STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2023
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present
Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present
Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present
Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present
Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present
Bumstead—present Johnson—present Santana—present
Camilleri—present Klinefelt—present Shink—present
Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present
Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present
Cherry—present McBroom—excused Victory—present
Daley—present McCann—present Webber—present
Damoose—present McDonald Rivet—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present McMorrow—present
Senator Veronica Klinefelt of the 11th District offered the following invocation:
As our budgeting process moves forward, may we carry compassion and understanding of the struggles of those we represent. As we make policy, may we be fully aware that our decisions affect the lives of many. May our decisions be wise; may our decisions be thoughtful; may our decisions benefit all the residents of the great state of Michigan. Amen.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Nesbitt be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator McBroom be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The motion prevailed.
The following communications were received and read:
Office of the Auditor General
April 25, 2023
Enclosed is a copy of the following report:
• Report on internal control, compliance, and other matters of the Liquor Purchase Revolving Fund, Michigan Liquor Control Commission (A Discretely Presented Component Unit of the State of Michigan), Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (641-0161-22).
April 28, 2023
Enclosed is a copy of the following reports:
• Report on internal control, compliance, and other matters of the Self-Insurers’ Security Fund, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (186-0101-23).
• Report on internal control, compliance, and other matters of the Michigan Strategic Fund (186-0401-23).
Sincerely,
Doug Ringler
Auditor General
The audit reports were referred to the Committee on Oversight.
Senators Nesbitt and Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.
The following communication was received:
Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
March 8, 2023
The Work Share Program was created by the enactment of Public Act 1 of 1936, Section 421.28b to 421.28m of the Michigan Employment Security (MES) Act. The purpose of Work Share is to allow an employer to maintain operational productivity by reducing the work hours of employees during an economic decline in regular business activity instead of laying-off employees. With the plan, eligible employees work a reduced number of hours in the work week and receive a portion of weekly unemployment benefits.
Per Section 421.28l of the MES Act,
the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) shall submit to the Governor, the Secretary
of the Senate, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives for referral to the
Chair and Minority Vice-Chair of the appropriate committees an annual report regarding
shared-work plans under Sections 28B to 28m. The report shall include the number
of approved shared-work plans, the number of participating employers, the number
of participating employees, the amount of compensation and aid to participating
employees, and any other information the UIA determines is relevant to assess the
impact of shared-work plans on the unemployment compensation fund. The first report
shall be submitted on or before the first day of March following the first complete
calendar year during which sections 28b to 28m are in effect, and subsequent reports
shall be submitted on or before the first day of March of each subsequent year.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Wineland, UIA Legislative Liaison at Winelandr@michigan.gov 517-241-0029 or 517-290-3053.
Julie Dale, Director
Unemployment Insurance Agency
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Erika Geiss
April 27, 2023
Please add my name as a co-sponsor to the following bills:
• SB 299 (SINGH)
• SB 300 (SINGH)
Thank you for this opportunity.
Senator Erika Geiss
Michigan’s 1st District
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Department of State Police
April 27, 2023
The Michigan State Police (MSP) is notifying the Legislature that the 2023 Office of School Safety Report has been posted to the MSP website.
Please direct any questions regarding this report to Ms. Amanda Baker, Director, Budget and Financial Services Division, at 517-599-5774.
Thank you,
Nichole Spicer
Senior Executive Management Assistant to:
Ms. Amanda Baker, Director
Budget and Financial Services
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Department of State Police
May 1, 2023
Attached is a copy of the 2022 Secondary Road Patrol and Traffic Accident Prevention Program Annual Report and Evaluation. This report satisfies the reporting requirements contained in Public Act 416 of 1978, as amended. A copy of the report will soon be posted on the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning’s (OHSP) website at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/ohsp/lawenforcement-programs.
Copies of this report will be transmitted to the Governor’s Office, Clerk of the House, Secretary of the Senate, each county sheriff, the Michigan Sheriffs Association, and the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Michigan.
Thank you,
F/Lt. Nicole McGhee
Government Relations Section
Office of the Director
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
Senators Brinks and Anthony entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
A bill to amend 1931 PA 328, entitled “The Michigan penal code,” by amending sections 231 and 237a (MCL 750.231 and 750.237a), as amended by 2017 PA 96; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Lindsey, Lauwers, Bellino, Hoitenga, Theis, Damoose, Nesbitt, Bumstead, Outman and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled “An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms and electro-muscular disruption devices under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending sections 2, 2a, 5b, 5g, 5o, 12, and 15 (MCL 28.422, 28.422a, 28.425b, 28.425g, 28.425o, 28.432, and 28.435), section 2 as amended by 2015 PA 200, section 2a as amended by 2016 PA 301, sections 5b and 5o as amended by 2017 PA 95, section 5g as amended by 2012 PA 123, section 12 as amended by 2010 PA 209, and section 15 as added by 2000 PA 265; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Hoitenga, Lauwers, Lindsey, Bellino, Theis, Damoose, Nesbitt, Outman and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 43510 (MCL 324.43510), as amended by 2013 PA 108.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Johnson, Lindsey, Hoitenga, Theis, Damoose, Nesbitt, Bumstead, Outman and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 12 of chapter IX and sections 11b and 16m of chapter XVII (MCL 769.12, 777.11b, and 777.16m), section 12 of chapter IX as amended by 2012 PA 319, section 11b of chapter XVII as amended by 2016 PA 234, and section 16m of chapter XVII as amended by 2018 PA 637.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Bellino, Lauwers, Lindsey, Hoitenga, Theis, Damoose, Nesbitt, Bumstead, Outman and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 1953 PA 232, entitled “Corrections code of 1953,” by amending section 33b (MCL 791.233b), as amended by 2019 PA 16.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Lauwers, Lindsey, Bellino, Hoitenga, Theis, Damoose, Nesbitt, Outman and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 2008 PA 537, entitled “Michigan retired law enforcement officer’s firearm carry act,” by amending sections 7 and 12 (MCL 28.517 and 28.522).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Senators Hertel, Hauck, Wojno, Bellino, Santana, Hoitenga, Singh and Cavanagh introduced
A bill to amend 1937 PA 306, entitled “An act to promote the safety, welfare, and educational interests of the people of this state by regulating the construction, reconstruction, and remodeling of, and the installation of certain security devices at, certain public or private school buildings or additions to those buildings and by regulating the construction, reconstruction, and remodeling of, and the installation of certain security devices at, buildings leased or acquired for school purposes; to define the class of buildings affected by this act; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies and officials; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending sections 1, 1a, and 2 (MCL 388.851, 388.851a, and 388.852), section 1 as amended by 2004 PA 510 and section 2 as amended by 2002 PA 627.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
Senators Hertel, Hauck, Wojno, Bellino, Santana, Hoitenga, Singh and Cavanagh introduced
A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled “Occupational code,” by amending section 2010 (MCL 339.2010), as amended by 1992 PA 103.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
Senators Damoose, McDonald Rivet, McCann, Polehanki, Singh, Wojno, Cavanagh, McMorrow, Bayer, Chang, Shink, Santana, Hertel and Bellino introduced
A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” by amending sections 115, 241, 305, and 404 (MCL 18.1115, 18.1241, 18.1305, and 18.1404), section 115 as amended by 2018 PA 389, section 241 as amended by 2012 PA 430, and sections 305 and 404 as amended by 1999 PA 8.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
Senators McDonald Rivet, Damoose, McCann, Polehanki, Wojno, Cavanagh, Singh, McMorrow, Bayer, Chang, Shink, Santana, Hertel and Bellino introduced
A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” by amending section 261 (MCL 18.1261), as amended by 2020 PA 174.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the Governor
The following message from the Governor was received:
Date: May 1, 2023
Time: 10:55 a.m.
To the President of the Senate:
Sir—I have this day approved and signed
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 259 (Public Act No. 25), being
An act to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “An act to reorganize, consolidate, and add to the election laws; to provide for election officials and prescribe their powers and duties; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments, state agencies, and state and local officials and employees; to provide for the nomination and election of candidates for public office; to provide for the resignation, removal, and recall of certain public officers; to provide for the filling of vacancies in public office; to provide for and regulate primaries and elections; to provide for the purity of elections; to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise; to define violations of this act; to provide appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to repeal certain acts and all other acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending sections 759a and 764a (MCL 168.759a and 168.764a), section 759a as amended by 2022 PA 197 and section 764a as amended by 2020 PA 177.
(Filed with the Secretary of State on May 1, 2023, at 11:36 a.m.)
Respectfully,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
The following message from the Governor was received and read:
April 27, 2023
I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Executive Reorganization Order No. 2019-3, MCL 125.1998:
Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors
Mr. Randy Thelen of 1620 Foot Hills Trail, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49301, county of Kent, succeeding Ronald Beebe whose term has expired, is appointed to represent a member submitted by the Senate Majority Leader representing individuals within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, commercial lending, or commercialization of technology, for a term commencing April 27, 2023 and expiring July 31, 2026.
Mr. Leon Richardson of 901 Bloomfield Club Court, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301, county of Oakland, succeeding Paul Gentilozzi whose term has expired, is appointed to represent a member submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives representing individuals within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, for a term commencing April 27, 2023 and expiring July 31, 2026.
Respectfully,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Messages from the House
A bill to amend 2003 PA 225, entitled “An act to designate March 31 of each year as Cesar E. Chavez day in the state of Michigan; to designate July 14 of each year as President Gerald R. Ford day in the state of Michigan; and to designate July 30 of each year as Henry Ford day in the state of Michigan,” (MCL 435.301 to 435.303) by amending the title and by adding section 4.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1) and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,
The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 142 Yeas—37
Albert Daley Klinefelt Polehanki
Anthony Damoose Lauwers Runestad
Bayer Geiss Lindsey Santana
Bellino Hauck McCann Shink
Brinks Hertel McDonald Rivet Singh
Bumstead Hoitenga McMorrow Theis
Camilleri Huizenga Moss Victory
Cavanagh Irwin Nesbitt Webber
Chang Johnson Outman Wojno
Cherry
Nays—0
Excused—1
McBroom
Not Voting—0
In The
Chair: Moss
The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,
The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
Recess
Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:10 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.
General Orders
The motion prevailed, and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, designated Senator Santana as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President pro tempore, Senator Moss, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
House Bill No. 4166, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 392, 502, 503, 507, 522, 528, 552, and 561 (MCL 380.392, 380.502, 380.503, 380.507, 380.522, 380.528, 380.552, and 380.561), as amended by 2018 PA 601; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.847) by adding section 261.
The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
Senate Bill No. 236, 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.
Substitute (S-1).
Senate Bill No. 128, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.847) by adding section 260.
Substitute (S-1).
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Resolutions
Senate Resolution No. 43
Senate Resolution No. 44
The motion prevailed,
a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator McDonald Rivet offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 43.
A resolution to designate May 1-6, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
Whereas, Many people with serious, chronic mental illness, such as schizophrenia and other schizoaffective disorders, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, require treatment with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including antipsychotics; and
Whereas, Individuals who have gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting also require treatment with DRBAs. The treatment of gastrointestinal disorders with DRBAs can be very helpful, but for many patients can also lead to tardive dyskinesia (TD); and
Whereas, While ongoing treatment with these medications can be very helpful, and even lifesaving, for many people it can also lead to TD; and
Whereas, TD is a movement disorder that is characterized by random, involuntary, and uncontrolled movements of different muscles in the face, trunk, and extremities. In some cases, people may experience movement of the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. In some cases, it may also affect the tongue, lips, and jaw. In other cases, symptoms may include swaying movements of the trunk or hips, and it may also impact the muscles associated with walking, speech, eating, and breathing; and
Whereas, Tardive dyskinesia can develop months, years, or decades after a person starts taking DRBAs and even after they have discontinued the use of those medications. Not everyone who takes a DRBA develops TD, but if developed, it is often permanent; and
Whereas, Common risk factors for TD include advanced age and alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders. Postmenopausal women and people with a mood disorder are also at higher risk of developing TD; and
Whereas, A person is at higher risk for TD after taking DRBAs for three months or longer, but the longer the person is on these medications, the higher the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia; and
Whereas, Studies suggest that the overall risk of developing tardive dyskinesia is between 10 and 30 percent; and
Whereas, It is estimated that over 600,000 Americans suffer from tardive dyskinesia. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four patients receiving long-term treatment with an antipsychotic medication will experience tardive dyskinesia; and
Whereas, Years of both difficult and challenging research have resulted in recent scientific breakthroughs, with two new treatments for tardive dyskinesia approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and
Whereas, Tardive dyskinesia is often unrecognized and patients suffering from the illness are commonly misdiagnosed. Regular screening for TD in patients taking DRBA medications is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA); and
Whereas, Patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia often suffer embarrassment due to abnormal and involuntary movements, which leads them to withdraw from society as well as an increase in self-isolation as the disease progresses; and
Whereas, Caregivers of patients with tardive dyskinesia also face many challenges and are often responsible for the overall care of the TD patient; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate May 1-6, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week; and be it further
Resolved, That we raise awareness of tardive dyskinesia in the public and medical community and encourage individuals in the United States to become better informed about tardive dyskinesia.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senators Brinks, Chang, Cherry and Geiss were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed.
Senator McDonald Rivet’s statement is as follows:
Today I rise to address this body and ask that
you please join me in designating this week as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
Tardive dyskinesia—or TD—is an involuntary movement disorder that’s characterized
by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and other
body parts. TD is associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines—also
known as antipsychotics—that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression,
schizophrenia, and other disorders. It affects nearly 600,000 people in the U.S.
and 7 out of 10 people who are experiencing and living with TD have not yet been
diagnosed. TD movements can also impact daily tasks such as eating, sleeping, drinking,
and even leaving the house.
This week, we raise awareness of TD, including the physical, social, and emotional impact it can have on those who may be experiencing symptoms. By raising awareness, we can help increase education and raise awareness and support for people living with this condition. Thank you for allowing me to speak to my resolution, and I ask my colleagues to join me in designating this week as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
Senate Resolution No. 44.
A resolution to recognize May 2023 as Drug Court Month.
Whereas, Treatment courts are the cornerstone of justice reform sweeping the nation and are recognized as the most successful justice system intervention in our nation’s history; and
Whereas, Nearly 4,000 treatment courts nationwide, including Michigan’s 208 treatment courts, have restored the lives and families of more than 1.5 million individuals; and
Whereas, Outcomes have shown significant improvements to substance use disorder treatment, substantially reduced addiction and related crime, and do so at less expense than any other criminal justice strategy with a savings of an average of $6,000 for every individual they serve; and
Whereas, Treatment courts facilitate community-wide partnerships, bringing together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation professionals, law enforcement and community supervision personnel, researchers and educators, national and community leaders, and others dedicated to drug courts and similar types of treatment programs are healing families and communities across the country; and
Whereas, Treatment courts improve education, employment, housing, financial stability, promote family reunification, reduce foster care placements, and increase the rate of addicted mothers delivering babies who are fully drug-free; and
Whereas, Treatment courts demonstrate that when one person rises out of substance use and crime, we all rise; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 2023 as Drug Court Month.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senators Brinks, Cherry and Geiss were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Shink’s statement is as follows:
I rise today to ask for your support for Senate Resolution No. 44, recognizing May as Drug Court Month. Treatment courts are the cornerstone of justice reform sweeping the nation and are now recognized as the most successful justice system intervention in our nation’s history. Nearly 4,000 treatment courts nationwide, including Michigan’s 208 treatment courts, have restored the lives and families of more than 1.5 million individuals. Outcomes have shown significant improvements to substance-use disorder, substantially reduced addiction and related crime, and do so at less expense than any other criminal justice strategy with a savings of an average of $6,000 for every individual they serve. Treatment courts improve education, employment, housing and financial stability, promote family reunification, reduce foster care placements, increase the rate of addicted mothers delivering babies who are fully drug-free, and demonstrate that when one person rises out of substance use and crime, we all rise. I welcome your support of this resolution.
Statements
The motion prevailed.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
Michigan, when it comes to catering to their
special interest priorities, Democrats are all pedal to the metal. But when it comes
to tapping on the brakes on Michigan’s possibly worst-in-the-nation corruption and
absolutely last in the nation for transparency, they are running on empty.
Bridge Magazine’s Lauren Gibbons reports Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Taxpayers deserve to know what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” While I am hopeful that our new Legislature will address this, as it stands right now Michigan is only one of two states in the entire nation where the law completely exempts the Governor’s office from the Freedom of Information Act. Well, the Attorney General has been very consistent on this issue, and I think I have finally found an ally among the Democrats, but the Attorney General and I have a tall order.
The Legislative Democrats came out this year like a rocket ship with a boat load of energy to pay off all their big special interest groups, but now after the special-interest payoffs, when it’s time to fulfill the promises made to the average voters—promises Democrats have been bellowing about for years, namely their feigned outrage about Michigan’s corruption and lack of transparency—they have gone silent as the grave and as lethargic as a treed sloth on a hot tropical summers afternoon.
Yet, in the same Bridge article—hilariously—the Senator from the 7th District declares with transparency bills we have a “new energy” and are in “a position to really get things done.” And then indicated, This new energy is going to take a few months. What? A few months? Voters have been waiting and watching for months for Democrats to simply put up these promised bills on the floor for a vote—bills that have been introduced repeatedly for years, run through committee after committee, put on the floor over and over again, passed through both chambers, bipartisan and unanimous, but yet the Democrats claim they are incapable of putting up a single transparency vote on the agenda. Come on. Who would buy this?
Over the last two weeks, we’ve had just a few votes to look on. Look at today, that’s it. And they claim they can’t even put up one of these pre-vetted bipartisan, unanimous bills that need no additional floor work for a vote. So the good Senator from the 7th District continues, “It’s a bit unrealistic that we can enact everything overnight or even in our first 100 days.” So putting up at least one bill requiring FOIA of the Legislature for a vote is, what, akin to enacting everything overnight? Who could possibly swallow all of this?
Well, Nancy Wang of Voters Not Politicians for one, as she told Bridge Magazine, “She is not concerned transparency isn’t front and center.” What? “She said she’s encouraged lawmakers take ethical issues seriously and sees the current session of the Legislature as a ‘really great opportunity’ to move the needle. ‘We’re hoping it won’t take very long for them to introduce the bills and then once they do to get them passed—we know there’s energy,’ she said.” Oh yes, energy indeed. After waiting four months and then saying that they will start the process in maybe two more months, now that’s what I call a real energy. When you know the backstory, this is no surprise. Voters Not Politicians is nothing more than a partisan, Democrat-front organization masquerading as bipartisan. As Freedom Fund reports, Voters Not Politicians is led exclusively by partisan Democratic donors, activists, and a Democratic trial attorney—according to public records, Federal Election Commission, and Michigan Campaign Finance.
It’s obvious, with this new Democratic majority, when it comes to transparency and sunshine, they believe in starting off very, very slow and then tapering off. Now Democrats are talking about waiting another two months to act. What, when summer starts? Or maybe they’ll go sine die in June and then wait until next year. “We know there’s energy.” What a load; what a crock. Their claims of prioritizing transparency and sunshine are shakier than watery nursing home cafeteria Jell-O.
Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:
I just want to say that here in this Senate, one of the most important things we can talk about is making sure what we do, the work we do here, is transparent. I think there’s been a lot of remarks made over the years that Michigan is lagging behind in our transparency laws. I just want to point out that there is no amount of bellicose barking on this floor now that can undo the decades and decades of inaction on transparency that we’ve seen here in this chamber.
One thing that is true though is the shoe is on the other foot and I think we’re going to see—and I hope we’re going to see—some important transparency-related bills come forward. I just wanted to take the opportunity to stand up and say that we’ve been waiting for years for this kind of energy. Elections have consequences and now in the wake of the last election we’re seeing a lot of energy from the folks who used to have the majority around transparency. Well, I can tell you that as one member, I have absolutely committed to fighting the corruption we’ve seen result in indictments recently out of behaviors here in this very Senate years ago when a different party ruled this chamber, and I for one want to make sure we do the things necessary to restore public trust that was so damaged through 40 years of inaction with a conservative majority. I for one am getting frustrated with all the bellicose anger and false outrage that seems to be meted out here on the Senate floor on a regular basis now. I don’t know if that is because there are some new internet tools that fuel this sort of vocabulary or if there are some other reasons. Maybe it’s just the changing control in the chamber.
I just wanted to rise and say that personally
I strongly support transparency. I’m strongly supportive of the conversations we’ve
been having about trying to improve those laws around public information, and I
for one would love to not just address those issues but also the related issues
around campaign finance reform that are desperately needed in our state after 40
years of inaction.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 259 at 10:20 a.m.
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, April 27, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307
House Bill Nos. 4478 4479 4480 4481 4482 4483 4484 4485 4486 4487 4488 4489 4490 4491 4492 4493
Committee Reports
The Committee on Appropriations reported
Senate Bill No. 191, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Sarah Anthony
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Anthony, McCann, McDonald Rivet, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Camilleri, Klinefelt, McMorrow and Cavanagh
Nays: Senators Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Regulatory Affairs reported
Senate Bill No. 179, entitled
A bill to amend 2018 IL 1, entitled “Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act,” by amending section 14 (MCL 333.27964).
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Jeremy Moss
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Moss, Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Regulatory Affairs reported
Senate Bill No. 180, entitled
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Jeremy Moss
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Moss, Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to
the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Regulatory Affairs submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Moss (C), Polehanki, McCann, Wojno, Santana, Hertel, Hauck, Webber, Lauwers and Bellino
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on MDE submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Bayer (C), Klinefelt, Singh and Albert
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on LEO/MEDC submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 9:15 a.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Cavanagh (C), McDonald Rivet, McCann, McMorrow, Camilleri, Huizenga and Bumstead
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Chang (C), Shink, Wojno, Irwin, Santana, Runestad and Johnson
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Economic and Community Development submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators McMorrow (C), Cavanagh, Polehanki, Cherry, McDonald Rivet, Moss, Geiss, Victory, Lindsey and Webber
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Klinefelt (C), Hertel, McCann, Camilleri, Damoose and Bumstead
Appropriations – Wednesday, May 3, 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-5307
Subcommittee –
Capital Outlay, Joint – Wednesday, May 3, 4:00 p.m., Room 352, House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Economic and Community
Development – Thursday, May
4, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721
Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:10 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
DANIEL OBERLIN
Secretary of the Senate