2007-SJ-03-15-024

No. 24

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

94th Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2007

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, March 15, 2007.

10:00a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Randy Richardville.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Allen--present Garcia--excused Pappageorge--present

Anderson--present George--present Patterson--present

Barcia--present Gilbert--present Prusi--present

Basham--present Gleason--present Richardville--present

Birkholz--present Hardiman--present Sanborn--present

Bishop--present Hunter--present Schauer--present

Brater--present Jacobs--present Scott--present

Brown--present Jansen--present Stamas--present

Cassis--present Jelinek--present Switalski--present

Cherry--present Kahn--present Thomas--present

Clark-Coleman--present Kuipers--present Van Woerkom--present

Clarke--present McManus--present Whitmer--present

Cropsey--present Olshove--present

Pastor Dave McMahon of First Baptist Church of Cadillac offered the following invocation:

O God, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, it is a joy and a privilege to cry out to You on behalf of the women and men here who spend, and at times, exhaust themselves in the pursuit of the good of others. We ask on their behalf for both their sake and ours for the discernment and wisdom that will be called upon today as a result of, certainly, experience and learning and education. But we would also ask for a perceptiveness that goes beyond human reasoning, that applies reasoning from a source that is not earthly or temporal because these servants are responsible for such a large and a huge scope of issues that not only touch, but drastically affect the lives of millions. We ask that the words of their mouths and the whispers of their hearts would be acceptable to You, our rock and redeemer.

Along with all of these dedicated servants, we pray for our Governor and Your servant, Jennifer Granholm. We ask You to provide her and her staff and all who work within these walls the energy and creativity they need as they address the issues of our state. May their decisions and actions be guided by character and integrity, and give these servants of the citizenry joy and energy in their personal lives; for these who construct and work with the laws of this state so that chaos might be curtailed and justice might be the gift of every citizen, we pray.

But, Father, we also ask You for that which cannot be legislated in these halls or anywhere else. We yearn for what can only come through, not the changing of or adding to the laws of the land, but what only comes through the changing of the heart and the renewing of the mind. For what good is it to carry out policies that create personal freedom if the mind is bound by pain and addiction? What good does it do to give time and resources in the preserving of physical health when the heart is paralyzed by hatred and bigotry? What good is it to enact higher wages and better paying jobs for the purpose of economic freedom if homes are in turmoil, decay, and demise?

So we pray with the prophet Malachi that the heart of the fathers be turned back to the children. Restore, O God, individuals, marriages, and homes all across this great state of Michigan to Your precepts and purposes. We pray with the psalmist, O God, that may You be merciful and bless us. May Your face shine with favor upon us. May Your ways be made known throughout the earth and Your saving power among the people everywhere.

We ask this in the name of the One who will one day carry the government upon His shoulders alone. In the name of my elder brother Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen.

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

Motions and Communications

Senators Birkholz and Barcia entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Thomas moved that Senator Switalski be temporarily excused from today's session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cropsey moved that Senators McManus, Kahn and Jelinek be temporarily excused from today's session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cropsey moved that Senator Garcia be excused from today's session.

The motion prevailed.

Senators McManus, Jelinek, Switalski and Kahn entered the Senate Chamber.

The following communication was received and read:

Office of the Auditor General

March 13, 2007

Enclosed is a copy of the following audit report:

Performance audit of the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Department of Labor and Economic Growth.

Sincerely,

Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A.

Auditor General

The audit report was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform.

The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, March 14:

House Bill Nos. 4208 4216 4301 4440

The Secretary announced that the following official bills were printed on Wednesday, March 14, and are available at the legislative website:

Senate Bill Nos. 344 345 346 347 348 349 350

House Bill Nos. 4443 4444 4445 4446 4447 4448 4449 4450 4451 4452 4453 4454 4455 4456 4457 4458

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

General Orders

Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the General Orders calendar.

The motion prevailed, and the President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, designated Senator Clark-Coleman as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and, the President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

Senate Bill No.53, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 284, entitled "City income tax act," (MCL 141.501 to 141.787) by adding section 10 to chapter 1 and section 36 to chapter 2.

Substitute (S-2).

The following are the amendments to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole:

1. Amend page 1, line 6, after "USED" by striking out "SOLELY" and inserting a comma and "EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PERMITTED UNDER SUBSECTION (4),".

2. Amend page 2, line 10, after "CITY." by inserting "THE AMOUNT APPROPRIATED TO THE CITY UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT EXCEED 10% OF THE CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE THAT YEAR.".

3. Amend page 2, line 22, after "EXPENDED" by striking out "SOLELY" and inserting a comma and "EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PERMITTED UNDER SUBSECTION (4),".

The Senate agreed to the substitute, as amended, recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

The Committee of the Whole reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

House Bill No.4120, entitled

A bill to amend 1964 PA 284, entitled "City income tax act," (MCL 141.501 to 141.787) by adding section 10 to chapter 1 and section 36 to chapter 2.

Substitute (S-2).

The following is the amendment to the substitute recommended by the Committee of the Whole:

1. Amend page 2, line 1, after "CHARITABLE" by inserting "OR PUBLIC SAFETY".

The Senate agreed to the substitute, as amended, recommended by the Committee of the Whole, and the bill as substituted was placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.

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.271, entitled

A bill to amend 1973 PA 116, entitled "An act to provide for the protection of children through the licensing and regulation of child care organizations; to provide for the establishment of standards of care for child care organizations; to prescribe powers and duties of certain departments of this state and adoption facilitators; to provide penalties; and to repeal acts and parts of acts," by amending section 5 (MCL 722.115), as amended by 2006 PA 580, and by adding sections 5h, 5i, 5j, and 5k.

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.30 Yeas--37

Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville

Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn

Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer

Basham George Kuipers Scott

Birkholz Gilbert McManus Stamas

Bishop Gleason Olshove Switalski

Brater Hardiman Pappageorge Thomas

Brown Hunter Patterson Van Woerkom

Cassis Jacobs Prusi Whitmer

Cherry

Nays--0

Excused--1

Garcia

Not Voting--0

In The Chair: Richardville

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No.336, entitled

A bill to amend 2004 PA 547, entitled "An act to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "An act to protect the environment and natural resources of the state; to codify, revise, consolidate, and classify laws relating to the environment and natural resources of the state; to regulate the discharge of certain substances into the environment; to regulate the use of certain lands, waters, and other natural resources of the state; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for certain charges, fees, and assessments; to provide certain appropriations; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; to repeal certain parts of this act on a specific date; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts," by amending section 80101 (MCL 324.80101), as added by 1995 PA 58, and by adding section 80108a; and to repeal acts and parts of acts," by repealing enacting section 1.

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.31 Yeas--37

Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville

Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn

Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer

Basham George Kuipers Scott

Birkholz Gilbert McManus Stamas

Bishop Gleason Olshove Switalski

Brater Hardiman Pappageorge Thomas

Brown Hunter Patterson Van Woerkom

Cassis Jacobs Prusi Whitmer

Cherry

Nays--0

Excused--1

Garcia

Not Voting--0

In The Chair: Richardville

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

The following bill was read a third time:

Senate Bill No.279, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 70107.

The question being on the passage of the bill,

Senator Birkholz offered the following amendments:

1. Amend page 1, line 1, after "(1)" by inserting "WITHIN 1 YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AMENDATORY ACT THAT ADDED THIS SECTION,".

2. Amend page 2, following line 19, by inserting:

"(5) THE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SHALL ANNUALLY SUBMIT A JOINT REPORT ON THE PROGRAM TO THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR NATURAL RESOURCE ISSUES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES." and renumbering the remaining subsection.

The amendments were adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

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.32 Yeas--37

Allen Clark-Coleman Jansen Richardville

Anderson Clarke Jelinek Sanborn

Barcia Cropsey Kahn Schauer

Basham George Kuipers Scott

Birkholz Gilbert McManus Stamas

Bishop Gleason Olshove Switalski

Brater Hardiman Pappageorge Thomas

Brown Hunter Patterson Van Woerkom

Cassis Jacobs Prusi Whitmer

Cherry

Nays--0

Excused--1

Garcia

Not Voting--0

In The Chair: Richardville

The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.

Resolutions

Senate Resolution No.14.

A resolution to encourage the Governor to urge the Civil Service Commission to institute a wellness program that includes incentives for healthy behaviors for state employees.

The question being on the adoption of the following committee amendment:

1. Amend the first Resolved clause, line 1, after "we" by striking out "urge the Governor to require" and inserting "encourage the Governor to urge".

The amendment was not adopted.

Senator Jacobs offered the following substitute:

A resolution to encourage the Governor to urge the Civil Service Commission to institute a wellness program that includes incentives for healthy behaviors for state employees.

Whereas, The general health of Michigan's citizens can be vastly improved, as the state ranks third in the nation for the prevalence of obesity, and 27 percent of Michigan high school students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. For example, in comparison to Colorado, a state that ranks high in measures of general wellness, Michigan citizens have a 31 percent greater chance of dying of cardiovascular disease than Colorado citizens. The percentage of Michigan adults who smoke is at 23 percent and is above the national average; and

Whereas, A portion of health care costs can be directly linked to the treatment of illness and disease that are the result of unhealthy behaviors. Twenty-five percent of health care costs are secondary to unhealthy behaviors and are therefore preventable. Over 80 percent of health care expenditures are for the treatment of people with one or more chronic diseases, some of which could have been prevented if people made and maintained healthier lifestyle choices. A growing body of evidence suggests unhealthy behavior is more likely to be altered in response to tangible incentives; and

Whereas, The Michigan Senate is undertaking efforts to implement a wellness component in its benefit plans offered to Senate members and employees; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan can lead the way to a healthier Michigan by offering state employees a wellness program that encourages participants to make lifestyle choices that promote or maintain good health. Michigan can succeed and learn from the experience gained in other innovative state programs to take the next steps in demonstrating the benefits of wellness; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we encourage the Governor to urge the Civil Service Commission to institute a wellness program that includes incentives for healthy behaviors for state employees; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor.

The substitute was adopted.

The resolution, as substituted, was adopted.

Senators Allen, Basham, Pappageorge and Garcia offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No.25.

A resolution commemorating Hidden Michigan as the state of Michigan's official children's book.

Whereas, Children flourish under the support and guidance of nurturing and caring parents as they develop towards adulthood. As a child's first and most important teacher, parents have a special role in helping children learn. Parents can most effectively influence their child's progress by consistently and frequently reading together. This daily reading can immensely improve a student's achievement across all academic areas; and

Whereas, When families are involved in their children's education, children achieve higher grades and test scores, have better attendance at school, complete more homework, and demonstrate more positive attitudes and behavior; and

Whereas, Success in school starts with a student's ability to read well. This important life skill has taken on new meaning in the 21st century. Economists cite that a highly educated workforce with a thirst for learning drives economic growth in our knowledge-based economy. So learning to read--and reading well--is more important than ever; and

Whereas, As our nation continues to move towards an information-based economy, literacy becomes increasingly important. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 40 percent of students across the nation cannot read at a basic level. Learning to read and the promotion of reading needs to start at an early age and continue throughout life; and

Whereas, Mackinac Island Press has published a book entitled Hidden Michigan. This book is a creative hide-and-seek book celebrating everything special to Michigan--its history, beauty, and unique place in our great country; and

Whereas, Authors Anne Margaret Lewis and Janis Campbell worked with illustrator Wendy Popko to bring this exciting and colorful book to life. Every corner of Michigan is celebrated in Hidden Michigan--from Isle Royale and theMighty Mac, to Motown and the Motor City, and from the Thumb to our historic Capitol Building across to Cereal City, Tulip Time, and all points in between. Hidden Michigan truly highlights so much of our great state that we can be proud, while allowing children to read and learn about so many of Michigan's hidden jewels; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we commemorate Hidden Michigan as the state's official children's book; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Mackinac Island Press as a symbol of our esteem.

Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform,

Senator Cropsey moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The question being on the adoption of the resolution,

Senator Cropsey moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Education.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Barcia, Cassis, Clarke and Gleason were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

Senators Basham, Pappageorge, Clark-Coleman, Gleason, Anderson, Hunter, Prusi, Brater and Scott offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No.26.

A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to enact legislation that replaces the outdated Fast Track system so United States trade agreements are developed in a more democratic and inclusive way that protects federalism and state sovereignty.

Whereas, Democratic, accountable governance in Michigan, and specifically, the authority granted to the legislative branch by the Michigan Constitution, is being undermined by the international commercial and trade rules enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and established by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other free trade agreements. State sovereignty is further threatened by similar provisions in an array of pending trade agreements; and

Whereas, These trade agreements have impacts which extend significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters and instead grant foreign investors and companies rights and privileges that exceed those granted to United States businesses under Michigan and federal law. These privileges provide advantages in such areas as acquisition of land and facilities, local land use, environmental and public health policies, and the formation of contracts; and

Whereas, The current grant of Fast Track expires in July 2007. Fast Track was established in 1974, when trade agreements were limited to traditional matters such as tariffs and quotas. This system is now woefully outdated and inappropriate given the diverse range of non-trade issues now included in trade agreements that broadly affect federal and state regulatory authority; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the United States Congress to enact legislation that replaces the outdated Fast Track system so United States trade agreements are developed in a more democratic and inclusive way that protects federalism and state sovereignty; and be it further

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

Pursuant to rule 3.204, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform.

Senators Barcia, Cherry and Clarke were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Gilbert introduced

Senate Bill No.351, entitled

A bill to amend 1972 PA 106, entitled "Highway advertising act of 1972," by amending section 4 (MCL 252.304), as amended by 2006 PA 448.

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

Senator Switalski introduced

Senate Bill No.352, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled "The revised school code," (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1315.

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

Senators Basham, Pappageorge, Clark-Coleman, Gleason, Anderson, Hunter, Prusi, Brater and Scott introduced

Senate Bill No.353, entitled

A bill to define the role of this state in the approval of certain trade agreements; to create certain state agencies; and toprovide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and agencies in relation to trade agreements and related issues.

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

Senators McManus and Cropsey introduced

Senate Bill No.354, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural resources and environmental protection act," (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding sections 40107c and 40107d.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

Senators Sanborn, Cassis, Olshove, Stamas, Richardville, Hunter, Thomas and Allen introduced

Senate Bill No.355, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled "The insurance code of 1956," by amending sections 4501 and 4503 (MCL 500.4501 and 500.4503), as added by 1995 PA 276.

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

Senators Richardville, Jansen and Pappageorge introduced

Senate Bill No.356, entitled

A bill to amend 1987 PA 173, entitled "Mortgage brokers, lenders, and servicers licensing act," by amending section 29 (MCL 445.1679), as amended by 1996 PA 210.

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

House Bill No.4208, entitled

A bill to amend 1982 PA 204, entitled "Deaf persons' interpreters act," by amending the title and sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (MCL 393.502, 393.503, 393.504, 393.505, 393.506, 393.507, and 393.508), section 8 as amended by 1988 PA 435, and by adding sections 3a, 8a, and 8b.

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

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

House Bill No.4216, entitled

A bill to amend 1965 PA 290, entitled "Boiler act of 1965," by amending the title and sections 2, 4, 4a, 7, 12, 14, and 24 (MCL 408.752, 408.754, 408.754a, 408.757, 408.762, 408.764, and 408.774), section 2 as amended by 2004 PA 103, sections 4 and 7 as amended by 1980 PA 274, and section 4a as amended by 2004 PA 265, and by adding sections 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

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

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

House Bill No.4301, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled "The insurance code of 1956," by amending section 3135 (MCL 500.3135), as amended by 2002 PA 697.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill.

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

House Bill No.4440, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled "The general property tax act," by amending section 27a (MCL 211.27a), as amended by 2006 PA 446.

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

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

Statements

Senators Whitmer, Jacobs, Anderson, Scott, McManus, Cropsey, Basham, Pappageorge, Bishop and Schauer asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Whitmer's statement is as follows:

Over the last two days, I patiently and politely listened to statements from my colleagues on the state of the fiscal crisis facing Michigan--everything ranging from the Governor's policies to her chief of staff. Some of the statements were encouraging, frankly--the acknowledgement that we will have to discuss revenues, for instance. Some of the statements were emotional--going after the Governor's chief of staff--and some of the statements were just downright incredible--blaming our fiscal woes on this Governor.

For a party that claims personal responsibility as a core tenet of its platform, it was stunning how quickly and vociferously you put blame on others. The fact of the matter is that everyone in this body is complicit in the predicament we now face. Spending down our reserves, voting for and promoting one-time fixes, and eliminating the SBT without a replacement were at least part of the problem. As for the department expenditures that we heard so much about those facts, while admittedly distressing, were neither unique nor unknown.

Just five months ago, the voters of this state overwhelmingly re-elected Governor Granholm because she said, "Yes, we've got problems. But here's how we are going to invest for a brighter solution, a brighter future and this is the solution." Her opponent--who, by the way, lost by a wide margin--hid behind empty rhetoric, the same empty rhetoric we've been hearing here. The voters rejected that.

Governor Granholm did not support the SBT repeal without a replacement. You did and that's why Standard & Poor's has threatened to downgrade our credit rating. That vote was on August 9, 2006--over seven months ago--and still no replacement has passed this body.

I have read article after article stating that the Senate GOP has a plan, press release after press release. For instance, on February 15, you issued a press release that said, "In the days ahead, we will continue to develop our plan to balance the budget without raising taxes." On that same date, The Detroit News reported, "Republicans said Tuesday they believe it's their responsibility to find additional budget cuts before asking citizens to pay more taxes. Senate GOP caucus would propose its own budget-balancing plan in the coming weeks." That was over four weeks ago.

Just three weeks ago, one of your press releases said, "Bishop said Senate Republicans on Thursday will announce further details of their plan to address this problem." And 11 days ago, the Lansing State Journal carried an op-ed authored by the aforementioned Senator--our colleague from the 12th District--who on March 4 wrote, "Senate Republicans have presented a plan that balances our budget." That was 11 days ago. I still have not seen this plan.

Incredibly, in today's Gongwer your spokesperson said if no agreement is reached on the budget, then Mr.Bishop may release the details of the Senate plan. But if an agreement is reached, then there is no need for us to show you the details at all.

It begs the question, does this plan really exist, and if it's so great, then why don't we vote on it? It's not like our calendar has been very full these days. After all, it's mid-March and we haven't done much of anything. As of yesterday, we've passed 15 bills. I mean, Finance has only met seven times in the last two and a half months.

One of those meetings on January 31st was when we unbelievably moved the Senate GOP tax plan, dubbed the BEST plan, out of committee on a party-line vote without a rate in it. Now I hear that that plan has been substantially improved. So I ask you, is it now the second-best plan and why don't we vote on it?

We're facing a crisis unlike any we have been confronted with before. You know, we're talking about taking a vacation.It's not only embarrassing, but it's irresponsible and disgraceful. It's Sunshine Week, for Pete's sake. The public deserves candor, debate, and real solutions.

On January 18, almost 60 days ago, we learned that the School Aid Fund is $377 million short. I've heard you all say, "Schools are important to me." And in the face of the crisis, I've heard some of you say, "We will not cut our schools." I've heard other's say, "Everything's on the table." And incredibly, I've heard some of you say inconsistently, "Everything's on the table, but I'm not going to cut schools." Can you explain to me how that works? Which is it--my schools, your schools? Heck, I think all schools would like to know which it is. Can you tell us before you take your vacation?

I hope that when you're on the beach, the golf course, or in Europe or wherever you vacation that you have an epiphany as to how you are willing to put Michigan's fiscal house in order. Further, I hope you write it down and come back to work, ready to put up the votes that you should be making before you take any sort of a vacation.

Senator Jacobs' statement is as follows:

As my colleague has said, yes, this week is Sunshine Week. Sunshine Week was established by journalists to celebrate openness in government. Generally, it is a time to discuss preserving the Freedom of Information Act, which continues to be under attack by interest groups who want to exempt certain information from the act.

However, if its purpose is to celebrate openness, this budget debate hasn't provided us much to celebrate. The citizens of Michigan--in fact, all citizens--have the right to know how their public officials are representing them and spending their tax dollars. Particularly, at this time amongst, certainly, a crisis for our state, the public deserves to know what the options are for their future. They have a right to know if their schools will be open through the remainder of the school year. They have a right to know if the police who keep them safe will be there when they need them. They have a right to know if it will be their library forced to shut its doors. But right now, many legislators and many across the aisle here have decided that the public is not deserving of details of their all-cuts budget plan.

Maybe they think the public is too fragile or that they won't understand. I really can't speak to their motives. Unfortunately, despite claims of an alternative solution, all they have heard from the opposition is what they don't support. The democratic process is built upon the rights of citizens to question, challenge, and hold their elected officials accountable for their actions while they are representing them.

To my colleagues, we are all elected officials. We are not exempt from questioning, challenging, and accountability. In fact, if anything, the burden of transparency is even heavier on us as public servants. We cannot hide behind a veil of secrecy, no matter what the reason.

So it is time to push open those heavy doors of confidentiality, covertness, suppression, and silence and let the sunshine in.

Senator Anderson's statement is as follows:

Earlier this week, there were some negative comments and statements made regarding Governor Granholm's current trip to Germany to solicit investments in our state. With our state facing an unprecedented budget crisis and new challenges every day, in terms of keeping jobs here, I would think the last thing we would want to do is criticize our Governor and attack her for bringing new jobs to this state. Some have suggested the Governor is wasting our state's money with this trip. The fact is, this trip is funded entirely by private dollars from corporate contributors who support MEDC projects just like this. Some have also suggested that this is not a cost-effective trip for our state. The experts and those who funded this trip don't agree. Their assessment of the situation was, obviously, that this trip was worth the cost. That is why they put up the money. This trip is a win-win for Michigan. It is not costing us anything and whatever jobs it produces will only help our state. Apparently, Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson agrees, since he accompanied the Governor in a similar trip a few years ago. These trips are producing results.

This trip alone is expected to bring at least $700 million in new investments to our state. Germany's FACTON will now locate a new North American office in Auburn Hills, where it will create 59 new jobs. Kostal of America, a German subsidiary, will now relocate to Troy from Novi, where it will become one of three new international research and development centers for the company and create 203 jobs. And, just yesterday, the Governor announced that after meeting in Austria with executives from ABL Powertrain Engineering, Incorporated, she expects the company to accelerate the hiring of 125 additional workers for its new technology center in Ann Arbor and expand its operations with another 80 jobs. And, in response, with concerns that we are not doing enough for our Michigan-based companies, MEDC credit is helping Delphi Corporation to keep a project in Michigan, rather than seeing it go to Mexico, China, or Poland. The consolidation of research and development engineering and business operations to a location in Auburn Hills will retain 910 Delphi jobs. We just announced in my district yesterday that MEDC helped create a new medical facility in Redford. This facility will house at least nine physicians and at least 12-24 additional support staff. We will create jobs for the support staff and through the construction of the facility. In short, helping projects like this brings long-term job security to our community and our state.

The Senator from the 7th District offered a statement Tuesday suggesting that the MEDC and the 21st Century Jobs Fund are not doing enough to bring jobs home. Just last year, a partnership between Toyota Machinery and Koyo Seiko expanded operations in Plymouth, Michigan. And, just last month, Meiden American, Incorporated, announced it would launch a new company in Northville Township. Meidensha Corporation is investing approximately $17 million in a new facility that will result in the creation of 20 new jobs and plenty of potential for future growth, as well as jobs to build a facility. This investment is the direct result of a MEDC investment package worth $1.5 million.

Where I come from, we don't scoff at new jobs. If MEDC naysayers don't think these jobs are good enough for their district, we will certainly welcome those jobs down the road in my district.

Senator Scott's statement is as follows:

Mary Church Terrell was a woman of color born in 1863, the year of the Emancipation Proclamation. She was a feminist, an activist, a suffragette, and passionately opposed to segregation. She was the first president of the National Federation of Colored Women established in 1896. At age 75, when asked for advice on achieving one's goals, she said, "You gotta keep on moving, keep on insisting, keep on fighting social injustice."

Well, folks, I'm here to tell you that's what I intend to do about insurance in this state. I'm gonna keep on moving, keep on insisting, and keep on fighting the injustice of our current insurance rates.

Mary Church Terrell died in 1954, the year of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, at the age of 90. She promoted her causes until the end. I plan to do so as well.

You know, colleagues, the Bible says without vision, the people will perish. Well, when I first started in the Legislature about 1995, they were closing my Highland Park Community College, which had the best nursing program in the state. Today that's what we need--nurses. We keep saying that that is what we need. Now it's that we need the teachers, those who teach the nurses. Well, they had the best nursing program at Highland Park Community College. The graduates, when they took their tests at the state level, they passed on the first time. Well, because we closed that college, but I must say, though, that my colleagues at that time voted to save the college after I had fought for about six months on it. But it was the Governor at that time who chose to veto and I was not able to override his veto. Well, without vision, the people perish.

We don't have good transportation today because we were the Big Three auto industry. Now it has fallen on hard times and the people are the ones who are perishing. There's no transportation that is worthy to be called transportation in the city.

Now we continue to blame and not do what we're supposed to do here for the people of this state. We care about the insurance companies because they have the lobbyist; they have the money. If we had affordable insurance, people would be buying cars. I have a six-year-old car. I would have bought two more cars by now. Without vision, the people will perish and that's what is happening here.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for us to wake up and start doing the people's work.

Senator McManus' statement is as follows:

I just wanted to take this opportunity and welcome our Governor back to the state. I know that she's been very busy running around this state talking to everyone, except the Senate Republicans, and going to other countries. But I'm truly happy to hear that she feels that it is now time to get down to business and figure out how to fix this budget mess and that she plans to actually have a meeting with the Speaker and the Majority Leader. I look forward to reading about that in MIRS or Gongwer on a date certain for that actual meeting to occur. I hope this means that all parties involved really plan to work together and get things done.

Constituents from every corner of this state, constituents from my district, and I'm sure constituents from your district are looking to us--their leaders--to work together; not to be a rubber stamp for the Governor, but to work together on coming up with a good public policy for the state. So, folks, it is time to come to the table and find solutions that everyone in this state can live with, and we can go back and talk about how we've solved the problem of the budget in the state.

In addition to that point, I just wanted to make notion to the Senator from the 23rd District. If she hasn't had the opportunity to read today's MIRS and Gongwer, there is an article in there talking about how several weeks House leadership and Senate leadership have been working together to come up with a plan on how to fix this 2007 plan. I also would suggest that if she wants to have continual updates on their progress, that she work with her colleagues in the House who are in control for the first time in many years.

Also I would just mention that my colleague from the 23rd District also sits on Finance Committee where I sit. She knows as well as I do that we have already put forth the BEST plan; at least a start in how we have a discussion on how to fix the SBT.

Senator Cropsey's statement is as follows:

Some of the statements that were said here today I thought were very interesting. One of my good Senators from the Lansing area from the 23rd District talked about how we eliminated the single business tax without having a replacement in place. Actually, the single business tax was eliminated without having a replacement in place. All we did was move the date up. The question is, do we face it this year or do we face it three years from now? I think it's probably better if we face this issue sooner rather than later, so that we get a tax in place that is one that is friendly for businesses to fill out and figure out what their tax is. Everyone knows--and the Governor has admitted this--the single business tax is detrimental to our state.

So the question is, do we face it this year or do we face it three years from now? I think businesses are having a tough enough time in this state, as it is. It is better to face this issue sooner rather than later. So, therefore, do we have to come together to figure out how we're going to balance this year's budget? Yes, we do.

You know, I've been very impressed with the work that has been done on the leadership level on trying to find a solution to this. The fact is, if you do go to the MIRS article today, on the very front page it says this, about the third paragraph from the bottom: "On another front, word from the negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Speaker Andy Dillon suggested they do have a plan to reduce the $850 million deficit with about $700 million in budget service cuts and the rest with accounting changes." Then, if you go about four paragraphs later, it goes into a little more detail. Then you go about four paragraphs later, it says, "A source familiar with the discussion between the two legislative leaders said that they cannot call it a deal because they have not run it past the Governor and that could happen when she returns to the table following her trip from Germany."

So, you know what, we could have been here today perhaps voting on a resolution to this whole thing if the Governor had been in the state. Now I don't criticize her for being out of state. If she's going out of state to get jobs, that's wonderful. But I think there very well could be a solution and it would be nice to have the Governor enter into negotiations on that. I welcome the Governor back. I know she wants to roll up her sleeves and get down to work to say let's finish this. Let's get it done for this year and then let's start working on next year's budget and then let's start working on the SBT replacement.

I just think there is a lot of positive optimism that we can have that when the Governor comes back and she looks at it that she'll agree with the Majority Leader and with the Speaker and say, "Man, this looks like a good deal. Let's get it done."

Senator Basham's statement is as follows:

Are we in the House or in the Senate? That's my question to my colleagues because the rhetoric here is getting like we were in the House. I guess everything has been said, but not by everybody, so let me make my stab at it.

You know, when the former Governor campaigned, he talked about driving around the state in his Oldsmobile. Yet, once he was elected, he flew around the world in many of the state's planes. So when this Governor is on a legitimate trip to bring back jobs from another country to this state and to create jobs, instead of an olive branch or a job well done or a pat on a back--not too hard of a pat on the back, mind you--but a thank you for the Governor doing her job and to look at ways of settling the state's budget.

By the way, you know, I've heard that businesses want to know what their taxes are. You know, our bond rating has been lowered because Wall Street says that Michigan doesn't know what their taxes are going to be. So they have no anticipated revenue coming to this state. We don't know what it is so we're going to give them a big "A," a little "a" and a minus when it used to be a couple of big "A's."

It might be politics as usual in this chamber, but Wall Street is watching us and that affects how our businesses are borrowing money. They borrow money because they need money for tooling, for all sorts of other things that they are trying to do to create jobs and to maintain jobs in the state.

What we should be doing is sitting down with the Governor instead of throwing darts at the Governor. She's getting some pretty thick skin, but it seems like the skin is thinner in this chamber, probably on both sides of the aisle--let me be bipartisan. Essentially, what we need to do is sit down if we've got a better plan than the Governor. She's rolled her plan out and she's stood by it. She's saying if you have a better plan, then work with me. Rather than talk about the Governor being out of the country, we should be glad that the Governor has brought those jobs back here and that she wants to sit down with both chambers. We have an obligation to come up with a plan of our own. The devil is always in the details, so I guess what the members on this side are saying is show us the details because it is easy to stand up and say you have a plan if there are no details there. Rather than get into the minutia of it, we should be sitting down with the Governor who is back, who has brought jobs back, and who wants to work with both chambers who have an obligation to come up with a plan. Let's move this state forward.

It bothers me to know that we're laying off state troopers and the schools don't know how to plan their curricula or to hire teachers or to shut down schools. We've got a crisis in this state and we should be more mature about how we deal with that crisis. I would encourage my colleagues to lower the rhetoric about ten notches and sit down and work with the Governor and get this job done.

Senator Pappageorge's statement is as follows:

Sort of outside of the discussion that's going on here, I hope I didn't misread something that was said earlier. I'm new to the process and to the rules of this body, but I assume that if I start with a blank sheet of paper, wind up with a proposal, that later if I find a better way to do it and I amend that proposal, I will not be criticized for having a second-best solution.

If that's the case, then I'm not sure how we're going to proceed here and work together. So I hope I didn't misunderstand.

Senator Bishop's statement is as follows:

There have been a lot of comments on the floor today--some very good, some very instructive, and some that are actually constructive as well. I want to remind members that this, before it's all said and done, is something that all of us face, which is a significant, significant shortfall in this budget season.

As a part of that, the members here have had good dialog, I think, on the subject and really conducted themselves in a professional manner. I can look across the aisle and see many people we've worked with and talked about this proposal. The Senate Republicans have come up with a proposal and we're happy to share it with you and have an open dialog about it. We had a professional agreement amongst ourselves--at least I thought--that members would come together in a collegial way and discuss specific cuts and discuss a proposal that we could jointly present to the Governor. I thought that was a fair way of handling it, a good professional way of handling it.

Somehow today, we're unraveling and instead of having that professional discussion which legislators usually have in this environment, we're now getting up and flexing our muscles and propping ourselves up as having a superior political position. Let's face it, that's not what this is all about. This is not about politics right now; it can't be. Our state faces, this year alone--2007--somewhere around a $900 million budget shortfall. If that doesn't ring bells and whistles right now and set you in a state of concern, then I don't know what more I can tell you to get you to that point, but we're at a crisis level.

Instead of talking about the SBT and instead of talking about 2008, we've got to wake up and pull our heads out of the sand and understand that this problem exists today--2007. Every other Legislature before us has done this. We have to close the books on the current year. Now, granted we haven't been in this position in previous years, but we're in this position right now. We can be in denial and pretend like it doesn't exist and continue to talk about 2007 and 2008 as one joint budget, but the reality is we've got to close the books on 2007. That's not a Republican issue; that's not a Democratic issue; that's our issue. We've got to stop being in denial about it.

Senator George rose yesterday and gave a very instructive discussion about separating this into three different parts: 2007, 2008, and the SBT. I will tell you that I see it in two separate parts. I see it as 2007 and then 2008 including the SBT because I think there is ample room for discussion in the coming budget negotiation for 2008. But let's not take our eyes off the prize right now. We have got to figure out how to close the books on 2007. Instead of kicking back and forth who is right and who is wrong, instead of suggesting that there is not actual progress being made and undercutting the process altogether, join in and be a part of the process.

I assumed that when this executive order was first issued that there would be bills presented in the House and that there would be progress moving towards us because that's what really the Governor's role is; she presents her plan and she moves her plan. We've seen no progress. If you all are frustrated with this the way it is set up right now, imagine how we feel. You've got the Governor's office and you've got an entire chamber of this Legislature and nothing has been done to move that plan forward. Why? Because you don't have the votes.

Before you come to us and accuse us of not having a plan, don't stand up here and give a State of the State address and suggest that you have a plan because you don't. It looks to me like we're going to have to put this thing together ourselves and move it forward. That's what we've been doing. If you want to join in with that workgroup, I suggest you talk to your leader and be a part of it. There is a real disconnect here because you are not talking to each other; you don't know about the progress. I hope that you don't torpedo the whole thing by rising up and making the comments that you are making.

This has got to be a joint effort. In any case, we've got to close the books on 2007 and stop talking about the future. Two thousand seven is the magic number and if we don't resolve it soon, every day that goes by makes our solution that much more difficult.

Let's get together and finish this job. I welcome the Governor back and I look forward to meeting with her.

Senator Schauer's statement is as follows:

I appreciated the comments of the Majority Leader. He knows that as Democratic Leader I'm prepared to meet any day, any time, anywhere and continue to do that.

You know, I just want to make a couple of things clear. One is, now there is this question about the Democratic plan. Well, I stood up and said I support the Governor's plan. The Democrats do have a plan. It apparently is not acceptable. Well, it's obviously not acceptable to the majority because, on a partisan basis, they shot down the Governor's executive order. So to be clear, the Democrats do have a plan.

In terms of the proposal, I guess I have to echo the comments of Senator Whitmer in her articulate statement. Again, the Majority Leader talks about this proposal; that we've seen this proposal. I guess, I'm not sure if the word "proposal"is the same for "plan," but I guess the proposal is what you're talking about in solving this current year--the 2007 budget crisis. I haven't seen the proposal. Our appointee to this six-member workgroup hasn't seen the proposal. It's sort of this secret plan that is still out there.

Senator Switalski and I both showed up Tuesday in the Republican caucus room where those meetings had been held last week and there wasn't a meeting. I think it's good that some behind-the-scenes conversations are going on. You certainly shouldn't blame the Governor for being in Germany attracting jobs and investment. Bob Emerson is the Budget Director. Bob is available. He's clearly her designee to negotiate the budget.

We do need to put aside the rhetoric. I'm very interested in seeing this plan. Since a number of people are citing these Lansing insider publications, these inside-the-Beltway publications, as fact, I guess I'll join. On the bottom of the first page, it talks about Senate Republicans have found a way to keep the K-12 school foundation grant at $7,100 perpupil, but cuts are being suggested in some of the so-called categorical spending items. Well, what are they? I don't think I can support that. I have districts that receive at-risk funding. There's the early school readiness program; there's, I think, 20j is one of those categoricals, as well. So what are they? What are these cuts?

I just wanted to state that I'm ready any day, any time, as leader of our caucus to meet. I'm not going anywhere on vacation, so let's cut the rhetoric. Let's get this done. You know, as we fiddle here, our school districts are still wondering. They're on a July 1 fiscal year. They're counting the days before their school year is over.

On your proposal, does it include a cut to revenue sharing? I've heard that there is a 20 percent cut for revenue sharing out there. My communities are on a July 1 fiscal year. What's that going to do to police and fire services?

So there are a lot of questions, and you know, Democrats have a plan. We're willing to work out a bipartisan plan, but, to use a March Madness analogy, this feels like the four-corner offense. We've got to get to a process that really gets us there. I look forward to being a part of that.

Recess

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:23a.m.

11:30a.m.

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

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

Senator Cropsey moved that the Committee on Finance be discharged from further consideration of the following bills:

Senate Bill No.306, entitled

A bill to provide for the imposition, levy, computation, collection, assessment, reporting, payment, and enforcement of taxes on certain commercial, business, and financial activities; to prescribe the powers and duties of public officers and state departments; to provide for the inspection of certain taxpayer records; to provide for interest and penalties; to provide exemptions, credits, and refunds; to provide for the disposition of funds; to provide for the interrelation of this act with other acts; and to make appropriations.

Senate Bill No.307, entitled

A bill to provide for the levy, assessment, and collection of an excise tax on certain services; to provide exemptions; to appropriate the proceeds; to prescribe certain powers and duties of certain state departments; and to prescribe penalties.

Senate Bill No.308, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled "The revised school code," by amending section 1211 (MCL 380.1211), as amended by 2006 PA 648.

Senate Bill No.309, entitled

A bill to amend 1993 PA 331, entitled "State education tax act," by amending section 3 (MCL 211.903), as amended by 2002 PA 244.

Senate Bill No.310, entitled

A bill to amend 1974 PA 198, entitled "An act to provide for the establishment of plant rehabilitation districts and industrial development districts in local governmental units; to provide for the exemption from certain taxes; to levy and collect a specific tax upon the owners of certain facilities; to impose and provide for the disposition of an administrative fee; to provide for the disposition of the tax; to provide for the obtaining and transferring of an exemption certificate and to prescribe the contents of those certificates; to prescribe the powers and duties of the state tax commission and certain officers of local governmental units; and to provide penalties," by amending sections 14 and 14a (MCL 207.564 and 207.564a), section 14 as amended by 1996 PA 1 and section 14a as amended by 1994 PA 266.

Senate Bill No.311, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled "The general property tax act," (MCL 211.1 to 211.157) by adding section 9k.

Senate Bill No.312, entitled

A bill to provide for the exemption of certain property from certain taxes; to levy and collect a specific tax upon the owners of certain property; to provide for the disposition of the tax; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain local government officials; and to provide penalties.

Senate Bill No.313, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled "The general property tax act," by amending section 34d (MCL 211.34d), as amended by 2005 PA 12, and by adding section 7ll.

Senate Bill No.314, entitled

A bill to amend 1899 PA 188, entitled "Michigan estate tax act," by amending sections 32, 33, and 56 (MCL 205.232, 205.233, and 205.256), sections 32 and 33 as added by 1993 PA 54 and section 56 as amended by 1998 PA 277, and by adding section 32a.

Senate Bill No.315, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled "General sales tax act," by amending section 4r (MCL 205.54r), as amended by 2004 PA 173.

Senate Bill No.316, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled "General sales tax act," by amending section 4a (MCL 205.54a), as amended by 2004 PA 173.

Senate Bill No.317, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled "General sales tax act," by amending section 4g (MCL 205.54g), as amended by 2004 PA 173.

Senate Bill No.318, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled "General sales tax act," by amending section 1 (MCL 205.51), as amended by 2004 PA 173.

Senate Bill No.319, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled "Use tax act," by amending section 4k (MCL 205.94k), as amended by 2006 PA 18.

Senate Bill No.320, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled "Use tax act," by amending section 4d (MCL 205.94d), as amended by 2004 PA 172.

Senate Bill No.321, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled "Use tax act," by amending sections 3a and 4 (MCL 205.93a and 205.94), as amended by 2004 PA 172.

Senate Bill No.322, entitled

A bill to amend 2004 PA 175, entitled "Streamlined sales and use tax revenue equalization act," (MCL 205.171 to 205.191) by adding section 10.

Senate Bill No.323, entitled

A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled "The general property tax act," by amending section 9 (MCL 211.9), as amended by 2006 PA 550; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

Senate Bill No.324, entitled

A bill to amend 1941 PA 122, entitled "An act to establish the revenue collection duties of the department of treasury; to prescribe its powers and duties as the revenue collection agency of this state; to prescribe certain powers and duties of the state treasurer; to establish the collection duties of certain other state departments for money or accounts owed to this state; to regulate the importation, stamping, and disposition of certain tobacco products; to provide for the transfer of powers and duties now vested in certain other state boards, commissions, departments, and offices; to prescribe certain duties of and require certain reports from the department of treasury; to provide procedures for the payment, administration, audit, assessment, levy of interests or penalties on, and appeals of taxes and tax liability; to prescribe its powers and duties if an agreement to act as agent for a city to administer, collect, and enforce the city income tax act on behalf of a city is entered into with any city; to provide an appropriation; to abolish the state board of tax administration; to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; and to declare the effect of this act," by amending sections 3, 4, 19, and 24 (MCL 205.3, 205.4, 205.19, and 205.24), section 3 as amended by 2006 PA 615, sections 4 and 19 as amended by 2002 PA 657, and section 24 as amended by 2003 PA 201.

Senate Bill No.325, entitled

Senate Bill No.326, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled "Income tax act of 1967," by amending section 36 (MCL 206.36).

Senate Bill No.327, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled "Income tax act of 1967," by amending section 30 (MCL 206.30), as amended by 2005 PA 214.

Senate Bill No.328, entitled

A bill to amend 1993 PA 327, entitled "Tobacco products tax act," by amending sections 7 and 12 (MCL 205.427 and 205.432), as amended by 2004 PA 164.

Senate Bill No.339, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 58, entitled "Michigan liquor control code of 1998," by amending section 233 (MCL 436.1233).

The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, and the bills were placed on the order of General Orders.

Committee Reports

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at 3:30p.m., Room 404, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Garcia (C), Cropsey and Barcia

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 8:30a.m., Room 100, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Allen (C), Pappageorge, Olshove and Basham

Excused: Senator Garcia

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions submitted the following:

Meeting held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 9:00a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building

Present: Senators Richardville (C), Sanborn, Cassis, Stamas, Hunter, Clarke and Olshove

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

The Subcommittee on Department of Human Services submitted the following:

Meeting held on Thursday, March 15, 2007, at 8:30a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building

Present: Senators Hardiman (C), Kahn, Jansen, Scott and Barcia

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations -

Subcommittees -

Higher Education - Tuesday, March 27, 2:00p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)

Transportation Department - Wednesday, March 21, 8:30a.m., Room 405, Capitol Building (373-2768) (CANCELED)

Energy Policy and Public Utilities - Thursday, March 22, 1:00p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-7350)

Finance - Friday, March 16, 1:00p.m., Grand Valley State University, Downtown Campus, Eberhard Center, Room 215,301 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids; Monday, March 19, 10:30a.m., Troy Community Center, Room 303, 3179 Livernois, Troy; and Thursday, March 22, 1:00p.m., Saginaw Valley State University, Malcomb Field Theater, 7400 Bay Road, University Center (373-1758)

Government Operations and Reform - Tuesday, March 20, 2:30p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-2417)

Legislative Retirement Board of Trustees - Wednesday, March 21, 3:00p.m., Room H-252, Capitol Building (373-0575)

State Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee - Tuesday, March 27, 9:30a.m., Legislative Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Boji Tower (373-0212)

Senator Cropsey moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:31a.m.

The President pro tempore, Senator Richardville, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 10:00a.m.

CAROL MOREY VIVENTI

Secretary of the Senate