Reps. Gosselin, Garfield, Hoogendyk, Sheen, Emmons, Casperson, Marleau, LaJoy, Hildenbrand, Taub, Vander Veen, Stahl, Moolenaar, Hummel, Pastor, Shaffer, Baxter, Palmer, Booher, Caul, Meyer and Mortimer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 243.

            A resolution establishing March 31, 2006, as Terri’s Day of Remembrance & Celebration of the Culture of Life Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, There are millions of Americans who live with profound or severe cognitive impairments and profound mental retardation or severe brain damage.  Many have parents, children, and loved ones who wish to care for them; and

Whereas, Americans need to be informed about their individual and family options to obtain a living will; and

Whereas, We need to encourage and support families to spend time pursuing “Culture of Life” events on this day.  These events should honor and respect some aspect of the culture of life by visiting, volunteering, or supporting a nursing home, a school for disabled youth and adults, or a long term care facility.  Also by praying in a place of worship; and

Whereas, There is a need to support the establishment of a state network of Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation professional volunteers to assist families who are confronted with making life and death choices for their loved ones, but lack the professional guidance to assist them; and

Whereas, We support the Schindler Schiavo Foundation in the establishment of health care facilities for brain-injured patients; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body establish March 31, 2006, as Terri’s Day of Remembrance & Celebration of the Culture of Life Day in the state of Michigan.  We encourage activities that celebrate this designation; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge Congress and the President to establish March 31st as Terri’s Day of Remembrance and Celebration of the Culture of Life and encourage activities that celebrate this designation.