my grandfather, Angelo, who was a champion for the working class. Who organized those who had the least to fight for their dignity in the face of the wealthy who would seek to squeeze every person of their labor and give nothing but peanuts in return. Who was the president of his UAW local and who always was on the picket line from Detroit to Pontiac, to wherever the working class was taking a stand. You are my hero.

To my grandmother, Karen, who was a leader for world peace and ending global imperialism. Who organized a massive march in San Francisco, headlined by Martin Luther King, against the war in Vietnam. Who worked at the United Nations as an unwavering voice against oppression and for disarmament. You are my hero.

To my step grandfather, Steve, who lived a life devoted to solidarity with tribal nations. Who committed himself to the cause of the American Indian Movement. Who was involved in the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz to reclaim stolen land. You are my hero.

Colleagues, on my desk in my office I have a quote from John Quincy Adams.

It says, ‘Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.’

There are times in this town where Lansing feels like a mighty river. A mighty river that will drown you if you are not careful. A mighty river that will push you to do things that you do not believe in, that are not in the best interest of your community or the people that sent you here. The river is a river of money, of corporate interest and lobbyists that will stop at nothing to get their will- but never forget, that you are not here to work for them, you are here to work for the people. This is the people’s house. The people’s chamber. It does not belong to them, these walls were not built by them, they were built by working people. And it is by their hands, by their sweat, by their blood, by their tears, that we must do right.

I can still hear the echoing voice of our colleague Isaac Robinson, who- in my opinion- is where this analogy came from. It takes the fortitude that somebody like he embodied, to stand in the mighty river, despite the consequences. To stand when the tide is pushing you away, when there are safety rafts that are coming by and saying ‘hey, come on in, we’ll throw you a rope’- But every time you grab a rope there are strings attached, pun intended, because when you do not stand for what is right, when you take the convenient route, when you say it is okay, I will go with the flow- That’s when you have compromised. Stand in the river. Stand strong to the current. Do not be wavered, do not give up. The people depend on you.

Martin Luther King once said, ‘On some positions cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.’

I will end, Mr. Speaker, with words to the preamble of the constitution of the American Mineworkers Union, from 1863.

‘Step by step the longest march

Can be won.

Many stones can form an arch,

singly none.

And by union what we will

Can be accomplished still

Drops of water turn a mill,

Singly none, singly none.’

Thank you.”

 

 

Rep. Frederick:

“Twenty and a half years and now it’s my turn. This is pretty extraordinary. I actually love farewell speeches—maybe not giving them, but I love watching them. There’s something about moments of finality. These are our political epitaphs of a sort, right? They can be very profound, funny, or insightful—they also can be none of those things. Some are reflective, some are just petty knife-twists on the way out, but all of them shine a light on the underpinning character and motivation of the person speaking, whether they know it or not. I’ve heard hundreds over the years—and that’s not a hard number to say because we’ve had 50 over these last two days. Hundreds over the years of different generations of lawmakers facing this moment.

Far be it from me to lecture those who remain in this place on things on which I’ve had the opportunity to focus, yet did not in favor of other priorities. You’re not going to hear a lot of that. It falls to those here remaining to chart the course for policies and priorities on my and the rest of the public’s behalf, even if I’m certainly still providing some friendly nudging along the way.

Nor do I enter this moment with any great bitterness, although I have concerns obviously. I do have a concern with how lazily people can now engage without accountability in this space while the public figure remains accountable for everything. It’s worrying to me that most of us have to be inauthentic in what we say we believe versus what we actually believe due to being held captive to the extreme voices that brook no compromise. The new majority will soon discover the difficulty of translating the idealism of a loyal opposition into broad public policies and governance. It’s a challenge we face in this time for sure. Perhaps we can recapture ourselves from this institutional fragility with longer service, but only if decisions are made individually by each Member to pursue cohesive governance. I want each Member to strive to know their worth and value and their voice and not bow to those who would exercise power through division or machinations. You’re an equal Member with equal representation of your district to the others in this chamber. Become inconvenient at times.

Overall, one of my greatest misgivings is the loss of sentimentality itself, even what these moments represent—the acknowledgement of seasons of life and service, chapters closing and opening. Our attention spans are shorter, our communication more trite and thin, and our relationships more fragile and inauthentic. We lose a sense of the place, its traditions, what this opportunity represents, and the burdens it should convict us all with. I remember being a kid staffer—literal kid staffer; I started at 19—and looking over at the gaggle in the lobby with a furtive glance, curious how any work could possibly get done in this chaos. Now I realize that the chamber itself is the embodiment of exchange and relationship; a representation of our civic life in its various shades of health and illness, we are in all of our strengths and faults a mirror image of the culture we represent. So, how are we doing, do you think?

We are in a people business and there’s so many, I could just pull out a staff directory and read off alphabetically, particularly those who stood by me in those early, uncertain, and vulnerable years as a young staffer. I’ve caught up with several of you already in these last few days and will continue to strive to do so with more in the days to come. Most of the folks here in this institution back in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and still here meet the definition I just described and I appreciate you all.

Dave Robertson took a chance on a 19-year-old kid. I didn’t even know what a precinct was when we first talked, but I learned fast because we were in all of them doing doors and we beat an incumbent by a little more than 500 votes. He didn’t give me a letter of recommendation or a pat on the back. He gave me a job—something you don’t see happen that often anymore, that opportunity for the campaign person to become the incumbency person. He kept his word. Obviously I was older and more mature by then, I’d reached my 20th year, so I was ready to go! I had to have been the youngest full-time staffer in the House at the time, and those early couple of years I fired myself over and over through limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, you’re just this kid from a small town, grew up in a Habitat house, who was less than a year away from pushing carts at a retail store. Dave himself and my first co-worker Randy Thompson and—this is where the alphabetical would start—many, many people came alongside me in those early years and let me see some of their vulnerability and fragility saying, You’re just fine. I remember a conversation with Dave in his office where he talked me out of giving him the choice of letting me go. I found my footing and it worked out.

I moved over to the Senate, and Roger Kahn is someone I’ll always have tremendous appreciation for because he stood by me during my lowest personal moment. I’m grateful for him; he didn’t have to do that. He showed me about people over politics, the nuance of surgical messaging that really represented a district that had both urban and rural representation within. Now I was the youngest Senate chief of staff, and still finding my footing. Darin Ackerman stood by me as a model chief of staff and someone I will always treasure. The fact that he just took the time with a new kid in the room and also how he modeled that leadership. I’m so glad he’s still contributing to our institutions here. I hired Becky Britten and she became the heart of our staff team in those years. Her ability to handle logistics was magical, and I appreciated that time with her. We had a treasured district director named Bill Adams who was a former chief of police, mayor, had all these things at his back. I remember in the first early days he called me Chief, and just showing that acknowledgement and that trust gave me some confidence. He’s gone now and I miss him. I was wearing a tie he gifted me in what is now my mayoral portrait at city hall. I can say that starting young, there is that downside. When you start that young, you lose people and I had a list I was putting together. It was ten or more people just at the top of the head. We lost Susan Martin just a few days ago, a staff mentor to me 20 years ago, and there was Jon Farley, my dear friend and co-worker. Some of them were sudden.

Also during that season in the Senate, Eric Dean showed to me just how you do constituent work. He was our constituent director. I love that he’s still serving and contributing in the House but there was nobody better at that work, nobody more an advocate at that time.

There were different seasons. I entered a new season of service with Joel Johnson, Representative in this chamber, a true public servant, and worthy of the label ‘the Honorable’ in a way few are. My co-worker Aaron Baylis,
ever the professional, quietly guiding and advising and now contributing much to the other chamber.

I also want to say without naming them thank you to the four or five people I could think of who looked in on me during times of vulnerability during transitions. We forget term limits bind our staff as well. I had 14 years on staff and only three employers—that’s pretty good; and I got to choose it and determine it myself, that’s even better. There were those people who, you have all these folks in this town, particularly as you get elected too, saying ‘Whatever you need, Anything I can do.’ It’s such lazy nonsense. How much does that actually happen? Very, very rarely, but there are four to five people—I know they know who they are—who just did that phone call right about this time of year around Christmas, Hey, have you landed? Have you found something? I’m just thinking about you. Your name came up. I had in all cases, but they took the time to look in on me and I hope we can do the same for those we care about. Just remember who’s actually there when you’re vulnerable.

Another season of service. I’d been in elected service in my hometown now nine years, and it was time to go and try to come here myself. I met a guy named Henry Wolf—better known as the Door Wolf—and we were doing doors in February of the off-year. Doing things that were crazy things, under the radar, getting together every week. Henry is a dynamo and I’m grateful for our friendship and everything he’s accomplished and the marvelous steps he’s taken in his life since 2015. As I’ve gotten into office here, had some other team members, most recently Alex Dempsey. It’s been great to get to know you these recent months. Thanks for that marvelous experience to your home state, the Upper Peninsula. It was a great, great time and treasured, and to be repeated. Jacob Duberville has brought his highly-energetic nature and he’s been ready to serve and has served the hundreds reaching out seeking help during the pandemic. Craig Peterson was a fantastic staffer—calm, the rock I called him—one of the best you’ll find. Just that steady, head-down worker. We had Madi Sholtz too, a great intern, done some wonderful things to help with grassroots in rural Saginaw and continued that advocacy in our office. Our staff writer Christie Doerr, it’s hard with me because I’m very precise on communications but she got it, she got my voice, and I love her writing style. She’s one of the best in the business, a superb writer. We have these classic folks, John Whetstone, John Perry, Jeff Behrendt, Mike Quillinan, these professionals who have been around all that time, true talent. There’s others I could mention too—Ralph Fiebig, Cristie Jones, there’s just a ton of people, I don’t want to go down that road. There’s that alphabetical directory again.

I had Gary Randall down but you heard my earlier speech so I’ll just say, Voice of the House. I’m grateful for the fact he was that guiding star this whole time.

Yousef Rabhi has been a wonderful partner and it’s a lesson in first impressions. I judged by decibel level the first time. This is the guy I have to have as my counterpart here? But we get along pretty well, I mean, gosh, he’s wearing my vest for crying out loud. I mean, that’s got to be good, right? And he looks great in it; better than I do in it. But you and Jelani have been marvelous partners for us and I think the fact we were able to look at institution first and then go from there has been tremendous and I appreciate you both so much.

I appreciate our sergeants team—former Chief Dickson, Chief John, Fawn, all the sergeants—who have kept us safe and secure. It’s a burden that’s placed between us on mutual responsibility for the order and safety of the floor. Your work is so valued. Thank you. The partnership has been tremendous and much appreciated. And our rostrum team, these nice quiet people behind the monitors you see, your work is appreciated by all of us even as we hurried to head back to our districts at the close of session and you’re still here hours later. Just know that you are recognized and we see you.

I want to mention a good friend, Josh Atkinson, a carpool buddy of mine and friend since high school. He was going to be here today but he represents another band of people I hope you’re thinking about too, those friendships you want to invest in more. I regret I haven’t done more already, so think about guys like Josh and women who are in your life whom you’re not investing in. I appreciate you Josh. You’re the same guy you were in high school, and that’s actually a good thing in your case.

Mark Tisdel was my assigned mentee and he is a marvelous, fully-formed human being, and that’s not something I say about a lot of people in this town. You’ve created some terrific memories, you’ve built authentic relationships and connections including a marvelous treasured memory just yesterday. Thank you Mark.

Representative #LoveLansing Anthony, I knew her before the House and whether it was cleaning up the streets together or getting tens of thousands of adults opportunities for post-secondary pursuits, you’re stuck with me for the duration if you’ll have me. Love you.

Tim Sneller, I will always treasure having served with one of my original mentors and friends. You were in another office in the same county. You could have froze me out, we had knocked off an incumbent, you had every reason. You were welcoming and warm and I learned a lot from you. Seeing you at new member orientation was a memory I will always cherish—our initial hello, it had been a long time. I love that this tradition we started of bipartisan socials is continuing, and I’m assured by new co-chairs O’Neal and Tisdel that we’re now emeritus members for life. Let’s carpool to one of those soon.

Now there’s another Member I have to mention just briefly. If you’d told me of all people that I’d be called Babe daily by a colleague, and you further told me that the person calling me that would be a man, I wouldn’t know what to think about that. Joe, your heart and story has inspired more than you know.

Sue Allor, a small gesture, just offering your cabin up north to my family, the first trip my children and I were able to take with my wife and just make sure we could do this whole going-on-a-trip thing with two special needs kids. You gave us that little laboratory to have that experience. Thank you for that.

Rodney, you’re my friend. I appreciate that conversation we had about dad—some very difficult stuff. Thank you. I want to mention here too all the people who have been angels in my family’s life as dad has dealt with his challenge and we’ve worked through it together. I really do feel that extended family.

Representative Paquette, our months-long study of Ecclesiastes will hang with me. Representative Pepper, its pronounced ‘Ecclesiastes.’ We were able to study and when you appreciate the meaninglessness of everything under the sun and you think more on the things of God, it just changes you. You’re a wonderful brother in faith and I appreciate you.

Mr. Speaker—I’m not done yet, I’m talking about you now—thank you for your trust and confidence. I’ve long believed that insecurity is the biggest killer for leaders because it leads to all the bad character traits of control and command and manipulation. You took a different path, not because it was strategically more correct, it’s just who you are. I thank you for empowering and allowing for multiplication across the membership of this body. I’ll always treasure the conversation at the Hot ‘n Now in Sturgis—the last one. Not bad for a couple kids from rural Michigan.

There’s so many names; you see how hard this is? I’m going to start dodging direct eye contact now because I’m leaving so many out and I have to stop that part.

My parents, Mike and Barbara, I continue to dedicate my service to them. If we could see this place through their eyes like they did when they came for their first visit to this place just last week, if we could see this place through their eyes it would heal our land.

Dear friends Shaffer Fox and Mike Kovich—Shaffer is with us tonight—our movie nights together over the years, again, oases of normalcy.

My dearest friend Chris Eveleth, somebody who gets it and who understands. He just wrapped up over 13 years of service including as my successor as mayor of Owosso for three terms. To talk with him throughout, to have that ability to connect with somebody who gets it in a place of complete safety, our text exchanges in moments of vulnerability and exasperation. The Hollywood-famous friendship between horror icons Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing—I’m a classic movie guy—there’s a quote from Christopher Lee about Peter Cushing, ‘At some point of your lives, every one of you will notice that you have in your life one person, one friend whom you love and care for very much. That person is so close to you that you are able to share some things only with him. For example, you can call that friend, and from the very first maniacal laugh or some other joke you will know who is at the other end of that line.’ I have that friend in Chris and I’m grateful every single day. I’m also happy he’s away right now enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

Rachel Hoekstra, in this place and from this time in my career I will miss you the most. From before the very first day right on through the end, I would not be where I am without you. The hardest challenge for a staffer becoming a Member is to delegate because you’ve done all the jobs yourself. You brought your knowledge and honed my instincts, patiently working through strategy, yet professional and completely trustworthy and loyal, even when you disagreed. The amount of multiplication and output your presence and skill afforded me and my furtive mind cannot be quantified. I would not have been able to get out of my own way and I wouldn’t have gained the scale of vision required to serve in leadership absent your wise and patient counsel and earnest correction. It’s a point of extreme pride for me that your excellence has been able to benefit everyone in this chamber through your role in delivering effective management of the floor. You deserve only the best and are forever family to Lydia and me. Thank you.

I want to say thank you to the people of rural mid-Michigan for offering me the opportunity to serve—with no particular background, no family name, just that chance, that trust. I want to thank my hometown of Owosso which has been put through a combined 15 years of elected office; over five elections, they’ve stood with me every time.

As I get ready to close this speech out, I want to share a couple unique things about my district that I think are pretty special. We’ve closed the chapter on a phase of term limits, the old term limits system from 1992 to 2022, 30 years. I can’t verify this one with certainty but going as best I can from records and memory the Representatives in that era from my district have not missed votes absent during a major surgery for one of my predecessors—did not miss votes. Every Member from my district—now this is certain—during that 30 years they served the maximum time in the House under term limits, they were termed out, every single one of them returning to the district. Every single one of them still living from that era still lives in the district. Over 30 years. Minimum turnover possible and 100% ongoing residency. That’s place from which I come.

Lydia, my bride; long nights and long weekends, but not together oftentimes. You and the kids—Devlin, the Dude; Katie, Tiny;—it wasn’t the parenting experience we expected and it certainly wasn’t the career you signed up even though you started with me way, way early. Insecure years, building a name meant always saying yes, seemingly to everything except the question, Will you be home? I think we went seven years without a Saturday that was free. And then I’m coming to realize even more as I wrap my time up, I’ve had people I talk to say, I’m just glad you’re getting out, I worry about your safety. Things that we may not think about, the things we put our families through. You worried about a lot. I’m sorry about that. The torturous thing too—sometimes it’s even worse than being away—is when you’re home but not present and that happened too, a lot. Never more so than during COVID when you’re in the home office triaging all those requests and you’re home but not present. We took the door off the home office just so it wouldn’t be a barrier between me and the kids. It’s been a lot of sacrifice. Keeping with the district tradition I mentioned earlier, I served the time I was afforded under that era of term limits and can now lay aside the added burden of elected public service after so long. This job has taken a lot, even as it has given, and it may take a while to find a new footing. But I’m coming home, and I love you.

I no longer try to explain this job in specificity. I don’t think it can be done. Just enjoy your time here. Appreciate it. Leave things better than you found them. Public service can and should be an honorable calling. Make it so. God bless you. Thank you.”

 

 

Rep. Lasinski:

“Hello, I am Donna Lasinski, the House Democratic Leader.

It is an honor to stand at this podium that is barely contained in those few simple words.

It has been my privilege, granted by my colleagues, to lead the first female majority caucus since our legislature’s first session in 1835. A caucus of 53 that has 25 members who identify as black or brown.

Who we are matters. Where we come from matters. Our origin stories matter. And they matter to every person in Michigan – because we are them, we look like them, we sound like them and we share history with them.

I was elected in a competitive general election on the same day as former President Donald Trump, a Republican Governor and a Republican majority in the House and Senate. I am leaving this institution in a very different state, with a very different set of incoming leadership voices.

I have spent 6 years here at the capitol proudly representing the 52nd district and the communities of Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester, Saline and Whitmore Lake.

Representing your community and your state in Lansing is an awesome responsibility. Your voice is their voice. And the Voice of Leadership matters. And every voice in this chamber is a voice of leadership. We are 110 people who are the voices for 10 million Michiganders.

I am so proud of our caucus. We used our voices, without the power of the gavel or the majority, to stand for Michiganders. We wrote legislation and built coalitions to set in place a vision for Michigan. A vision that includes the promise that one good job should be enough. That we are a state that is open for business and welcomes the innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators. I am proud to have led the caucus that delivered the majority of votes to help companies create thousands of good paying, union jobs across Michigan that will secure the future of families for a generation.

We used our voices to speak for children. I began my advocacy career by attending a workshop at the local ISD to learn how to write a letter to my legislator on behalf of the children and their needs at the Title I School my sons attended. I deeply understand that a child who starts behind rarely ends up ahead. I could not be prouder of the investment in expanded free public pre-school in Michigan that means that financial status no longer determines early success for a child. Combined with historic K-12 funding we have made progress that will impact generations.

We gave brilliant speeches on our American right to vote. We stood together and turned away every attempt to limit access to the ballot. We heard passionate voices in our caucus share deeply personal stories about the meaning of the vote. Our Vote is Our Voice. We refused to be dragged backwards several generations.

And we stood up for our human rights. The right to bodily autonomy and the right to determine our own futures. We were ready for the moment our freedoms were taken and demanded together that our rights become enshrined in the State Constitution.

We did all of this while domestic terrorists worked diligently to intimidate us. With their threats, their assault rifles outside our swinging doors, with their conspiracy theories, and the voices from this chamber that supported and encouraged them.

But it is not just the voices that fueled, it is also the voices that stayed silent as threats grew and hatred spread, and democracy teetered.

I am so grateful to my caucus for never being silent. For speaking clearly and passionately for the people of Michigan. For the vision we have created together and the agenda you will move forward so that one good job will truly be enough, so that clean water in homes and rivers and lakes will again be the promise, so that every child will learn and thrive in a system of strong public schools, so that your zip code will not determine your future, so that the entrepreneurs and innovators and home-grown Michigan businesses will flourish and grow.

Wield the gavel with justice for all.

And so, I close out my six years with gratitude.

To my sons, who are my heart and my husband, who is my soul, thank you for the love and support you have given me.

To Libby McGaughey, Ryan Bardoni, Emma Heaton, and PJ Petitpren, you made our office a place of true public service, intelligence, humor and caring. I am grateful for you every day.

To Coffiann Hawthorne, Danny Wimmer, Greg Hull, and Angela Wheeler – your talents and gifts should never be underestimated by the people of Michigan for the contributions you make.

To Governor Whitmer and Leader Ananich – thank you for your partnership and fierceness on behalf of the people of Michigan

And to Rebekah Warren, Kevin Hertel, Terry Sabo, Tyrone Carter, and Angela Witwer – you are who I learn from and lean on.

And to Speaker Elect Tate – I could not be prouder to leave our caucus, our chamber, and our state in your leadership.”

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker called Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Paquette to the Chair.

 

 

Speaker Wentworth:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I have to say when I introduced HJR A last year to put strong limits on future lame ducks, I didn’t think to include a new constitutional limit on the length of farewell speeches. That must be why it never passed the Senate. That was a clear oversight on my part, it may be for the best today, because I do want to share a couple of thoughts and thank you’s with everyone before we wrap up the 101st Legislature.

I will try to be as brief as possible. But it won’t be easy. Just a few short years ago, I was working in the Department of Veterans Affairs looking for a way to do more to connect veterans in Northern Michigan with the benefits they were missing out on. That lead to a relationship with the former representative of the 97th District, which led to googling how to run for office, which led somehow to standing here as the Speaker of the House. A path like that has a lot of people along the way who deserve my thanks and it leads to a lot of tough lessons learned.

In what has now turned out to be a short-lived era of six-year term limits, most one term speakers, will someday be dismissed as footnotes, by future historians. I know this. And it seems odd, that I would stand here and suggest, that I have wisdom to share with such strong leaders from every corner of the state, and our experienced staff that has institutional memory stretching back decades. And yet, I can’t help but feel, I’ve learned so much in my short time here, that I am still trying to process it all and apply what I can, to my daily life.

This is a unique role we have, and it is such an awe-inspiring responsibility. I don’t know, that I will ever really know, what to make of my time here. But I know it was important. I know it impacted – and continues to impact – millions of people. I am proud, of how we spent that time trying to help as many people as we could and I hope you all are as well.

It has been an incredible honor, these past six years to serve the people of the 97th District, and to help the people of Northern Michigan with issues both big and small. We delivered some big policy wins as well as some major funding priorities like important flood relief resources.

But we also found the missing paperwork when a form wasn’t filed. We provided the right contact information to get an inspection done on time. And we even helped every single constituent who called asking to speak with their congressman.

Somewhere along the way, you all trusted in me enough to select me to serve as the Speaker of the House, and I don’t believe I’ve ever had a greater honor. I don’t think it’s possible to really understand this role until you have it, and I know I didn’t fully grasp what it would mean to me.

The complete commitment that is required to this state, our future, and this institution is fascinating. It is a strong challenge. It is a constant source of worry and frustration. And it is at times exhausting.

But the good you can do in this role provides its own strength to go on. It inspires and arouses passion. It gave me life and a renewed sense of purpose.

We all know this was not an easy two years to serve in this chamber. This was our first term coming back from a year of remote work and few voting sessions. Both this Legislature and this state had a long backlog of issues to address.

The people of Michigan needed us and expected us to get right to work delivering solutions and finally moving this state forward once again. I will always be proud to say we did that.

Right off the bat last year, we slashed prescription drug prices and made healthcare far more accessible to Michigan families. We made progress for foster children who were falling through the cracks in the system. We increased childcare options for working families in every part of the state and gave thousands of people the ability to go back to work when they needed it most.

Then we increased our support for law enforcement and helped them recruit a new generation of officers. We eliminated the funding gap between the highest funded and lowest funded school districts and raised state support for K-12 education to the highest level in history. And we created an entirely new model for attracting businesses to this state that has already created thousands of new good-paying jobs for Michigan factory workers.

This has been an amazing two years. It had to be if we were going to meet the challenge before us and answer the call given to us by the people we serve.

And we did it together. We passed hundreds and hundreds of bipartisan bills. We found solutions when problems needed to be solved. And we worked together to protect and improve this institution.

As many of you know, one of my top priorities, and that of the Floor Leader, has been improving our staff retention, and career development. For too long, this has been a place that demanded its staff be overworked and underpaid. One that rewarded people for pulling all-nighters, and looked down on employees who spent time with their families.

I am proud we were able to work together, to increase office allotments, move closer to pay parity between majority and minority offices, raise the floor for the lowest-paid staff, invest in career mentorship, and – in my office at least – restore the same work life balance that I asked my staff to afford me and my family.

I know you can never get that balance perfectly right. Sometimes the work just needs to get done here and now. I certainly took one or two more phone calls than I would have liked during the girls’ volleyball games or other events while we were trying to nail something down. But I hope my staff team really did feel a meaningful difference these two years.

Rep. Rabhi, you have been a great partner in getting this done, and I will always appreciate it. You understood what I was trying to do, and you believed in it yourself. You brought some of the worst pay discrepancies in the House to my attention, and you fought hard for all Democrat staff to be treated fairly and to be able to build a career that lasts here at the House.

You were a credit to your caucus and to this institution. You made it possible for us to get as much done as we did. It has truly been a pleasure working with you.

Rep. Tate and Rep. Hall, we are all hoping you are able to find the same sort of working relationship and come to see each other as willing partners over the next two years.

Turning your back on the other party and spending your time here only with people who agree with you is an easy path. It is a safe path. The state of politics today makes it more attractive than ever. But that doesn’t make it right.

There will be many situations you two will face as leaders over the next two years that won’t have a clear path on what to do. You will be surrounded by conflicting opinions and uncertainty. Many of the options before you will include an element of the unknown that can be scary to consider. But the one constant is that there is always an easy, comfortable path tempting you. Do not choose it.

Reject the easy way out and choose the courage of your convictions over comfort. You will sometimes need to steer your caucus or this chamber in a direction you know they do not want to go, but you know it is better for the state that they do. Trust your judgement and that of your colleagues who chose you to lead. Choose courage over comfort.

Decisions like that are not easy. Believe me, I understand that. At times, it will take incredible determination to stay calm under the pressure. And the weight of your continuous problem solving and decision making will begin to show. I will assume you’ve already had a few sleepless nights.

During these times, never forget that leadership isn’t defined by this job or a position. Leadership is defined by your character. How you respond in these complex and rapidly changing situations will define your time here. Rely on your leadership team, your caucus, and the voices around you that you trust the most.

In these moments, listen. You have people around you to share the load, and for good reason. Let them share the load and help you accomplish the tasks laid before you.

One of the people I have leaned on most in my life is my dad, who joined us here today. I can’t talk about people who have kept me constant and focused without mentioning you.

I sometimes like to say that I got my college degree in Google. I can fix, figure out and learn just about anything in a minute because of my expertise with Google.

That all started when I was a kid, because I was able to ‘google’ something long before the search engine ever came around. All I needed to do was find my dad, ask a question and out would come the answer. Every time.

And I asked a lot of questions. I’m sure there were times when he didn’t know the answer, but I don’t remember it. To me, he always had the answer. Over the last few years in this job, I know I called you a lot, and you always had an answer, guidance, or encouragement for me. Thank you.

My mom wasn’t able to make it today, but I know she’s watching, and I give her credit for making me the man I am today. Year after year, you sacrificed to ensure our happiness. I may not have said anything about it when I was growing up, but I saw it, and I do appreciate it.

My mom struck the right balance between protecting me and exposing me to life’s hardships – something I know now as a father is very hard to get right. But she did it, and that taught me how to love life for all its complexities and how to see joy in the most difficult times.

I am a better father, a better leader, and a better person because of the two of you. Thank you.

To my wife, Heather…we’ve been together for over half of our lives and we’ve known each other basically our whole life. We were students of the week together in 2nd grade and she’ll deny this, but she had a crush on me then. When I told her I wanted to run for office, she told me I was crazy and that I needed to think it through more and perhaps it wasn’t the right time for our family. I, of course, didn’t listen and googled how to run a campaign for state representative. A few days later, I was off to the races campaigning, but there was a little tension from that decision between Heather and I. But I’ll never forget, it was during my first week or two of sun-up to sun-down campaigning, I came home around 9:30PM, the kids were in bed but Heather was still awake and asked if I wanted dinner warmed up, I said no, but I’ll take a beer instead. We sat down in the living room, quietly, still with a little tension, she looked at me and said, You’re really going to do this aren’t you? I said yes. After a long pause, she said you better win. And from that day on you’ve been my biggest supporter and have sacrificed so much. I love you.

To my girls…Kiley, Makayla, Alexa, You keep me on my toes and have prepared me for this role in ways you probably will never understand. Your handwritten love notes, text messages, facetimes, and snapchats meant the world to me and always kept me going. As you grow older, I hope you will look back at this experience with happiness and remember me being present.

I also want to thank my staff for everything they’ve done for me, for this caucus, and for this institution.

Kellie Rankey, you are a big part of the reason I was able to be the speaker and the father I wanted to be during this time. Thank you for always making sure I was on the road home to my family at the end of the day, and that regardless of what was happening, I kept them as my top priority.

I know it wasn’t easy to balance everything I asked you to take on. But your focus and commitment to me and my girls has meant the world to me.

Jimmy Johnson, you are exactly the public servant we should all want to be. Jimmy drove from Marion down to Lansing to interview for an unpaid internship. Your dedication to our office, to the 97th District, and to our state is inspiring. It has always said a lot to me that with our focus on staff training and professional development, I often found myself just trying to find ways to expose other staff and members to you and your work so they could learn from you. You have set the standard, and I know you will continue to do a great job over the next couple of years.

Joe Perry, I don’t even know what to say in just a moment or two. You’ve been my best friend since 2nd grade, we were each other’s best man in our weddings, you were at my basic training graduation, and you’ve been here with me every step of the way for six years. You’ve been there for every up and down, every decision, and everything I’ve learned. Thank you for just being with me through everything on this journey.

I’ve also been incredibly blessed to have built strong relationships with people who have done this kind of work before. A lot of people want our ear as a representative, but there are a precious few who want to help just because they want to see you succeed and because they care about you and the direction of this state.

So thank you especially to Mark Murray, Brian Calley, Adrian Cazal, and Jeff McAlvey for every kind word and every bit of wisdom in a tough time. By all rights, I should name many, many more, but I’m afraid I’d hit the 5-minute limit on these remarks….the one that I might have passed a few minutes ago, so my apologies.

I also want to say thank you to former House staff Dave Greco for his work on all of those budgets, Josiah Kissling who was a great source of knowledge when we began the term, Tom Leonard who made me a committee chair and started all of this, Joy Brewer for all your help when I was trying to figure out that committee, Shayn Linquist who started as an intern and became a key part of the team, and Amy Drumm who helped me get started in politics and has been with me the whole way.

I do want to make sure I quickly recognize the senior staff who do so much of the heavy lifting behind the scenes to help us accomplish as much as we did. They have been key to every piece of legislation we’ve passed this year, and their institutional knowledge has been critical to helping us all make the right decisions to guide this state.

Becky Burtka, who shepherded everything we did from start to finish and played the key role in getting each of the priorities that were so personally important to me across the finish line.

Phil Browne, who led our budget negotiations during two terms when it seemed we were passing a new supplemental every week. I’ll never understand how you kept it all straight and always had the answer when we needed one.

James Lower, who was my confidant and sounding board when the most difficult decisions needed to be made and when I knew I couldn’t waiver.

Lindsay Young, who took over our policy shop in the middle of the term and kept it running at a high level, which is an incredibly difficult and incredibly important thing to do.

Gideon D’Assandro, you had an interesting role considering the changes I wanted to make to ensure members were getting more press coverage in their areas and even statewide. And the fact I chose not to read Lansing publications or other news. You kept me up to speed on what was necessary.

Brandy Nash, who knows everything I know nothing about and was always willing to put up with that burden. I’m sure I didn’t make it easy on you, but you were a big part of making our team a success.

Aaron Van Langevelde and Frankie Dame, who were more than willing to tell me what I didn’t want to hear and who both acted as a rock when difficult decisions needed to be made to protect this institution and the people of this state.

Also, thank you to our former general counsel Hassan Beydoun, who worked harder than anyone to put together our ethics reform bills and led the charge to professionalize many of the behind the scenes services we offer at the Capitol. And who continues to answer my calls.

Thank you to my former staff, Robbie Rankey, Shane Hernandez, Craig Ryan, and Brian Mills.

Robbie Rankey, who helped me build the team I have around me now and poured himself into our staff retention and career development programs.

Shane Hernandez, who at one point or another held every position in our office, and was the one I trusted the most to fill a need whenever someone moved on to bigger and better things.

Craig Ryan, who picked up the mantle on our staff development program and improved this institution by making many of our pay equity and financial changes into a reality.

Brian Mills, who built our policy staff team and laid so much of the groundwork over the years for turning the thousands of ideas we all brought to Lansing into real policy with real world impact.

And I also want to say thank you to our House sergeants. This was a difficult term for many of us to work in the Capitol for other reasons besides policy. And you were always willing to work with me on ways to increase our visibility, improve our security and make legislators and the public feel safer in the people’s House. Thank you.

Senate Majority Leader Shirkey, you have been a great partner for us. The relationship between the Senate and the House hasn’t always gone smoothly over the years, and that has led to a lot of good policy left on the cutting room floor. That didn’t happen this term. We didn’t always agree on the issues, but you went out of your way to work with me and work alongside us to get good things done. We are all better off for it.

And I know we recognized Clerk Randall earlier, but I do want to say thank you to your entire team who makes everything we do possible. And thank you again, Clerk Randall, for agreeing to stay on this year.

Thank you to the Republican leadership team for this term, who were always united behind our top priorities and were a big help to me in keeping things running as well as they did. I do want to thank Floor Leader Frederick in particular for everything you’ve done to make this one of the smoothest floor operations in years and help us do the people’s work without interruption. And to you, Rachel, always keeping us on track and steady. You are true asset to this institution.

And thank you to our Republican whip, Andrea Schroeder. The heart Andrea showed for her community and for children’s issues especially was inspiring to many of us. So was the way she constantly put others first in her life, even when it was well past time to take care of herself. She had the mindset and the selfless attitude of service you dream of when you think about your public servants. She was what every representative should strive to be, and I will never forget her for it.

I know that’s a lot of people. But this team made it possible for us to pass so many major reforms and help so many people. This team is the reason we were able to accomplish so much. I wouldn’t be able to honestly talk about my time here without talking about everything they’ve done for me and for this state.

Rep. Tate and Rep. Hall, I hope you are building teams like that. Teams that will help you accomplish your top priorities, but also keep you focused on the things that matter most when times get tough.

They will help you remember that no matter what temptations or distractions come along, you’re here to solve problems and serve people. Good luck, I am excited for you.

I am leaving this Chamber proud because of what we were able to do together and what we were able to do for the people of Michigan. I hope each and every one of you that is coming back next month is able to say the same when it is your time to go.

It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve as your Speaker of the House, thank you, and Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Messages from the Senate

 

 

House Bill No. 4457, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11523, 11523a, 11523b, 11525, 11525a, and 11525b (MCL 324.11523, 324.11523a, 324.11523b, 324.11525, 324.11525a, and 324.11525b), sections 11523, 11523a, 11523b, 11525, and 11525b as amended by 2018 PA 640 and section 11525a as amended by 2019 PA 77, by designating sections 11523 to 11525f as subpart 4 of part 115, and by adding sections 11525d and 11525f.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

House Bill No. 4458, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11526, 11526a, 11527, 11528, 11531, 11532, 11533, 11539, 11540, 11541, 11546, and 11549 (MCL 324.11526, 324.11526a, 324.11527, 324.11528, 324.11531, 324.11532, 324.11533, 324.11539, 324.11540, 324.11541, 324.11546, and 324.11549), section 11526 as amended by 2004 PA 43, section 11526a as added by 2004 PA 40, sections 11528 and 11539 as amended by 2018 PA 640, section 11533 as amended by 2004 PA 44, section 11541 as amended by 1996 PA 358, section 11546 as amended by 2006 PA 56, and section 11549 as amended by 2006 PA 58, and by designating sections 11526 to 11533 as subpart 5, sections 11539 to 11541 as subpart 6, and sections 11546 to 11549 as subpart 7 of part 115; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 4459, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11550, 11553, and 11554 (MCL 324.11550, 324.11553, and 324.11554), section 11550 as amended by 2020 PA 201 and sections 11553 and 11554 as added by 2014 PA 178, and by designating section 11550 as subpart 8 and sections 11553 and 11554 as subpart 9 of part 115.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 4460, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding subpart 10 to part 115.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

______

 

 

The Speaker Pro Tempore resumed the Chair.

 

 

Second Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 1221, entitled

A bill to amend 1996 PA 376, entitled “Michigan renaissance zone act,” by amending section 4 (MCL 125.2684), as amended by 2014 PA 27.

The bill was read a second time.

 

Rep. Hall moved to substitute (H-2) the bill.

The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-2) was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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. 1221, entitled

A bill to amend 1996 PA 376, entitled “Michigan renaissance zone act,” by amending section 4 (MCL 125.2684), as amended by 2014 PA 27.

The bill was read a third time and not passed, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

Roll Call No. 489                                    Yeas—29

 

 

Bellino                              Frederick                 Markkanen                             Tisdel

Berman                             Griffin                     Martin                                    VanSingel

Bezotte                              Hall                         Mueller                                  VanWoerkom

Borton                               Harris                      O’Malley                               Wakeman

Brann                                Hauck                      Posthumus                             Wendzel

Calley                                Kahle                       Roth                                       Wentworth

Cambensy                         LaFave                    Slagh                                      Whiteford

Filler                                                                                                              

 

 

                                                              Nays—67

 

 

Albert                                Coleman                  Jones                                     Peterson

Alexander                          Damoose                 Koleszar                                Pohutsky

Allor                                 Eisen                       Kuppa                                    Puri

Anthony                            Ellison                     LaGrand                                Rabhi

Beeler                                Farrington                Lasinski                                 Reilly

Beson                                Fink                         Liberati                                  Rendon

Bolden                              Garza                       Lightner                                 Rogers

Bollin                                Glanville                  Maddock                                Sabo

Brabec                               Glenn                      Manoogian                             Shannon

Breen                                Green                      Meerman                               Sneller

Brixie                                Haadsma                 Mekoski                                 Sowerby

Camilleri                           Hertel                      Morse                                    Steckloff

Carra                                 Hoitenga                  Neeley                                   Steenland

Carter, T                            Hope                       O’Neal                                   Thanedar

Cavanagh                          Hornberger              Outman                                  Witwer

Cherry                               Howell                     Paquette                                 Yaroch

Clemente                           Johnson, S               Pepper                                  

 

 

In The Chair: Hornberger

 

 

Second Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 183, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20145, 22201, 22207, 22208, 22209, and 22221 (MCL 333.20145, 333.22201, 333.22207, 333.22208, 333.22209, and 333.22221), section 20145 as amended by 2015 PA 104, section 22201 as added by 1988 PA 332, sections 22207, 22209, and 22221 as amended by 2002 PA 619, and section 22208 as amended by 2011 PA 51.

The bill was read a second time.

 

Rep. Fink moved to substitute (H-4) the bill.

The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-4) was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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. 183, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20145, 22201, 22207, 22208, 22209, and 22221 (MCL 333.20145, 333.22201, 333.22207, 333.22208, 333.22209, and 333.22221), section 20145 as amended by 2015 PA 104, section 22201 as added by 1988 PA 332, sections 22207, 22209, and 22221 as amended by 2002 PA 619, and section 22208 as amended by 2011 PA 51.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 490                                    Yeas—97

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                 Koleszar                                Puri

Alexander                          Eisen                       Kuppa                                    Rabhi

Allor                                 Ellison                     LaFave                                   Reilly

Anthony                            Farrington                LaGrand                                Rendon

Beeler                                Filler                        Lasinski                                 Rogers

Bellino                              Fink                         Liberati                                  Roth

Berman                             Frederick                 Lightner                                 Sabo

Beson                                Garza                       Maddock                                Shannon

Bezotte                              Glanville                  Manoogian                             Slagh

Bolden                              Glenn                      Markkanen                             Sneller

Bollin                                Green                      Martin                                    Sowerby

Borton                               Griffin                     Meerman                               Steckloff

Brabec                               Haadsma                 Mekoski                                 Steenland

Brann                                Hall                         Morse                                    Tate

Breen                                Harris                      Mueller                                  Thanedar

Brixie                                Hauck                      Neeley                                   Tisdel

Calley                                Hertel                      O’Malley                               VanSingel

Cambensy                         Hoitenga                  O’Neal                                   VanWoerkom

Camilleri                           Hope                       Outman                                  Wakeman

Carra                                 Hornberger              Paquette                                 Wendzel

Carter, T                            Howell                     Pepper                                   Wentworth

Cavanagh                          Johnson, S               Peterson                                 Whiteford

Cherry                               Jones                       Pohutsky                                Witwer

Clemente                           Kahle                       Posthumus                             Yaroch

Coleman                                                                                                        

 

 

                                                               Nays—0

 

 

In The Chair: Hornberger

 

 

The question being on agreeing to the title of the bill,

Rep. Frederick moved to amend the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,” by amending sections 20145, 21501, 21513, 21551, 22201, 22207, 22208, 22209, and 22221 (MCL 333.20145, 333.21501, 333.21513, 333.21551, 333.22201, 333.22207, 333.22208, 333.22209, and 333.22221), section 20145 as amended by 2015 PA 104, section 21501 as amended by 2018 PA 384, section 21513 as amended by 2002 PA 125, section 21551 as amended by 1990 PA 331, section 22201 as added by 1988 PA 332, sections 22207, 22209, and 22221 as amended by 2002 PA 619, and section 22208 as amended by 2011 PA 51.

The motion prevailed.

The House agreed to the title as amended.

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. 195, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 691 (MCL 206.691), as amended by 2014 PA 14.

The bill was read a second time.

Rep. Hall moved to substitute (H-3) the bill.

The motion prevailed and the substitute (H-3) was adopted, a majority of the members serving 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.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Rabhi moved that Rep. Cynthia Johnson be excused temporarily from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 195, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 691 (MCL 206.691), as amended by 2014 PA 14.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 491                                    Yeas—63

 

 

Albert                                Eisen                       Kahle                                     Reilly

Alexander                          Farrington                LaFave                                   Rendon

Allor                                 Filler                        Liberati                                  Roth

Beeler                                Fink                         Lightner                                 Shannon

Bellino                              Frederick                 Maddock                                Slagh

Berman                             Garza                       Markkanen                             Steenland

Beson                                Glenn                      Martin                                    Tisdel

Bezotte                              Green                      Meerman                               VanSingel

Bollin                                Griffin                     Mekoski                                 VanWoerkom

Borton                               Hall                         Mueller                                  Wakeman

Brann                                Harris                      Neeley                                   Wendzel

Calley                                Hauck                      O’Malley                               Wentworth

Cambensy                         Hoitenga                  Outman                                  Whiteford

Carra                                 Hornberger              Paquette                                 Witwer

Coleman                            Howell                     Posthumus                             Yaroch

Damoose                           Johnson, S               Puri                                       

 

 

                                                              Nays—34

 

 

Anthony                            Clemente                 LaGrand                                Rabhi

Bolden                              Ellison                     Lasinski                                 Rogers

Brabec                               Glanville                  Manoogian                             Sabo

Breen                                Haadsma                 Morse                                    Sneller

Brixie                                Hertel                      O’Neal                                   Sowerby

Camilleri                           Hope                       Pepper                                   Steckloff

Carter, T                            Jones                       Peterson                                 Tate

Cavanagh                          Koleszar                  Pohutsky                                Thanedar

Cherry                               Kuppa                                                                  

 

 

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 meet deficiencies in state funds by providing for the imposition, levy, computation, collection, assessment, reporting, payment, and enforcement by lien and otherwise of taxes on or measured by net income and on certain commercial, business, and financial activities; to prescribe the manner and time of making reports and paying the taxes, and the functions of public officers and others as to the taxes; to permit the inspection of the records of taxpayers; to provide for interest and penalties on unpaid taxes; to provide exemptions, credits and refunds of the taxes; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; to provide an appropriation; 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. 1059, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 283, entitled “Weights and measures act,” by amending sections 2, 9a, 9b, 24, 27, 28c, 28e, 28f, 31, and 31a (MCL 290.602, 290.609a, 290.609b, 290.624, 290.627, 290.628c, 290.628e, 290.628f, 290.631, and 290.631a), sections 2, 9a, and 9b as amended by 2012 PA 253, section 28c as amended by 2016 PA 464, section 28e as amended by 2012 PA 469, section 28f as added by 2017 PA 168, and sections 31 and 31a as amended by 2012 PA 254.

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.

Rep. Rabhi moved that Reps. Whitsett and Weiss be excused temporarily from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

Senate Bill No. 1059, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 283, entitled “Weights and measures act,” by amending sections 2, 9a, 9b, 24, 27, 28c, 28e, 28f, 31, and 31a (MCL 290.602, 290.609a, 290.609b, 290.624, 290.627, 290.628c, 290.628e, 290.628f, 290.631, and 290.631a), sections 2, 9a, and 9b as amended by 2012 PA 253, section 28c as amended by 2016 PA 464, section 28e as amended by 2012 PA 469, section 28f as added by 2017 PA 168, and sections 31 and 31a as amended by 2012 PA 254.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 492                                    Yeas—79

 

 

Alexander                          Ellison                     Kuppa                                    Rogers

Anthony                            Farrington                LaFave                                   Roth

Beeler                                Filler                        Lasinski                                 Sabo

Bellino                              Fink                         Liberati                                  Shannon

Berman                             Frederick                 Lightner                                 Slagh

Beson                                Garza                       Markkanen                             Sneller

Bezotte                              Glanville                  Martin                                    Sowerby

Bolden                              Glenn                      Meerman                               Steckloff

Bollin                                Green                      Mekoski                                 Steenland

Borton                               Griffin                     Morse                                    Tate

Brann                                Haadsma                 Mueller                                  Tisdel

Breen                                Hall                         Neeley                                   VanSingel

Calley                                Harris                      O’Malley                               VanWoerkom

Cambensy                         Hauck                      O’Neal                                   Wakeman

Carter, T                            Hertel                      Outman                                  Wendzel

Cherry                               Hope                       Paquette                                 Wentworth

Clemente                           Howell                     Pepper                                   Whiteford

Coleman                            Jones                       Peterson                                 Witwer

Damoose                           Kahle                       Posthumus                             Yaroch

Eisen                                 Koleszar                  Rendon                                 

 

 

                                                              Nays—17

 

 

Albert                                Cavanagh                 LaGrand                                Puri

Allor                                 Hoitenga                  Maddock                                Rabhi

Brabec                               Hornberger              Manoogian                             Reilly

Camilleri                           Johnson, S               Pohutsky                                Thanedar

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 and provide standards for weights and measures, and the packaging and advertising of certain commodities; to provide for a state director and other officials and to prescribe their powers and duties; to provide a fee system for certain inspections and tests; to provide penalties for fraud and deception in the use of false weights and measures and other violations; and to repeal certain 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. 39, entitled

A bill to amend 1909 PA 283, entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and add to the laws relating to the establishment, opening, discontinuing, vacating, closing, altering, improvement, maintenance, and use of the public highways and private roads; the condemnation of property and gravel therefor; the building, repairing and preservation of bridges; maintaining public access to waterways under certain conditions; setting and protecting shade trees, drainage, and cutting weeds and brush within this state; providing for the election or appointment and defining the powers, duties, and compensation of state, county, township, and district highway officials; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,” by amending section 21 (MCL 224.21), as amended by 1996 PA 23.

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. 39, entitled

A bill to amend 1909 PA 283, entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and add to the laws relating to the establishment, opening, discontinuing, vacating, closing, altering, improvement, maintenance, and use of the public highways and private roads; the condemnation of property and gravel therefor; the building, repairing and preservation of bridges; maintaining public access to waterways under certain conditions; setting and protecting shade trees, drainage, and cutting weeds and brush within this state; providing for the election or appointment and defining the powers, duties, and compensation of state, county, township, and district highway officials; and to prescribe penalties and provide remedies,” by amending section 21 (MCL 224.21), as amended by 1996 PA 23.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 493                                    Yeas—88

 

 

Alexander                          Ellison                     LaFave                                   Rabhi

Anthony                            Farrington                LaGrand                                Rendon

Bellino                              Filler                        Lasinski                                 Rogers

Beson                                Fink                         Liberati                                  Roth

Bezotte                              Frederick                 Lightner                                 Sabo

Bolden                              Garza                       Manoogian                             Shannon

Bollin                                Glanville                  Markkanen                             Slagh

Borton                               Glenn                      Martin                                    Sneller

Brabec                               Green                      Meerman                               Sowerby

Brann                                Griffin                     Mekoski                                 Steckloff

Breen                                Haadsma                 Morse                                    Steenland

Brixie                                Hall                         Mueller                                  Tate

Calley                                Harris                      Neeley                                   Thanedar

Cambensy                         Hauck                      O’Malley                               Tisdel

Camilleri                           Hertel                      O’Neal                                   VanSingel

Carter, T                            Hope                       Outman                                  VanWoerkom

Cavanagh                          Howell                     Paquette                                 Wakeman

Cherry                               Johnson, S               Pepper                                   Wendzel

Clemente                           Jones                       Peterson                                 Wentworth

Coleman                            Kahle                       Pohutsky                                Whiteford

Damoose                           Koleszar                  Posthumus                             Witwer

Eisen                                 Kuppa                     Puri                                        Yaroch

                                                               Nays—9

 

 

Albert                                Berman                    Hoitenga                                Maddock

Allor                                 Carra                       Hornberger                             Reilly

Beeler                                                                                                            

 

 

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. 43, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 170, entitled “An act to make uniform the liability of municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and the state, its agencies and departments, officers, employees, and volunteers thereof, and members of certain boards, councils, and task forces when engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function, for injuries to property and persons; to define and limit this liability; to define and limit the liability of the state when engaged in a proprietary function; to authorize the purchase of liability insurance to protect against loss arising out of this liability; to provide for defending certain claims made against public officers, employees, and volunteers and for paying damages sought or awarded against them; to provide for the legal defense of public officers, employees, and volunteers; to provide for reimbursement of public officers and employees for certain legal expenses; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 2 (MCL 691.1402), as amended by 2012 PA 50.

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. 43, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 170, entitled “An act to make uniform the liability of municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and the state, its agencies and departments, officers, employees, and volunteers thereof, and members of certain boards, councils, and task forces when engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function, for injuries to property and persons; to define and limit this liability; to define and limit the liability of the state when engaged in a proprietary function; to authorize the purchase of liability insurance to protect against loss arising out of this liability; to provide for defending certain claims made against public officers, employees, and volunteers and for paying damages sought or awarded against them; to provide for the legal defense of public officers, employees, and volunteers; to provide for reimbursement of public officers and employees for certain legal expenses; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 2 (MCL 691.1402), as amended by 2012 PA 50.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 494                                    Yeas—87

 

 

Alexander                          Ellison                     LaFave                                   Rabhi

Anthony                            Farrington                LaGrand                                Rogers

Bellino                              Filler                        Lasinski                                 Roth

Beson                                Fink                         Liberati                                  Sabo

Bezotte                              Frederick                 Lightner                                 Shannon

Bolden                              Garza                       Manoogian                             Slagh

Bollin                                Glanville                  Markkanen                             Sneller

Borton                               Glenn                      Martin                                    Sowerby

Brabec                               Green                      Meerman                               Steckloff

Brann                                Griffin                     Mekoski                                 Steenland

Breen                                Haadsma                 Morse                                    Tate

Brixie                                Hall                         Mueller                                  Thanedar

Calley                                Harris                      Neeley                                   Tisdel

Cambensy                         Hauck                      O’Malley                               VanSingel

Camilleri                           Hertel                      O’Neal                                   VanWoerkom

Carter, T                            Hope                       Outman                                  Wakeman

Cavanagh                          Howell                     Paquette                                 Wendzel

Cherry                               Johnson, S               Pepper                                   Wentworth

Clemente                           Jones                       Peterson                                 Whiteford

Coleman                            Kahle                       Pohutsky                                Witwer

Damoose                           Koleszar                  Posthumus                             Yaroch

Eisen                                 Kuppa                     Puri                                       

 

 

                                                              Nays—10

 

 

Albert                                Berman                    Hornberger                             Reilly

Allor                                 Carra                       Maddock                                Rendon

Beeler                                Hoitenga                                                               

 

 

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. 450, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2253 and 2453 (MCL 333.2253 and 333.2453), section 2253 as amended by 2006 PA 157.

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. 450, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2253 and 2453 (MCL 333.2253 and 333.2453), section 2253 as amended by 2006 PA 157.

Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 495                                      Yeas—93

 

 

Albert                                  Eisen                       Koleszar                                Posthumus

Alexander                            Ellison                     Kuppa                                    Puri

Allor                                    Farrington                LaFave                                   Reilly

Anthony                               Filler                        LaGrand                                Rendon

Beeler                                  Fink                         Lasinski                                 Roth

Bellino                                 Frederick                 Liberati                                  Sabo

Beson                                  Garza                       Lightner                                 Shannon

Bezotte                                 Glanville                  Maddock                                Slagh

Bolden                                 Glenn                      Manoogian                             Sneller

Bollin                                   Green                      Markkanen                             Sowerby

Borton                                 Griffin                     Martin                                    Steckloff

Brabec                                 Haadsma                 Meerman                               Steenland

Brann                                   Hall                         Mekoski                                 Tate

Breen                                   Harris                      Morse                                    Thanedar

Brixie                                   Hauck                      Mueller                                  Tisdel

Calley                                  Hertel                      Neeley                                   VanSingel

Cambensy                            Hoitenga                  O’Malley                               VanWoerkom

Camilleri                              Hope                       O’Neal                                   Wakeman

Carter, T                               Hornberger              Outman                                  Wendzel

Cavanagh                             Howell                     Paquette                                 Wentworth

Cherry                                 Johnson, S               Pepper                                   Whiteford

Clemente                              Jones                       Peterson                                 Witwer

Coleman                              Kahle                       Pohutsky                                Yaroch

Damoose                                                                                                          

 

 

                                                                 Nays—4

 

 

Berman                                Carra                       Rabhi                                     Rogers

 

 

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 protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,”

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.

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Messages from the Senate

 

 

House Bill No. 4184, entitled

A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 8512 (MCL 600.8512), as amended by 2014 PA 384.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 4188, entitled

A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 127 (MCL 38.1427), as amended by 2017 PA 92.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 4379, entitled

A bill to amend 1995 PA 24, entitled “Michigan economic growth authority act,” by amending section 3 (MCL 207.803), as amended by 2010 PA 272.

The Senate has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 5489, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 16190.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 5777, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1705.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6042, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1308 (MCL 380.1308), as amended by 2016 PA 363.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6129, entitled

A bill to amend 2020 PA 84, entitled “Michigan reconnect grant act,” by amending sections 1, 3, and 5 (MCL 390.1701, 390.1703, and 390.1705) and by adding section 5a.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6130, entitled

A bill to amend 2020 PA 68, entitled “Michigan reconnect grant recipient act,” by amending sections 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, and 23 (MCL 390.1711, 390.1713, 390.1715, 390.1716, 390.1717, 390.1718, 390.1721, and 390.1723).

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

House Bill No. 6261, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2080 (MCL 500.2080), as amended by 2008 PA 513.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6297, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 1301 (MCL 500.1301), as amended by 2020 PA 16.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6298, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 1326 (MCL 500.1326).

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6299, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 1325a (MCL 500.1325a), as added by 2015 PA 244.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6300, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 1355 (MCL 500.1355), as amended by 2015 PA 244.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6301, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 1325b.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6302, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 1325c.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 6303, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 1341a.

The Senate has passed the bill and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The House agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

House Bill No. 6370, entitled

A bill to amend 1945 PA 200, entitled “An act to define a marketable record title to an interest in land; to require the filing of notices of claim of interest in such land in certain cases within a definite period of time and to require the recording thereof; to make invalid and of no force or effect all claims with respect to the land affected thereby where no such notices of claim of interest are filed within the required period; to provide for certain penalties for filing slanderous notices of claim of interest, and to provide certain exceptions to the applicability and operation thereof,” by amending section 4 (MCL 565.104), as amended by 2018 PA 572.

The Senate has passed the bill.

The bill was referred to the Clerk for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

 

House Bill No. 4378, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending sections 27 and 34d (MCL 211.27 and 211.34d), section 27 as amended by 2019 PA 116 and section 34d as amended by 2019 PA 117.

The Senate has substituted (S-3) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-3), ordered that it be given immediate effect and amended the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “An act to provide for the assessment of rights and interests, including leasehold interests, in property and the levy and collection of taxes on property, and for the collection of taxes levied; making those taxes a lien on the property taxed, establishing and continuing the lien, providing for the sale or forfeiture and conveyance of property delinquent for taxes, and for the inspection and disposition of lands bid off to the state and not redeemed or purchased; to provide for the establishment of a delinquent tax revolving fund and the borrowing of money by counties and the issuance of notes; to define and limit the jurisdiction of the courts in proceedings in connection with property delinquent for taxes; to limit the time within which actions may be brought; to prescribe certain limitations with respect to rates of taxation; to prescribe certain powers and duties of certain officers, departments, agencies, and political subdivisions of this state; to provide for certain reimbursements of certain expenses incurred by units of local government; to provide penalties for the violation of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 14a, 27 and 34d (MCL 211.14a, 211.27 and 211.34d), section 14a as amended by 2021 PA 164, section 27 as amended by 2022 PA 156, and section 34d as amended by 2019 PA 117.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4416, entitled

A bill to prohibit the recording of deeds or other instruments relating to real property that contain certain restrictive covenants or conditions; to make such restrictions unenforceable; and to provide remedies with respect to those instruments.

The Senate has substituted (S-2) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-2) and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4454, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11502 and 11503 (MCL 324.11502 and 324.11503), section 11502 as amended by 2018 PA 640 and section 11503 as amended by 2020 PA 85, and by designating sections 11501 to 11508 as subpart 1 of part 115.

The Senate has substituted (S-2) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-2) and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4455, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11504, 11505, 11506, 11507, 11507a, and 11508 (MCL 324.11504, 324.11505, 324.11506, 324.11507, 324.11507a, and 324.11508), section 11504 as amended by 2020 PA 85, section 11505 as amended by 2018 PA 640, section 11506 as amended by 2018 PA 615, and section 11507a as amended by 2004 PA 39.

The Senate has substituted (S-3) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-3) and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

House Bill No. 4456, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 11509, 11510, 11511, 11511a, 11511b, 11512, 11513, 11514, 11514b, 11515, 11516, 11517, 11518, 11519, 11519b, and 11521b (MCL 324.11509, 324.11510, 324.11511, 324.11511a, 324.11511b, 324.11512, 324.11513, 324.11514, 324.11514b, 324.11515, 324.11516, 324.11517, 324.11518, 324.11519, 324.11519b, and 324.11521b), sections 11509, 11510, 11512, 11513, 11515, 11516, and 11518 as amended and sections 11511a and 11519b as added by 2018 PA 640, section 11511 as amended by 2011 PA 215, section 11511b as amended by 2016 PA 437, section 11514 as amended by 2008 PA 394, section 11514b as added by 2018 PA 688, sections 11517 and 11519 as amended by 1996 PA 358, and section 11521b as added by 2014 PA 24, by designating sections 11509 to 11519b as subpart 2 and section 11521b as subpart 3 of part 115, and by adding sections 11512b, 11512d, 11512f, and 11512h; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The Senate has substituted (S-1) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-1) and amended the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “An act to protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to protect the people’s right to hunt and fish; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, assessments, and donations; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 11509, 11510, 11511, 11511a, 11511b, 11512, 11513, 11514, 11514b, 11515, 11516, 11517, 11518, 11519, 11519b, 11520, and 11521b (MCL 324.11509, 324.11510, 324.11511, 324.11511a, 324.11511b, 324.11512, 324.11513, 324.11514, 324.11514b, 324.11515, 324.11516, 324.11517, 324.11518, 324.11519, 324.11519b, 324.11520, and 324.11521b), sections 11509, 11510, 11512, 11513, 11515, 11516, and 11518 as amended and sections 11511a and 11519b as added by 2018 PA 640, section 11511 as amended by 2011 PA 215, section 11511b as amended by 2016 PA 437, section 11514 as amended by 2008 PA 394, section 11514b as added by 2018 PA 688, sections 11517 and 11519 as amended by 1996 PA 358, and section 11521b as added by 2014 PA 24, by designating sections 11509 to 11520 as subpart 2 and section 11521b as subpart 3 of part 115, and by adding sections 11512b, 11512d, 11512f, and 11512h; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4461, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding subpart 11 to part 115.

The Senate has amended the bill as follows:

1. Amend page 2, line 26, after “counties.” by striking out the balance of the subsection.

2. Amend page 16, line 18, after “ordinances” by striking out the balance of the subdivision and inserting a comma and “to the extent that the ordinances regulate noise, litter, odor, dust, and other site nuisances at a materials management facility, in addition to landscaping, screening, other ancillary construction details, and hours of operation at a materials utilization facility; do not regulate the development or other operational aspects of a materials management facility or the location of a disposal area; and are not more stringent than the requirements of part 115.”.

3. Amend page 24, line 9, after “municipality,” by striking out “all” and inserting “both”.

4. Amend page 24, line 13, by striking out all of subdivision (b) and relettering the remaining subdivisions.

5. Amend page 24, line 21, by striking out all of subdivision (d).

6. Amend page 27, line 19, after “statute” by striking out the balance of the line through “county.” on line 23 and inserting “is not enforceable if any of the following apply:

(a) It conflicts with part 115.

(b) It prohibits or regulates the location or development of a materials management facility and is
not part of or not consistent with the materials management plan for the county.” and relettering the remaining subdivision.

The Senate has passed the bill as amended and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4733, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending section 58 (MCL 38.58), as added by 1996 PA 487.

The Senate has substituted (S-2) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-2) and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

House Bill No. 4762, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 10251.

The Senate has substituted (S-5) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-5), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4823, entitled

A bill to amend 2019 PA 152, entitled “Lawful internet gaming act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 432.315).

The Senate has substituted (S-1) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-1) and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4824, entitled

A bill to amend 2019 PA 149, entitled “Lawful sports betting act,” by amending section 15 (MCL 432.415).

The Senate has substituted (S-1) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-1) and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 5488, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 18201 (MCL 333.18201) and by adding section 18211a.

The Senate has substituted (S-1) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-1) and amended the title to read as follows:

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,” by amending sections 16317, 16343, and 18201 (MCL 333.16317, 333.16343, and 333.18201), section 16317 as added by 1993 PA 80 and section 16343 as added by 1993 PA 79, and by adding section 18211a.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

By unanimous consent the House returned to the order of

Motions and Resolutions

 

 

Reps. Rabhi, Aiyash, LaGrand, Brixie, Cynthia Johnson, Cavanagh, Bellino, Pohutsky and Ellison offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 426.

A resolution to urge the President and Congress of the United States to normalize trade relations with the Republic of Cuba by dissolving the current U.S. trade embargo and other barriers that have been levied against the island nation including the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Whereas, For more than six decades, the United States has maintained a strict embargo against the Republic of Cuba through the most comprehensive set of economic sanctions levied against any nation. Through various laws, regulations, and presidential orders, the U.S. government has placed significant restrictions and prohibitions on American-Cuban relationships, particularly in trade, travel, and financial transactions; and

Whereas, The Republic of Cuba is home to more than 11 million people. The close proximity of the United States makes Cuba a logical partner for expanded U.S. trade and export of agricultural products. The Republic of Cuba imported $2 billion in agricultural products to feed the Cuban people in 2021, but only $157 million was imported from the United States. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that American exports to Cuba would rise to $1.8 billion annually if the embargo is dissolved, and another study predicted an increase in agricultural exports up to $1.2 billion dollars, and improved access to U.S. producers would provide Cubans with cheaper and more plentiful food options; and

Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural sector would benefit from greater access to Cuban consumers. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Michigan, and access to the Cuban market means new
opportunities for Michigan growers to export dry beans, dairy products, fresh fruit, and other in-demand commodities and food products to Cuban consumers. The United States already exports $1.33 billion in agricultural products to the Dominican Republic, and open trade with Cuba is expected to produce similar U.S. exports to Cuban markets; and

Whereas, It is time to end the more than half-century long trade embargo against the Republic of Cuba. The relaxing of regulations and prohibitions on American exports and financial services will boost the economies in both countries and allow American farmers, ranchers, and food companies to efficiently contribute to the food security needs of the Cuban citizenry. Through presidential and congressional action, the dissolution of trade barriers can expand diplomatic relations between the American and Cuban governments, allow freer travel, partnerships, and trade, and provide an opportunity for all citizens to discover and connect with new cultures; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the President and Congress of the United States to normalize trade relations with the Republic of Cuba by dissolving the current U.S. trade embargo and other barriers that have been levied against the island nation including the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism; and be it further

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

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

 

 

Reps. Rabhi, Stone, O’Neal, Rogers, Yancey, Aiyash, LaGrand, Cynthia Johnson, Cavanagh, Bellino, Pohutsky, Ellison and Sneller offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 427.

A resolution to urge the United States Congress to enact legislation preventing federal regulators from sanctioning depository institutions for providing financial services to legitimate marijuana-related businesses in states where marijuana has been legalized.

Whereas, The medical and recreational marijuana industries are continually growing across the country, contributing billions of dollars to the economy. Many states have legalized the use of medical and/or recreational marijuana, while additional states may do so in the future; and

Whereas, Voters of the state of Michigan have approved the legalization of regulated medical and recreational marijuana use; and

Whereas, Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, creating confusion and uncertainty in banking, taxation, and other matters. Because of the federal prohibition, there is an extreme risk to provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses and service providers, resulting in a cash-incentive industry. In turn, it is very difficult for such businesses to accept noncash payments from customers and make noncash payments to employees, suppliers, governments, and others; and

Whereas, The proliferation of cash in the marijuana industry has given rise to significant public safety risks, including in Michigan’s communities. Holding large amounts of cash heightens the risk of robbery and violence; and

Whereas, Bringing the marijuana sector into the traditional financial services system is in the interest of the state and its residents. This development will increase public safety, grow the economy, and create jobs. Moreover, it will make transacting business with, and collecting taxes from, the marijuana industry easier. The federal government should respect the authority of Michigan and other states that have enacted policies concerning marijuana use; and

Whereas, The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021 has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives (H.R. 1996) and the United States Senate (S. 910) to provide safe harbor from federal regulators for depository institutions that provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses and service providers in states that exercise jurisdiction over the marijuana industry. The measure has received bipartisan support; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Congress to enact legislation preventing federal regulators from sanctioning depository institutions for providing financial services to legitimate marijuana-related businesses in states where marijuana has been legalized; and be it further

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

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Financial Services.

 

 

This resolution is offered to comply with Article IV, Section 37 of the constitution of the state of Michigan of 1963 Rep. Hall offered the following concurrent resolution:

 

Rep. Hall offered the following concurrent resolution:

House Concurrent Resolution No. 20.

A concurrent resolution to create a Joint Committee on Inter-Session Rules and Regulations.

Whereas, Article IV, Section 37 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 provides:

The legislature may by concurrent resolution empower a joint committee of the legislature, acting between sessions, to suspend any rule or regulation promulgated by an administrative agency subsequent to the adjournment of the last preceding regular legislative session. Such suspension shall continue no longer than the end of the next regular legislative session.

; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That, pursuant to Article IV, Section 37 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, there be created a Joint Committee on Inter-Session Rules and Regulations which is empowered, acting between sessions, to suspend any rule or regulation promulgated by an administrative agency subsequent to the adjournment of this regular legislative session. Such suspension shall continue no longer than the end of the next regular legislative session. The joint committee shall consist of three members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, one from the Senate Democratic Caucus recommended by the Senate Minority Leader and two from the Senate Republican Caucus, and three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, one from the House Democratic Caucus recommended by the House Minority Leader and two from the House Republican Caucus. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate the chairperson of the joint committee, and the Senate Majority Leader shall designate the vice chairperson.

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

 

Rep. Frederick moved that consideration of the concurrent resolution be postponed for the day.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Rep. Frederick moved that when the House adjourns today it stand adjourned until Thursday, December 8, at 12:01 a.m.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Mueller moved that the House adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:59 p.m.

 

The Speaker Pro Tempore declared the House adjourned until Thursday, December 8, at 12:01 a.m.

 

 

GARY L. RANDALL

Clerk of the House of Representatives