No. 39

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

102nd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, April 27, 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 Ruth A. Johnson of the 24th District offered the following invocation:

Most gracious and merciful Father, we stand in awe of You. We’re honored to submit our petition to You on behalf of this body and the 10 million people in Michigan it represents.

Today, Lord, we humbly ask for Your wisdom. King Solomon, the son of David, could have asked for riches and glory, but instead he prayed for wisdom. As Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 3:8-9, “Your servant is here among the people you have chosen. … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” In Matthew 11:19, Jesus said of wisdom, The son of man came eating and drinking and they said, Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard. He is an undesirable and they are sinners. But wisdom vindicated her works. Lord, help us to recognize that it can be easier to find fault in others than to reckon with our own imperfections. Lord, help each of us to look in the mirror and to have Your strength in doing what we know is right and will please You.

Most holy Father, we pray that our actions and our deeds can be founded in Your love and Your wisdom. We ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died that we may live eternally. Amen.

 

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, assumed the Chair.

 

 

Motions and Communications

 

 

Senator Lauwers moved that Senator McBroom be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Senator Singh moved that Senator Geiss be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

The following communication was received and read:

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

April 26, 2023

Pursuant to the provisions laid out in MCL 390.1665, I appoint Teresa Neal be re-appointed to the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Board.

                                                                                       Respectfully,

                                                                                       Winnie Brinks

                                                                                       Senate Majority Leader

                                                                                       29th District

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Joseph N. Bellino, Jr.

April 26, 2023

I write to respectfully request that my name be removed as sponsor of Senate Bill 239.

Should you have any questions regarding this request, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff. Thank you.

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Joseph N. Bellino, Jr.

                                                                                       State Senator – District 16

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Mallory McMorrow

April 26, 2023

I request that my name be added as a co-sponsor to Senate Bills 0299 and 0300 which were introduced by Senator Singh.

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       Senator Mallory McMorrow

                                                                                       District 8

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

 

 

Senators Singh, Polehanki, Klinefelt, Wojno and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 299, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 12752 (MCL 333.12752) and by adding part 128.

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

 

 

Senators Singh, Polehanki, Klinefelt, Wojno and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 300, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding sections 12815, 12817, and 12829.

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

 

 

Senators Geiss, Anthony, Santana, Chang, Cavanagh, McMorrow, Bayer, Wojno, Shink and McCann introduced

Senate Bill No. 301, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding section 109o.

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

 

Senator Geiss entered the Senate Chamber.

 

Senators Camilleri, McDonald Rivet, Singh, Polehanki, Cavanagh, Chang, Wojno, Irwin, Santana, Shink and McCann introduced

Senate Bill No. 302, entitled

A bill to amend 2010 PA 270, entitled “Property assessed clean energy act,” by amending section 9 (MCL 460.939), as amended by 2017 PA 242.

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

 

 

Senators McDonald Rivet, Singh, Camilleri, Polehanki, Cavanagh, Chang, Wojno, Irwin, Santana, Shink and McCann introduced

Senate Bill No. 303, entitled

A bill to amend 2010 PA 270, entitled “Property assessed clean energy act,” by amending the title and sections 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 17 (MCL 460.933, 460.935, 460.937, 460.941, 460.943, 460.945, and 460.947), section 3 as amended by 2017 PA 242.

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

 

 

Senators Albert, Hoitenga and Bellino introduced

Senate Bill No. 304, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 4, 6, 6a, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 15, 20, 20d, 20f, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22m, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 28, 31a, 31c, 31d, 31f, 31j, 31n, 31p, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32p, 35a, 39, 39a, 41, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54b, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61i, 62, 65, 67, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 95b, 97, 97b, 97e, 98, 98c, 99h, 99s, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 147c, 147e, 152a, and 152b (MCL 388.1604, 388.1606, 388.1606a, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1611s, 388.1615, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1620f, 388.1621h, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622c, 388.1622d, 388.1622m, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1625f, 388.1625g, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1626d, 388.1627a, 388.1627b, 388.1627c, 388.1628, 388.1631a, 388.1631c, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1631j, 388.1631n, 388.1631p, 388.1631aa, 388.1632d, 388.1632n, 388.1632p, 388.1635a, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1641, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1651g, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1654b, 388.1654d, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1661b, 388.1661c, 388.1661d, 388.1661i, 388.1662, 388.1665, 388.1667, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694, 388.1694a, 388.1695b, 388.1697, 388.1697b, 388.1697e, 388.1698, 388.1698c, 388.1699h, 388.1699s, 388.1704, 388.1704h, 388.1707, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747b, 388.1747c, 388.1747e, 388.1752a, and 388.1752b), section 4 as amended by 2021 PA 48, sections 6, 6a, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 15, 20, 20d, 20f, 21h, 22a, 22c, 22d, 22m, 24, 24a, 25f, 25g, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 28, 31a, 31d, 31j, 31n, 31p, 32d, 32p, 35a, 39, 41, 51d, 51g, 54b, 54d, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 62, 65, 67, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 95b, 97, 98, 99h, 99s, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 147e, 152a, and 152b as amended and sections 27a, 27b, 27c, 31aa, 32n, 51e, 61i, 97b, 97e, and 98c as added by 2022 PA 144, sections 11, 22b, 31f, 39a, 51a, 51c, 53a, 54, and 147c as amended by 2023 PA 3, and section 31c as added and section 56 as amended by 2022 PA 212, and by adding sections 22e, 31k, 32w, and 35k.

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

 

 

Senators Albert and Bellino introduced

Senate Bill No. 305, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 236, 236b, 236c, 236h, 236j, 236k, 241, 245a, 248, 248a, 254, 263, 264, 265, 265b, 265f, 265g, 267, 268, 269, 270c, 274, 275f, 275g, 275h, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 (MCL 388.1836, 388.1836b, 388.1836c, 388.1836h, 388.1836j, 388.1836k, 388.1841, 388.1845a, 388.1848, 388.1848a, 388.1854, 388.1863, 388.1864, 388.1865, 388.1865b, 388.1865f, 388.1865g, 388.1867, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870c, 388.1874, 388.1875f, 388.1875g, 388.1875h, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, and 388.1882), sections 236 and 236j as amended and sections 248 and 248a as added by 2022 PA 212, sections 236b, 236c, 236h, 241, 245a, 263, 264, 265, 265b, 267, 268, 269, 270c, 274, 275f, 275g, 275h, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 as amended and sections 236k, 265f, and 265g as added by 2022 PA 144, and section 254 as amended by 2017 PA 108, and by adding sections 275k, 275l, 275m, and 275n.

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

 

 

Senators Albert and Bellino introduced

Senate Bill No. 306, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201, 202a, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 209a, 226b, 226d, 226g, 227, 227a, 229a, and 230 (MCL 388.1801, 388.1802a, 388.1806, 388.1807a, 388.1807b, 388.1807c, 388.1809a, 388.1826b, 388.1826d, 388.1826g, 388.1827, 388.1827a, 388.1829a, and 388.1830), sections 201, 202a, 206, 207a, 207b, 207c, 209a, 226b, 226d, 226g, 229a, and 230 as amended and sections 227 and 227a as added by 2022 PA 144, and by adding sections 201d, 201f, and 216c; 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 Appropriations.

 

 

Senators Albert, Hoitenga and Bellino introduced

Senate Bill No. 307, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

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

 

 

Senators Huizenga, McDonald Rivet and Cavanagh asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:

I stand before you today to bid farewell to two remarkable young men who have made a lasting impact on our team. Henry VanderZyden and Spencer Woodruff, our legislative interns and fellow West Michiganders, are moving on to the next phase of their professional journeys. I am honored to have had the privilege to work with them in my office during this semester.

Henry has been an exceptional member of our team. As a junior at Michigan State University’s James Madison College, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in his studies, as well as his extracurricular pursuits in Model United Nations, where he has received several awards of distinction. He is studying international relations, with a minor in Spanish, and he anticipates attending law school after a gap year. His diligence, desire to serve, and hard work in our office leaves me no doubt that he will go on to achieve great success in law school and beyond.

Spencer, too, has been an invaluable member of our team. He is also a Spartan, and he will be graduating this spring with a pre-law degree with an emphasis in law, justice, and public policy. His selection for the MSU Michigan Government Semester Program and his recognition as a Political Science Scholar attest to his intellectual acumen and his commitment to public service. This has been evident in all of his work, in his ability to collaborate with others and think critically about complex studies and he has been a real asset to our office. I am confident that he will continue to excel in the upcoming gap year and into law school and beyond.

As we bid farewell to Henry and Spencer, I want to express my gratitude to them for their service to our office, the 30th District, and to all the people of our state. They have truly embodied the spirit of public service, and their dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact on our team. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and I look forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish in the years to come. Thank you, Spencer and Henry. They are in the north Gallery.

 

Senator McDonald Rivet’s statement is as follows:

I also rise today to bid farewell to an intern in my office, Diva Patel. She is a student at Saginaw Valley State University; one of the amazing leaders that always comes out of that university. Diva has been with our office since we took office and really has been—she has a spirit of service. She has a heart for community. She is an amazing leader, and quite frankly, just a bit of a force of nature. We are thrilled to have her, but we are with sadness sending her off to Washington, D.C., where she will be doing a different kind of internship in Congress.

Please take a good look at Diva; you will see her again. She is a rising young star in Michigan. We are sad to lose her, but we wish her the best of luck in her next adventure.

 

Senator Cavanagh’s statement is as follows:

Today I have the privilege of welcoming candidates for the Michigan Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Club organizations across Michigan.

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier recognition platform, designed to promote and recognize service to the club and community, academic performance, and contributions to the family. Youth from across the state are selected to represent their local club and go through a rigorous process to be named Youth of the Year. Finalists will participate in the Midwest regional event in Chicago, and the program culminates in a weeklong celebration in New York City where one is named the National Youth of the Year.

Today in the Gallery we have 12 representatives from different Boys & Girls Club organizations from across Michigan, and later today will find out who will represent Michigan as our Youth of the Year. Congratulations to each of you for representing and organizing at the state level, and we wish you the best of luck this afternoon.

 

 

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow his guest admittance to the Senate floor.

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

 

 

Recess

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:14 a.m.

 

10:46 a.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No. 144, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.847) by adding section 272a.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Theis offered the following amendment:

1.    Amend page 2, following line 15, by inserting:

     “Enacting section 1. Section 695 of the income tax act of 1967, 1967 PA 281, MCL 206.695, is repealed.”.

The question being on the adoption of the amendment,

Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.

The amendment was not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 136                                           Yeas—17

 

 

Albert                                Hauck                                Lauwers                            Runestad

Bellino                               Hoitenga                            Lindsey                             Theis

Bumstead                           Huizenga                            Nesbitt                               Victory

Daley                                 Johnson                             Outman                             Webber

Damoose                                                                                                              

 

 

                                                                     Nays—20

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Polehanki

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Santana

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McDonald Rivet                 Shink

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Moss                                 Wojno

 

 

                                                                   Excused—1

 

 

McBroom                                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 137                                           Yeas—27

 

 

Anthony                             Cherry                               Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Damoose                            Lauwers                            Shink

Bellino                               Geiss                                 McCann                             Singh

Brinks                                Hertel                                 McDonald Rivet                 Victory

Camilleri                            Huizenga                            McMorrow                        Webber

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Moss                                 Wojno

Chang                                Johnson                             Polehanki                         

                                                                     Nays—10

 

 

Albert                                Hauck                                Nesbitt                               Runestad

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Outman                             Theis

Daley                                 Lindsey                                                                      

 

 

                                                                   Excused—1

 

 

McBroom                                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

 

 

Senators Theis, McDonald Rivet and Bellino asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:

Mr. President, the SOAR program may have started with good intentions. While we may disagree how to do it, everyone wants more and better jobs for the people of Michigan. But in a relatively short amount of time, SOAR has turned into a taxpayer-funded slush fund for our Governor and big corporations.

This has never been more evident than over the past few weeks as hundreds of millions of dollars that should be going back into the pockets of Michiganders instead ended up in the hands of a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. And for what? It’s estimated taxpayers will pay this company—this Chinese Communist Party-affiliated organization—more than $300,000 per new job—jobs the company keeps reducing average pay on, and, following that trend, may end up paying even less than others in the community already do. And of course, there are the myriad of environmental and national security concerns that have gone unanswered, brushed off as conspiracy theories, or simply ignored. This process is terribly broken. Even our federal legislative delegation is expressing concern. Meanwhile, the Governor’s budget recommendation is hundreds of millions of dollars out of whack.

Mr. President, my amendment brings accountability back to the Legislature where it belongs and frees up about $1.5 billion that could instead go to fixing the darn roads, funding our schools, or—here’s an idea—back into the pockets of struggling families. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment to put an end to this boondoggle.

 

Senator McDonald Rivet’s first statement is as follows:

I had a good conversation with the Senator from the 22nd District about this amendment, some concerns she has around our economic development policy, and I think that’s a conversation worth having. However, this bill is not about our economic development policy. This is a bill related to the working families tax credit. It affects the welfare and well-being of over a million children in our state and is a policy that frankly we have had significant bipartisan support in both chambers. What the bill is intended to do is move through both chambers the language most of us voted for that allows the working families tax credit to get to families right now as opposed to having to wait until next year. While this amendment is something I know is on the hearts and minds of many members of this chamber, it is not something that pertains to the core of this bill. I would urge you to vote “no” and open up this conversation about this amendment in its rightful time and place.

 

Senator McDonald Rivet’s second statement is as follows:

Very briefly, I’m urging a “yes” vote on this bill. Let me start by saying that the working families tax credit has been before this chamber before, has been passed out of the chamber; unfortunately it was rolled into a much larger bill that did not get immediate effect. The result of that is that over a million families who qualify for the increased tax credit did not receive it this year. What this bill will do is allow for checks to go to families that qualified for the increased earned income tax credit this year. The money is already allocated inside the legislation we have already passed and the Governor has signed. Essentially, this allows those dollars to be released right now when families are struggling to pay for milk and cereal and bread, when many of the families that qualify for this tax credit have recently lost supplemental food benefits, they have lost housing assistance, and are concerned about redetermination of their health care. There is a very strong need that we recognized when we moved this provision under Senate Bill No. 3. This is wholly and entirely about the working families tax credit. I urge the support and let us just move forward and not allow political games to get in the way of what we know is the right thing for over a million children in this state.

 

Senator Bellino’s statement is as follows:

Mr. President, I rise in support of this bill, but I also rise to express my frustration. I plan to vote “yes” on this bill because, like Ronald Reagan, I see the value in the earned income tax credit. I see an opportunity to help low-income Michiganders support their families and improve their lives. But I am frustrated at how long it has taken to get this over the finish line despite repeated bipartisan votes.

Inflation is an insidious invisible tax that hits low-income families the hardest. When inflation spiked last year, the Legislature sent a bill to the Governor to increase the earned income tax credit, in addition to lowering taxes for all Michiganders. She vetoed it. This year, the new majority insisted on increasing the earned income tax credit and made it one of their top priorities; in fact, it’s Senate Bill No. 3, and we did vote quickly on the bill which I supported.

But here we are on the cusp of May and despite the Democratic trifecta, that bill hasn’t been signed by my Governor; it’s collecting dust in a House committee. Why isn’t Senate Bill No. 3 a public act now? Why has the EITC still not increased? I heard from the previous speaker, political gamesmanship, I think, because my colleagues across the aisle tried to tack it onto their bill to hand out corporate welfare and try to stop a permanent income tax cut due to every Michigan taxpayer. Democrats were worried—rightfully so—that the Frankenstein’s monster of a bill wouldn’t have the votes in their own caucus to pass if they didn’t add the EITC increase to it. I totally understand that; I’ve been there. So now, months later, the EITC still hasn’t gone up and we’re right back where we started in January, voting on a first-chamber bill that can’t become law for several more weeks at a minimum.

Mr. President, I will vote “yes” on the EITC income tax, but the majority’s political scheming and dysfunction are having a real-world impact on the working poor. Low-income Michiganders have seen lots of press releases, lots of press conferences, and tweets coming from all over the place, but one thing still hasn’t been seen: more money in their pocket.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Messages from the House

 

 

House Bill No. 4054, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending section 4t (MCL 205.54t), as amended by 2015 PA 205.

The House of Representatives has amended the Senate substitute (S-1) as follows:

1.  Amend page 7, line 20, by striking out all of subsection (8) and renumbering the remaining subsection.

2.  Amend page 9, following line 17, by inserting:

     “Enacting section 2. It is the intent of the legislature to annually appropriate sufficient funds from the state general fund to the state school aid fund created in section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963 to fully compensate for any loss of revenue to the state school aid fund resulting from the enactment of this amendatory act.”.

The House of Representatives has concurred in the Senate substitute (S-1) as amended and agreed to the full title.

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 House amendments made to the Senate substitute,

The amendments were concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 138                                           Yeas—32

 

 

Albert                                Daley                                 Lauwers                            Polehanki

Anthony                             Damoose                            Lindsey                             Runestad

Bellino                               Hauck                                McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Hertel                                 McDonald Rivet                 Singh

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            McMorrow                        Theis

Camilleri                            Huizenga                            Moss                                 Victory

Cavanagh                           Johnson                             Nesbitt                               Webber

Chang                                Klinefelt                             Outman                             Wojno

 

 

                                                                      Nays—5

 

 

Bayer                                 Geiss                                 Irwin                                 Santana

Cherry                                                                                                                  

 

 

                                                                   Excused—1

 

 

McBroom                                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

Senate Bill No. 97, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending section 4o (MCL 205.94o), as amended by 2015 PA 204.

The House of Representatives has amended the bill as follows:

1.  Amend page 7, line 19, by striking out all of subsection (8) and renumbering the remaining subsection.

2.  Amend page 9, line 15, after “No.” by striking out “4055” and inserting “4054”.

3.  Amend page 9, following line 16, by inserting:

     “Enacting section 2. It is the intent of the legislature to annually appropriate sufficient funds from the state general fund to the state school aid fund created in section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963 to fully compensate for any loss of revenue to the state school aid fund resulting from the enactment of this amendatory act.”.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as amended, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

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 amendments made to the bill by the House,

The amendments were concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 139                                           Yeas—32

 

 

Albert                                Daley                                 Lauwers                            Polehanki

Anthony                             Damoose                            Lindsey                             Runestad

Bellino                               Hauck                                McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Hertel                                 McDonald Rivet                 Singh

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            McMorrow                        Theis

Camilleri                            Huizenga                            Moss                                 Victory

Cavanagh                           Johnson                             Nesbitt                               Webber

Chang                                Klinefelt                             Outman                             Wojno

                                                                      Nays—5

 

 

Bayer                                 Geiss                                 Irwin                                 Santana

Cherry                                                                                                                  

 

 

                                                                   Excused—1

 

 

McBroom                                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, resumed the Chair.

 

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

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

 

 

Senate Bill No. 160, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 72, entitled “An act to require the governor to report certain tax information with the annual budget message to the legislature,” by amending section 6 (MCL 21.276), as amended by 1983 PA 7.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

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

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4199, entitled

A bill to amend 2014 PA 259, entitled “Michigan national guard tuition assistance act,” by amending the title and sections 3 and 4 (MCL 32.433 and 32.434), section 3 as amended by 2016 PA 531.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:

 

 

Roll Call No. 140                                           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

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

“An act to provide for tuition assistance at certain educational institutions for Michigan national guard members; and to prescribe duties for certain state officials,”

The Senate agreed to the full title.

 

 

Senator Klinefelt asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:

I rise to ask my colleagues to join me in supporting House Bill No. 4199. This bill permits the Adjutant General to extend eligibility for the Michigan National Guard state tuition assistance program to spouses and dependents. It does not increase the benefit that each one can get; it just allows them to transfer that to their spouse or their dependent children. The reason that they are requesting the raise in the cap is because they believe more individuals will utilize it. It’s a great retention tool and recruiting tool as well.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

 

 

Senator Singh moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to permit immediate consideration of the following resolutions:

Senate Resolution No. 37

Senate Resolution No. 38

Senate Resolution No. 39

Senate Resolution No. 40

Senate Resolution No. 41

Senate Resolution No. 42

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8

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

 

 

Senator Cherry offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 37.

A resolution to recognize April 28, 2023, as Workers’ Memorial Day.

Whereas, Every year on April 28, communities and worksites around the world honor friends, family members, and colleagues who have been killed or injured on the job; and

Whereas, In 2021, The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 5,190 workers were killed by traumatic injuries on the job. On average, nearly 100 workers died weekly, at roughly 14 workplace deaths a day; and

Whereas, In Michigan, 1,401 workers were lost through fatal workplace accidents in 2021; and

Whereas, It is appropriate to honor the memory of the courageous and dedicated members of Michigan’s labor force who have been injured or disabled or have died as a result of workplace accidents; and

Whereas, It is necessary to recognize the integrity of Michigan’s workforce and its achievements on behalf of the economic growth of our state; and

Whereas, We remember those who have died in workplace catastrophes, suffered occupational-related diseases, or have been injured due to dangerous conditions; and

Whereas, We renew our effort to seek stronger workplace safety and health protections, better standards and enforcement, and fair and just compensation. We rededicate ourselves to improving both safety and health in every workplace; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 28, 2023, as Workers’ Memorial Day. We pay tribute to the workers who have died or been injured or disabled in workplace accidents; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge all citizens to recognize and honor the contributions of Michigan’s workforce and call for increased workplace safety standards.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks, Geiss, Moss and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Cherry asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cherry’s statement is as follows:

Every year on April 28, communities and worksites around the world honor friends, family members, and colleagues who have been killed or injured on the job. On average in the United States, nearly 100 workers died weekly in 2021. That is 14 people per day. In Michigan, in 2021, 140 workers were lost through fatal workplace accidents.

We should honor the memory of the dedicated members of Michigan’s labor force who have been injured, disabled, or have died as a result of workplace accidents. As we remember those who have died in workplace catastrophes, suffered occupational-related diseases, or have been injured due to dangerous conditions, we should also remember that all those individuals are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and what happens to them happens to their families. We should renew our efforts to seek stronger workplace safety and health protections, better standards and enforcement, and fair and just compensation for our workers.

I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing April 28, 2023, as Workers’ Memorial Day by paying tribute to the workers who have died or been injured or disabled in workplace accidents; and urge all Michiganders to recognize and honor the contributions of Michigan’s workforce and increase workplace safety standards.

 

 

Senator Webber offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 38.

A resolution to recognize April 2023 as Autism Acceptance Month.

Whereas, Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors; and

Whereas, Autism affects individuals in unique ways and can range from mild to severe, requiring different levels of support and services; and

Whereas, Autism Acceptance Day is observed on the second Tuesday of April each year as a time to raise awareness and understanding about autism and to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 2023 as Autism Acceptance Month. We acknowledge and support individuals with autism and their families and affirm our commitment to promoting, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum in all aspects of community life; and be it further

Resolved, That we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum to our society and support efforts to provide them with equal opportunities. We call upon all members of our community to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum and raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and access to services.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks, Geiss, Moss and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Webber asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Webber’s statement is as follows:

I rise today in support of my resolution to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month. This past weekend I was able to take my son to the annual Autism Alliance Gala, where he met both Governors Whitmer and Snyder. It is great to see such bipartisan support for autism acceptance and the community of families of those with autism spectrum disorder. There is still much work for us to do as policymakers and as a society to move beyond discrimination of those with ASD. At the event, we heard from a young woman, who is non-verbal, regarding her efforts to break down access barriers.

I hope this resolution is a good reminder of the work we still must do to make our state more inclusive for individuals with autism. This issue is personal for some of us, but it shouldn’t have to be. I urge all of us to work together, not just this month but every month, for all the people of Michigan.

 

 

Senators Geiss, Santana, Moss, Camilleri, Hertel, McDonald Rivet, McMorrow, Polehanki, Irwin, Bayer, Chang, Shink, Cavanagh, Klinefelt, Cherry, Wojno, Singh and McCann offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 39.

A resolution to recognize April 27, 2023, as Survivors Speak Michigan Day, a part of National Crime Victims Rights’ Week.

Whereas, Survivors Speak Michigan is organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice and the Alliance for Safety and Justice; and

Whereas, Crime and violence can harm any individual and community, regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, or economic status; and

Whereas, Most crime survivors do not receive the help they need; and

Whereas, Only eight percent of all victims of violence receive direct assistance from a victim service agency. This drops to four percent when the crime is unreported, which is the case for more than half of all violent crimes; and

Whereas, Through their experiences, crime survivors are uniquely qualified to provide essential input and influence in discussions of public safety and criminal justice policy; and

Whereas, Michigan must address the immediate safety concerns facing families and invest in a long-term, comprehensive plan to address root causes of violence; and

Whereas, The voices and experiences of survivors are too often ignored, leading to poor policy and justice system decisions that fail to meet the needs of survivors or stop the cycle of crime; and

Whereas, Our state must support trauma recovery centers that play a critical role and resource for survivors impacted by crime; and

Whereas, Crime survivors understand existing gaps to recovery and how to bridge them; and

Whereas, Survivors want a system of justice and safety that prioritizes prevention, rehabilitation, and trauma recovery; and

Whereas, Michigan needs to invest in programs that provide assistance to crime victims and their families to effectively deal with the inherent trauma and residual effects of violence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 27, 2023, as Survivors Speak Michigan Day, a part of National Crime Victims Rights’ Week; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the survivors and advocates of Survivors Speak Michigan for their work to stop violence and help those impacted by it.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senator Brinks was named co-sponsor of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Geiss asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Geiss’ statement is as follows:

I rise to speak on Senate Resolution No. 39 to recognize April 27, 2023 as Survivors Speak Michigan Day, a part of National Crime Victims Rights’ Week. Survivors Speak Michigan is organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice and the Alliance for Safety and Justice.

Crime and violence can harm any individual and community, regardless of age, national origin, race, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or economic status. Sadly, most crime survivors do not receive the help they need. Only 8 percent of all victims of violence receive direct assistance from a victim service agency. This drops to 4 percent when the crime is unreported, which is the case for more than half of all violent crimes. The voices and experiences of survivors are too often ignored, leading to poor policy and justice system decisions that fail to meet the needs of survivors or stop the cycle of crime. Through their experiences, crime survivors are uniquely qualified to provide essential input and influence in discussions of public safety and criminal justice policy. Crime survivors understand existing gaps to recovery and how to close them.

Michigan needs to invest in programs that provide assistance to crime victims and their families to effectively address and heal from the inherent trauma and residual effects of violence. We must address the immediate safety concerns facing families and invest in a long-term, comprehensive plan to address root causes of violence. We must support trauma recovery centers that play a critical role and are a resource for survivors impacted by crime, and we must invest in programs that provide assistance to crime victims and their families to effectively address and heal from the inherent trauma and residual effects of violence.

Today, we recognize the survivors of violent crime and we resolve to not only do this work with great intentionality, but to also listen clearly as survivors speak.

 

 

Senator Camilleri offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 40.

A resolution to designate April 2023 as School Library Month.

Whereas, School library programs staffed by certified school librarians are integral to a quality educational program and improve student achievement; and

Whereas, Contributing to a well-rounded education, school library programs positively affect the climate and culture of schools; and

Whereas, School library programs promote and make accessible diverse print and digital resources for all students; and

Whereas, Certified school librarians teach students the skills they need to access, evaluate, and use information throughout their lives; and

Whereas, Certified school librarians are leaders in technology integration and digital literacy in their schools; and

Whereas, Effective school library programs contribute to an interest in lifelong learning and enhance the learner’s quality of life; and

Whereas, School libraries are not only places where information can be found, they are also places that can bring enrichment and recreation to students for many years to come; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate April 2023 as School Library Month.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks, Cherry, Geiss and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Camilleri asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Camilleri’s statement is as follows:

I rise today in support of my resolution, which would declare April as School Library Month in the state of Michigan. This week is also National Library Week, so we thought this was a good time to call attention to what is an all too forgotten aspect of our schools.

When I first started researching this issue years ago, I was shocked to find that every prison in Michigan has a library, but every school does not. Even among those that do, many are not staffed by a certified media specialist. This is inexcusable. If we want to provide literacy outcomes for all students, we need to give them the resources they need to learn and thrive, and that includes school libraries staffed by trained professionals. Because, while school libraries are a place where students can find grade- and reading-level-appropriate books, they’re also so much more than that—they’re spaces where students can learn research skills, where they can explore, and hopefully where they find a lifelong passion for learning.

When we deny students these spaces, we’re doing everyone a disservice, and we’re deepening existing inequities. Because, for some students, a school library may be the only place where they can get ahold of a book. I believe every student should have the right to access a school library with texts and resources that help them learn and grow, and one that is staffed by a trained professional to assist them in that journey. That is why I am honored to offer this resolution, and I hope you will join me in supporting it for our students and schools.

 

 

Senator Irwin offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 41.

A resolution to recognize April 2023 as Second Chance Month and April 23-29, 2023, as Reentry Week.

Whereas, Every human being is worthy of respect and dignity; and

Whereas, Redemption and rehabilitation are core to our beliefs and commitment to one another; and

Whereas, Second chances and opportunities to rebuild one’s life after an arrest or incarceration are pivotal to not only individuals, but also to strong and healthy communities in Michigan; and

Whereas, More than 4 million Michiganders have some type of arrest or conviction history; and

Whereas, People with conviction histories face immense barriers when returning to our communities, such as challenges to obtaining safe and stable housing, finding employment, accessing education, reuniting with family, and navigating restrictions on their mobility; and

Whereas, The barriers faced by people with conviction histories are disproportionately felt by people of color and people experiencing poverty; and

Whereas, People who are formerly incarcerated are almost 10 times more likely than the general public to be unhoused; and

Whereas, Removing barriers and increasing access to stable housing and meaningful employment is linked to decreased crime and improved public safety; and

Whereas, Michigan has made great strides with historic Clean Slate legislation to expunge Michiganders’ records, breaking down barriers to housing, employment, and other essential needs; and

Whereas, Continued efforts must be made to ensure that all Michiganders have access to second chances and opportunities to build a healthy life for our collective communities to be whole and strong; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 2023 as Second Chance Month and April 23-29, 2023, as Reentry Week. We recognize the importance of second chances and removing barriers for people with conviction histories.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks, Geiss, Moss and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Irwin asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:

I ask for your support on this resolution, which acknowledges the importance of rehabilitation and which acknowledges the reality that sometimes when people make a mistake in their lives—even when sometimes they harm others—a path to redemption is important. It’s not just important inside the walls of our prisons, but it’s especially important when those folks eventually come home.

What we know is that when we support these individuals, when we make sure that their path to redemption is clear, that they are more successful. What that means is not only are they more successful and their families are more successful, but we reduce crime and we reduce victimization in our communities. So re-entry is important work and I appreciate this opportunity to highlight its importance here on the Senate floor.

 

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, assumed the Chair.

 

Senator Moss offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 42.

A resolution to recognize April 29, 2023, as #EndJewHatredDay.

Whereas, For millennia, the Jewish people have sustained their shared religious, cultural, and ethnic identity and traditions in the face of enslavement, persecution, genocide, segregation and discrimination, and all manner of adversity; and

Whereas, Ever since the first Jew set foot in America, members of the Jewish community have made indelible contributions to the culture, history, and social fabric of Michigan and the United States of America, strengthening the country and helping shape all areas of American life; and

Whereas, The belief in the greatness of the American way of life, the freedoms enshrined in American law and jurisprudence, and the opportunities sustained by American democracy drew generations of Jewish immigrants to America, including Jews fleeing persecution and pogroms in Europe and the Middle East, Holocaust survivors, and Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain; and

Whereas, This history encouraged many Jews to become leading proponents and supporters of the civil rights movement, marching shoulder to shoulder with African Americans and others, united in support for equal rights, equal protection under the law, and the recognition and respect of human dignity; and

Whereas, The Jewish community has prominently participated in virtually every civil rights effort in the American experience, fighting against discrimination and bigotry in all its forms and demanding the equal rights of every member of society; and

Whereas, Despite the advances made in promoting social justice for other minority groups, the Jewish community continues to be subjected to antisemitism and Jew-hatred, including discrimination in the workplace, at school, and in public spaces; and

Whereas, This antisemitism and Jew-hatred has manifested in places of work, on campuses, and in society, expressing itself as both discrimination and violence targeting Jews for their identity and seeking to deny their shared identity, including their indigenous connection to their ancestral homeland; and

Whereas, Hate crimes directed against the Jewish community have skyrocketed in recent years, inspiring the formation of a grassroots End Jew Hatred civil rights movement to alter public discourse and make Jew-hatred unacceptable in contemporary society, empowering Jews with positivity and strength to discover and enjoy their heritage in whichever manner they choose, without fear of attack or persecution; and

Whereas, We all share an obligation to condemn and combat Jew-hatred in all its forms; and

Whereas, April 29, 2022 marked the recognition of the first “#EndJewHatred Day,” where people joined together to commit to ending Jew-hatred across the United States and to work towards the promise of a bright future that can only be achieved by fighting racism and bigotry today; and

Whereas, We recognize the urgent need to stand resolute against Jew-hatred so that the intergenerational trauma of the past shall never be repeated; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize April 29, 2023, as #EndJewHatredDay; and be it further

Resolved, That we condemn Jew-hatred in all its forms and shall stand resolute to end discrimination against, and persecution of, the Jewish community.

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks, Cherry, Geiss and Singh were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senators Theis and Moss asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:

I wanted to take a brief moment to recognize the support that I, and frankly most other Americans, have for the Jewish community and the state of Israel. There is no doubt that the Jewish community find themselves in a unique position. While other special interest groups have activists vocally fighting on their behalf, the Jewish community is experiencing growing discrimination, oftentimes alone and forgotten.

The discrimination that happens against Jews here in America also happens to the Jews who live in Israel. In fact, the discrimination against Jews in the Holy Land is often worse, where Jews, and Israel’s right to even exist as a country, are oftentimes challenged and attacked. Sadly, the discrimination does not stop there. Among elected officials serving in Congress, including one prominent Michigan Congresswoman, there are those who have repeatedly called for Israel’s demise.

As Bibi Netanyahu put it, “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.” Israel and the Jewish people have been fighting for their existence for millennia. They have evidenced over and over again that all they want is to live peacefully, whether that be in Israel itself or here in America. I give them my support. Thank you.

 

Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:

Last week, we honored on this floor Holocaust Remembrance Day, and I gave some statistics surrounding the current rise of antisemitism. I want to go into some further detail today: Michigan, according to the Anti-Defamation League, ranked 9th in the U.S. for incidents of antisemitism—111 incidents last year, which is nearly three per week. Incidents were reported from 34 cities in 15 Michigan counties across the state. Vandalism in Michigan was up 113 percent—an assault was reported. Seventeen incidents were classified as extremist related. Twenty-seven incidents involved schools—16 incidents happened in non-Jewish schools or universities and 11 incidents involved Jewish schools or institutions. The ADL’s White Supremacy Propaganda Report indicated that Michigan is 4th in the nation in terms of hateful propaganda.

This weighs heavily on the Jewish population in Michigan. We have so much to offer this state, so much vibrancy and vitality as a community, that feels suffocated by this type of hatred. I left my remarks last week lingering for tangible solutions to combat the rise in antisemitism.

There are many campaigns you can join in this effort, including Stand Up to Jewish Hate, which seeks to raise awareness and respond to antisemitism, rebuild and celebrate Jewish identity, and build familiarity and understanding towards Jews. And there is also the End Jew Hatred movement, a grassroots effort centering on Jewish liberation from all forms of oppression and discrimination. #EndJewHatredDay will be marked on April 29. It is a non-partisan day of pride, unity, and solidarity with the Jewish community, and will be commemorated by states, legislative bodies, and local councils throughout the country.

I have before us a resolution for the Michigan State Senate to join this growing chorus by declaring April 29 as #EndJewHatredDay. End Jew Hatred dot com has resources that you can utilize to amplify your participation and show your support for our community. I request adoption of this resolution and for my colleagues to join in co-sponsorship online. Thank you.

 

 

Senators Anthony, Singh, Bayer, Polehanki and Shink offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8.

A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Congress to address the misclassification of public safety telecommunicators under the Standard Occupational Classification system and to require their categorization as a protective service occupation.

Whereas, Public safety telecommunicators are an integral part of the emergency response system. They play a crucial and life-saving role by answering and prioritizing calls for police, fire, and medical professionals, providing essential medical instructions to callers, and coordinating the dispatch of emergency personnel. Public safety telecommunicators possess a unique set of skills, including the abilities to manage high levels of stress, to communicate clearly and calmly in high-pressure, life-and-death situations, and to multitask effectively at an extreme level to facilitate efficient responses to emergencies and provide essential information to responders; and

Whereas, There are approximately 2,200 highly skilled public safety telecommunicators in Michigan serving a population of approximately 10 million. These public servants process an average of 6.4 million emergency calls and texts annually, demonstrating the critical nature of their work in ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Public safety telecommunicators are often the first point of contact between the public and emergency services during a crisis, and their ability to accurately assess and respond to emergency situations is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved; and

Whereas, The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is part of the United States federal statistical system coordinated by the United States Office of Management and Budget. The SOC is used by federal agencies to classify workers and jobs into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, analyzing, and disseminating data. Occupations in the SOC are classified based on the work performed and, in some cases, on the skills, education, or training needed to perform the work; and

Whereas, Public safety telecommunicators are not currently classified in a way that adequately reflects the crucial work and modern skills of these highly valued members of the first responder community. Public safety communicators are currently classified as an office and administrative support occupation, alongside dispatchers for taxicabs, tow trucks, or trains, rather than a protective service occupation, which includes employees such as police officers, firefighters, lifeguards, crossing guards, and school bus monitors. Classifying public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation would correct an inaccurate representation in the SOC, recognize these professionals for the lifesaving work they perform, and reinforce efforts at the state level to properly classify, support, and train these vital employees; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the United States Congress to address the misclassification of public safety telecommunicators as an office and administrative support occupation, rather than categorizing them with other first responders, to ensure that the scope of their work is properly valued and to underscore the importance of providing them with adequate resources to navigate their occupational hazards; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the United States Congress to require the United States Office of Management and Budget to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification system; and be it further

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

The question being on the adoption of the concurrent resolution,

The concurrent resolution was adopted.

Senators Brinks and Geiss were named co-sponsors of the concurrent resolution.

 

 

Recess

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:34 a.m.

 

11:54 a.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Messages from the House

 

 

Senate Bill No. 63, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1212 (MCL 380.1212), as amended by 2016 PA 319.

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

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

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

 

 

Senate Bill No. 101, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending sections 5228, 5230, and 5245 (MCL 500.5228, 500.5230, and 500.5245), as amended by 2020 PA 266.

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

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

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

 

 

Senate Bill No. 259, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” 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.

The House of Representatives has substituted (H-2) the bill.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-2), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

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. 141                                           Yeas—23

 

 

Anthony                             Cherry                               Klinefelt                            Santana

Bayer                                 Geiss                                 McCann                             Shink

Brinks                                Hertel                                 McDonald Rivet                 Singh

Camilleri                            Huizenga                            McMorrow                        Webber

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Moss                                 Wojno

Chang                                Johnson                             Polehanki                         

 

 

                                                                     Nays—14

 

 

Albert                                Damoose                            Lindsey                             Runestad

Bellino                               Hauck                                Nesbitt                               Theis

Bumstead                           Hoitenga                            Outman                             Victory

Daley                                 Lauwers                                                                     

 

 

                                                                   Excused—1

 

 

McBroom                                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: Geiss

 

 

The question being on concurring in the committee recommendation to give the bill immediate effect,

The recommendation was concurred in, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

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

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

 

 

Senators Victory, Huizenga, Brinks, Runestad, Moss and Lindsey asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Victory’s statement is as follows:

I would request a little leeway, Madam President, because I will be trying to pronounce some Dutch words so the pronunciation may not be 100 percent correct.

On behalf of the legislative Dutch caucus, we are celebrating King’s Day. King’s Day, or Koningsdag, which is the Dutch national holiday that started in the 19th century, celebrates the birthday of the king or queen of the Netherlands. Thanks to the recent creation of this holiday, it has only celebrated three kings or queens. Originally it was Princess’s Day for Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday in 1885, but it became known as Queen’s Day for Wilhelmina’s daughter Juliana which celebrated her birthday on the 31st of August. Now, after celebrating Beatrix’s birthday on April 30, it is called King’s Day and celebrated April 27 for King Willem-Alexander—whose picture is on my desk—and has been king since 2013.

Today it is celebrated with traditions like vrijmarkt or “free market” which means across the country, people sell their goods—kind of a large garage sale—for which the government allows vendors without a permit and no value added tax. They also celebrate oranjegekte or “orange madness” where many people wear orange clothing—note—paint or even drink orange drinks, all honoring the House of Orange-Nassau which rules over the Netherlands.

Today, we celebrate here with Dutch cookies on your desks and members of the Dutch caucus also have tulips on their desk. We appreciate MLC sponsoring these items.

Senator Huizenga’s statement is as follows:

I’ll just add a couple items, fun facts to share with you. The United States officially established formal diplomatic relationships with the Netherlands in 1782, which is one of the oldest in the United States and is a continuous bilateral relationship. Twenty-seven percent of Dutch exports in the U.S. are destined for, no surprise, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. The Netherlands is one of the largest investors in the United States, supporting over 800,000 jobs and is the eighth-largest importer of U.S. goods. Finally, Michigan accounts for more than 10 percent of Americans with Dutch ancestry, making it have the largest Dutch American population in the country.

In addition to us wearing the orange tie and orange socks, I also wore my official Windmill Island nametag in case you don’t remember who I am. Thank you again.

 

Senator Brinks’ statement is as follows:

I will be very brief. I want to wish everybody a very happy Koningsdag, and I hope you enjoy your cookies. I am absolutely certain that Senator Huizenga wore all of his orange because I teased him about it one year, so I am guilty this year of not wearing orange. I beg the caucus’ forgiveness but please, I ask our colleagues to join us in celebrating this international relationship that has brought some great cultural connections to our state.

 

Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:

Over the last number of weeks, I have been working to exhume skeleton after skeleton out of Michigan’s last-in-the-nation lack of transparency cesspool. Skeletons like the $1 billion, often-phantom, enhancement grants. The skeleton of the lack of transparency for our out-of-control, near-monopoly utilities. The loudly-rattling skeleton in the Governor’s closet moaning despondently about her trashed promise to institute FOIA in her office. And the literal skeletons of the many murdered children, victims of our diabolical CPS secrecy laws. The reforms I have been proposing are needed now more than ever. Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger reported just a few days ago, the same week that mass power outages hit the state of Michigan, State House Speaker Joe Tate’s leadership fund reported receiving $20,000 from DTE’s main political action committee. Mauger is spot on. So at about the same time Speaker Tate was raising his hands to the heavens assuring utility ratepayers that he would be taking a close look at the utilities and efforts to improve infrastructure and reliability, with his other hand behind his back he was raking in the thousands of dollars from the political action committee. While the thousands of families were without heat, power, energy, the Speaker was not without oodles of cash. A $58 million slush fund speaks a whole lot louder than the suffering poor and working class ratepayers. It’s saying one thing publicly while raking in the cash behind the scenes. Or as the working class would likely say, He’s shady as hell. If the Democrats were serious about transparency instead of piously atoning their verbal support, they’d—

I will continue. If the Democrats were serious about transparency instead of piously intoning their verbal support, they’d move on my bill—Senate Bill No. 296—which would establish political reporting requirements for utility providers. If you have a monopoly, you should be subject to oversight. But, just as big a problem is the appointment of the Public Service Commission. This is a system rife with conflicts. Virtually nobody knows who these powerful titans are, and in the final analysis you the ratepayers are paying their salaries and benefits which come in well above a whopping $200,000 per year. But they are not elected. This must change. The PSC is an appointed board whose stated job is to serve the public by ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates. Well, ratepayer, is that what you’ve been experiencing? The PSC holds the power to tell you how much you must pay, who gets a piece of the money pie, and how much of that pie they really get. So piously pontificating your empathy for the poor ratepaying schlubs out there in flyover country, and then somersaulting around and raking in the cashola behind their backs simply must be called out.

If the Democrats were serious about transparency, they’d move on my bills—Senate Bill Nos. 297 and 298—which would require the Michigan Public Service Commission members to be elected by the people. But as we’ve seen, when the Democrats hear the word transparency, with their hair on fire they instantly stampede off to hide out in the tall grass. There seems to be a total abhorrence for any transparency or ethics reform within the majority Democratic caucus. Despite their endless handwringing over the years and verbal guarantees. If the Democrats are not just posturing about transparency, then let’s get the job done. Enough raising your arms to the heavens in a tearful supplication, praying for the strength to act on your promises, and then, behind the scenes, raking in the cash.

Yes, Republicans have failed; Democrats are failing. Let’s not fail. Let’s get the job done.

Point of Order

 

 

Senator Singh raised the Point of Order that Senate rules do not allow a Senator to disparage other members of the Legislature.

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, ruled that the point is sustained and Senator Runestad should keep his remarks within the confines of the order of the Legislature.

 

 

Senator Moss’ statement is as follows:

This is going to be a statement without theatrics.

This is just a genuine, heartfelt thanks to the bipartisan support by which Senate Bill No. 259 passed, to allow for our military service members and overseas voters to have their votes counted. Last November, 60 percent of Michigan voters supported Proposal 2, to improve access to voting in our state. There are top lines to that proposal that are now enshrined in our Constitution that we will be tasked to implement so that there is uniformity in our election procedures for our 83 county clerks and more than 1,500 municipal clerks.

This is the first Proposal 2 implementation bill. This one ensures that lawful military and overseas votes are counted. Overseas ballots are 20 to 70 times more likely to be received after they are able to be counted, even though they are postmarked by, or before, election day. Major Richard Sands testified before our Elections Committee about the challenges that service members have in returning their ballot through no fault of their own.

The bill that passed allows these ballots to be postmarked by Election Day and to be tabulated up to six days after Election Day, and sets the process for how they are tabulated that is not defined in the ballot proposal. Our dedicated military personnel defend our democracy; the least we can do is defend their right to participate in our democracy. There are communities in Michigan that have an election day this Tuesday, and this Senate has made sure that those votes are counted. I appreciate the support.

 

Senator Lindsey’s statement is as follows:

I didn’t plan to make a statement about this but hearing those remarks I felt compelled, especially as someone who has seen this process play out and watched voting from overseas serving in our military. The challenge I have is that last year when voters took this up, and they were told this narrative that if they passed Proposal 2 that it was somehow going to help military personnel vote, people in Michigan said, That makes a lot of sense to us. I think it appealed to them.

The bill that we just took up actually removes one of the safeguards that people were voting on. This idea that if the return envelope has a postmark—what we just took up has language that says if there is no postmark that actually exists that that ballot can still be processed. Now, I’m going to assume the best, that the authors of this legislation didn’t intend this or that they are just doing this in the good spirit of trying to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to vote. But the reality is that when people are serving overseas they may not take the time, they may be too busy to look into their options to vote, or they may not choose to exercise the right to vote in that particular election.

The legislation that we just passed opens the door for someone to use their identity and falsely put a ballot into the system that has no postmark whatsoever, and for some bureaucrat to decide that we are still going to count that ballot. I think it’s shameful. I wish we would take this more seriously, and that as much emphasis as we put on making sure that everybody’s ability to vote is protected, we should also put as much emphasis on making sure that no one has their voice silenced because our system leaves the door open for people to vote fraudulently.

 

 

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

 

 

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Wednesday, April 26, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos.     4474   4475   4476  4477

 

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.      296    297    298

Committee Reports

 

 

The Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection reported

Senate Bill No. 50, entitled

A bill to amend 1865 PA 124, entitled “An act to designate the holidays to be observed in acceptance and payment of bills of exchange, bank checks and promissory notes, the business of banking, savings and loan, building and loan, municipal offices, the holding of courts and relative to the continuance of suits,” by amending sections 1 and 2 (MCL 435.101 and 435.102), section 1 as amended by 1984 PA 4.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

                                                                                       Mary Cavanagh

                                                                                       Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Cavanagh, Moss, McCann, Bayer, Irwin, Huizenga, Theis and Daley

Nays: None

The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

The Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection reported

Senate Bill No. 127, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” (MCL 206.1 to 206.847) by adding section 261.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

                                                                                       Mary Cavanagh

                                                                                       Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Cavanagh, Moss, McCann, Bayer, Irwin, Huizenga, Theis and Daley

Nays: None

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

The Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection reported

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.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

                                                                                       Mary Cavanagh

                                                                                       Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Cavanagh, Moss, McCann, Bayer, Irwin, Huizenga, Theis and Daley

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 Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 12:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Cavanagh (C), Moss, McCann, Bayer, Irwin, Huizenga, Theis and Daley

 

 

The Committee on Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 187, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) 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 Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 188, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) 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 Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 192, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) 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 Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 195, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) 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 Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 196, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) 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 Appropriations reported

Senate Bill No. 199, entitled

A bill to make appropriations for the department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) 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.

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Anthony (C), McCann, McDonald Rivet, Cherry, Bayer, Santana, Shink, Irwin, Hertel, Camilleri, Klinefelt, McMorrow, Cavanagh, Bumstead, Albert, Damoose, Huizenga, Outman and Theis

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators McCann (C), Irwin, McDonald Rivet, Singh, Albert and Damoose

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Appropriations Subcommittee on PreK-12 submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Camilleri (C), Polehanki, Hertel, Klinefelt, Cavanagh, Theis and Albert

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 12:30 p.m., State Room South, Heritage Hall, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Chang (C), Wojno, Irwin, Santana, Runestad and Johnson

Excused: Senator Shink

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Health Policy submitted the following:

Joint meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 12:30 p.m., State Room South, Heritage Hall, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Hertel (C), Santana, Wojno, Cherry, Klinefelt, Geiss, Webber, Hauck, Huizenga and Runestad

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Bayer, Singh, Klinefelt, Albert and Hauck

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Appropriations Joint Subcommittee on Capital Outlay submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., Room 352, House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators McDonald Rivet (C), Irwin, McCann, McMorrow, Camilleri, Damoose, Bumstead and Huizenga

Excused: Senator Santana

 

 

Scheduled Meetings

 

 

Michigan State Capitol Commission Friday, April 28, 10:00 a.m., Room 352, House Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-0184

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 12:19 p.m.

 

The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Geiss, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate