No. 37
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
97th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2014
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Ananich—present Hood—present Pappageorge—present
Anderson—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present
Bieda—present Hune—present Proos—present
Booher—present Hunter—present Richardville—present
Brandenburg—present Jansen—present Robertson—present
Casperson—present Johnson—present Rocca—present
Caswell—present Jones—present Schuitmaker—present
Colbeck—present Kahn—present Smith—present
Emmons—present Kowall—present Walker—present
Green—present Marleau—present Warren—present
Gregory—present Meekhof—present Whitmer—present
Hansen—present Moolenaar—present Young—present
Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present
Pastor Claude Allen May of Oasis of Hope Christian Church of Detroit offered the following invocation:
Eternal God, our Father, as we come before You on this morning, we come, first of all, thanking You for this day. This is a day that we have never seen, and because this is the only one that we are promised—the day that we actually see—we want this day to be the most productive day possible in You.
We are thankful, O God, for these men and women who have come out of the private sector to serve the people of this state. Our prayers, O God, are that You would crown their heads with wisdom that comes from on high. We know that knowledge is important, O God, but wisdom is even better. You have said in Your word that if anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask of You, because You give it liberally to all people.
We pray, God, for thanksgiving for this state of Michigan, from the beautiful mountains and trees of the U.P. to the western beaches by Lake Michigan and down to the urban landscape and the sidewalks in the city of Detroit. We pray Your blessing and favor over our state, God.
With the enormous challenges that we are facing, I pray, O Father, that You would remind these who are in public service, Father, that they are servants of the people of this great state. We ask all of this in Your Son’s name. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senators Robertson, Booher, Whitmer and Gregory entered the Senate Chamber.
The following communication was received and read:
Office of the Auditor General
April 23, 2014
Enclosed is a copy of the following audit report:
Performance audit of Homeownership Programs, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Michigan Strategic Fund.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. McTavish, C.P.A.
Auditor General
The audit report was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
The following communications were received:
Department of State
Administrative Rules
Notices of Filing
April 4, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2013-050-LR (Secretary of State Filing # 14-04-04) on this date at 4:26 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, entitled “Part 308. Inorganic Arsenic.”
These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44 or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
April 4, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2013-051-LR (Secretary of State Filing # 14-04-05) on this date at 4:28 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, entitled “Part 37. Accident Prevention Signs & Tags.”
These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44 or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
April 4, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2013-059-LR (Secretary of State Filing # 14-04-06) on this date at 4:30 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, entitled “Part 33. Personal Protective Equipment.”
These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless adopted under section 33, 44 or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306. Rules adopted under these sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
April 7, 2014
In accordance with the provisions of Section 46(1) of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, as amended, and Executive Order 1995-6, this is to advise you that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the State Office of Regulatory Reinvention filed Administrative Rule #2013-075-LR Emergency Rule Extension (Secretary of State Filing # 14-04-07E) on this date at 4:00 p.m. for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, entitled “Emergency Rule Unused Prescription Drugs Program.”
These rules take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in effect for 6 months.
Sincerely,
Ruth Johnson
Secretary of State
Robin L. Houston, Departmental Supervisor
Office of the Great Seal
The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Thursday, April 24, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 904 905 906 907
House Bill Nos. 5461 5462 5463 5464 5465 5466 5467 5468 5469 5470 5471 5472 5473 5474
5475 5476 5477
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Friday, April 25, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 908 909 910 911
Senator Hopgood moved that Senators Hunter, Ananich and Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Meekhof moved that Senators Nofs, Green, Casperson and Brandenburg be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Colbeck asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Colbeck’s statement is as follows:
We are eager to have a very special occasion here. We have been blessed with a lot of very good interns in our office, phenomenal across the board. A lot of it is due to the fact that we have one heck of a good office manager in Theresa Jasko, but a lot of it is due to the fact that we keep attracting quality people to our office. One of those quality people whom we have attracted to our office is Allison Gilbert, and Allie has been a mainstay in our office for quite a while. She has been fantastic in treating our constituents as they deserve to be treated, which is as our customers, and done so with a smile. It is very much appreciated.
Allison is presently attending Michigan State University in East Lansing, where she is finishing her freshman year in James Madison College. She is also very involved in many campus groups and has particular interests in addressing issues involving human trafficking. Allie’s duties have taken many forms over her time in the Michigan State Senate. She has handled various tasks with professionalism and efficiency, and she was particularly helpful taking care of our constituents in regard to tributes.
Her blend of professionalism and kindness will surely be missed by her co-workers. Many of the projects she has worked on for the citizens of the 7th District will certainly bear fruit for the residents of the state of Michigan. It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye, but for the folks who are going to be spending more time with her, it is good news for them. We wish her the most success in her future.
Senators Ananich, Casperson, Green and Nofs entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Emmons admittance to the Senate floor, including the center aisle.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Recess
Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:10 a.m.
11:18 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
During the recess, Senator Emmons introduced the Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart High School Girls Basketball Team, MHSAA Class D State Champions, and Coach Damon Brown; and presented them with a Special Tribute.
Coach Brown responded briefly.
During the recess, Senators Brandenburg, Young and Hunter entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Meekhof moved that a respectful message be sent to the House of Representatives requesting the return of the following bills:
House Bill No. 5154
House Bill No. 5155
The motion prevailed.
Senator Meekhof moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on Committee Reports, be placed on the General Orders calendar for consideration today:
Senate Bill No. 760
Senate Bill No. 770
Senate Bill No. 772
Senate Bill No. 776
Senate Bill No. 771
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
General Orders
Senator Meekhof 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, Lieutenant Governor Calley, designated Senator Caswell as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker, having assumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 760, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute 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:
Senate Bill No. 770, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute 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:
Senate Bill No. 772, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute 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:
Senate Bill No. 776, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute 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:
Senate Bill No. 771, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
Substitute (S-1).
The Senate agreed to the substitute 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
Senator Meekhof moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bills, now on the order of Third Reading of Bills, be placed on their immediate passage at the head of the Third Reading of Bills calendar:
Senate Bill No. 760
Senate Bill No. 770
Senate Bill No. 772
Senate Bill No. 776
Senate Bill No. 771
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 760, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
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. 201 Yeas—38
Ananich Gregory Kahn Richardville
Anderson Hansen Kowall Robertson
Bieda Hildenbrand Marleau Rocca
Booher Hood Meekhof Schuitmaker
Brandenburg Hopgood Moolenaar Smith
Casperson Hune Nofs Walker
Caswell Hunter Pappageorge Warren
Colbeck Jansen Pavlov Whitmer
Emmons Johnson Proos Young
Green Jones
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Schuitmaker
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 770, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
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. 202 Yeas—36
Ananich Green Jones Proos
Anderson Gregory Kahn Richardville
Bieda Hansen Kowall Robertson
Booher Hildenbrand Marleau Rocca
Brandenburg Hood Meekhof Schuitmaker
Casperson Hopgood Moolenaar Smith
Caswell Hunter Nofs Walker
Colbeck Jansen Pappageorge Warren
Emmons Johnson Pavlov Whitmer
Nays—2
Hune Young
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Schuitmaker
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, resumed the Chair.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 772, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs and certain other state purposes for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; to provide for the expenditure of those appropriations; to provide for the imposition of certain fees; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; to provide for reports to certain persons; and to prescribe powers and duties of certain state departments and certain state and local agencies and officers.
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. 203 Yeas—37
Ananich Gregory Kahn Richardville
Anderson Hansen Kowall Robertson
Bieda Hildenbrand Marleau Rocca
Booher Hood Meekhof Schuitmaker
Brandenburg Hopgood Moolenaar Smith
Casperson Hunter Nofs Walker
Caswell Jansen Pappageorge Warren
Colbeck Johnson Pavlov Whitmer
Emmons Jones Proos Young
Green
Nays—1
Hune
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 776, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Young offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 6, line 11, by striking out “246,573,000” and inserting “246,073,000”.
2. Amend page 6, line 12, by striking out “246,573,000” and inserting “246,073,000”.
3. Amend page 6, line 18, by striking out “200,983,600” and inserting “200,483,600” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
4. Amend page 6, line 21, by striking out all of line 21.
5. Amend page 29, line 15, by striking out all of lines 15 through 27.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not 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. 204 Yeas—38
Ananich Gregory Kahn Richardville
Anderson Hansen Kowall Robertson
Bieda Hildenbrand Marleau Rocca
Booher Hood Meekhof Schuitmaker
Brandenburg Hopgood Moolenaar Smith
Casperson Hune Nofs Walker
Caswell Hunter Pappageorge Warren
Colbeck Jansen Pavlov Whitmer
Emmons Johnson Proos Young
Green Jones
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Senator Young asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Young’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, colleagues, I rise to offer an amendment to the Michigan State Police budget before us that would remove the $500,000 allocation for the Michigan State Police officers to serve as security at events. While most of this budget is good, I take exception with this unnecessary line item. I appreciate the work of our State Police officers and the work of the department. They are true unsung heroes, but $500,000 for event security seems superfluous, especially when you consider the origin of this earmark and what it is really for.
Last year, funding was included in the State Police budget to pay for the overtime costs for those State Police officers who were present during the right-to-work—or, really, the right-to-freeload, the right-to-union-bust—protests at the Capitol; protests that were incited by your own actions. During the debate last year, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I argued that the executive office, not Michigan taxpayers, should be footing the bill for this. Now you want to make this a line item at the expense of our citizens a recurring one.
I understand the line of thinking. You continue to pass bad policies that are outraging Michigan citizens, and therefore, there are likely going to be more protests at the Capitol in the future. That’s what happens when you go against the will of the people. If you’re going to do that, if you’re going to thumb working people in the eye, you should be willing to pay the consequences and be willing to pay for the results of your actions. It’s called responsibility. You should try it.
There are more pressing needs for police officers and our state budget dollars. They should be spent out on the streets, on the highways, and fighting crime, not being used as political pawns and working crowd control at government events for piss-poor bad policy, such as the right-to-work bill or the right-to-union-bust bill. If event security is necessary, it should be paid for separately and without the use of taxpayer dollars.
If my Republican colleagues really want to resolve this issue, you should pay more attention to the will of the people we represent, instead of using our State Police to try to suppress their protests—which is a First Amendment right, by the way. Once again, the Governor is violating the Constitution that he swore an oath to defend. Once again, I’m just saying, and then you’re shocked when there is a protest.
This amendment to strike $500,000 in funding for event security is a start, and I ask you for your support. Remember, the power of the people is always stronger than the people in power.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 771, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
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. 205 Yeas—38
Ananich Gregory Kahn Richardville
Anderson Hansen Kowall Robertson
Bieda Hildenbrand Marleau Rocca
Booher Hood Meekhof Schuitmaker
Brandenburg Hopgood Moolenaar Smith
Casperson Hune Nofs Walker
Caswell Hunter Pappageorge Warren
Colbeck Jansen Pavlov Whitmer
Emmons Johnson Proos Young
Green Jones
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Jones introduced
Senate Bill No. 912, entitled
A bill to amend 1964 PA 154, entitled “Minimum wage law of 1964,” by amending sections 4 and 7a (MCL 408.384 and 408.387a), section 4 as amended by 2006 PA 81 and section 7a as amended by 1997 PA 1.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senators Kahn and Pappageorge introduced
Senate Bill No. 913, entitled
A bill to amend 2011 PA 142, entitled “Health insurance claims assessment act,” by amending section 3 (MCL 550.1733).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 914, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending sections 41 and 41a (MCL 38.1341 and 38.1341a), as amended by 2012 PA 300.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Casperson, Robertson, Jones, Nofs, Marleau, Ananich and Meekhof introduced
Senate Bill No. 915, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 257 (MCL 257.257), as amended by 1992 PA 309.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Nofs, Robertson, Jones, Marleau, Ananich and Meekhof introduced
Senate Bill No. 916, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending sections 217, 222, 229, and 233 (MCL 257.217, 257.222, 257.229, and 257.233), section 217 as amended by 2012 PA 498, section 222 as amended by 2004 PA 493, section 229 as amended by 1988 PA 276, and section 233 as amended by 2006 PA 599.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Bieda, Ananich and Meekhof introduced
Senate Bill No. 917, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 238 (MCL 257.238).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Senators Brandenburg and Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 918, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” (MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 241.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Statements
Senators Kahn, Caswell, Young and Colbeck asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kahn’s statement is as follows:
I rise for the same issue. We ended up discussing this in Appropriations at some length. An amendment was offered and added, and at that time, I brought up this issue that the amendment, as written, essentially constitutes a carve-out for the ACT people. I am not in the business of giving carve-outs to just one institution or one entity.
As we go forward trying to resolve what we’re going to be doing for testing, that needs to be borne in mind. To portray this as an either/or, you do one or you do the other, is an error. We need to find some way to marry together what appropriate testing is, but with time to speak to my good friend from the 13th District’s concerns, and in so doing, it has to additionally be married together with other testing that we do in this state; whether it is kindergarten assessment or the assessment of what constitutes adequate after-school programs.
So it is a work in progress, and I hope nobody is going to end up with a hard-and-fast opinion on this and will not listen to data as it is brought to us individually and collectively.
Senator Caswell’s statement is as follows:
I would like to bring some information to light for the members. The Office of Child Support has contacted me, and these are the improvements they have made in the last year: Their call wait times have gone from two weeks—yes, you had to call back that often—to five minutes. The number of cases that escalate now to a manager have dropped by 90 percent. That means the first phone call you are getting is taking care of your problems. Call volume has decreased by 36.5 percent, which means that child support cases are being handled appropriately the first time. Fifty-three percent fewer noncompliance letters were mailed out in February 2014 compared to the year before—53 percent fewer. That means the people who are supposed to be paying are paying. We have fewer requests for administrative hearings due to noncompliance with child support. In January, there were 151 such hearings; today there are 51 such hearings.
That’s excellent news for the women of this state who take care of these children. That’s excellent news for the fathers of this state who are paying for their children in a much more positive way. I would like to congratulate the Office of Child Support for their hard work on this.
Senator Young’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, I’d like to start with a quote: “Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.” Mr. President, I rise today to register my opposition to the Speaker of the House Jase Bolger’s demands of cash in exchange for a vote on the Detroit bankruptcy settlement, because it’s flat-out wrong. I’d like to begin with another quote from MLive.com : “‘I think it’s entirely reasonable to expect the unions to give back to the very people they profited from,’ Bolger said.”
Mr. Speaker, are you serious? Are you for real? We have, at long last, an agreement on some of the most sensitive parts of the Detroit bankruptcy proceedings—pensions; or at least, they are working toward an agreement. And you have now decided to muck it up at the eleventh hour with your demands for money in exchange for a vote. There’s a word for that, Mr. Speaker; it’s called extortion, and there are words for your actions; absolutely shameful. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If you’re not ashamed, I certainly am for you.
Here you are, Mr. Speaker, inserting your own anti-middle-class vendetta into a carefully-negotiated settlement deal. This plan is a joke wrapped in a humiliation, submerged in an embarrassment. Fourteen unions reached deals with the city yesterday. The district judge heading the mediation team in charge of negotiating the deal said city unions played a “very productive and constructive role in the success of the negotiations.” But you think you know better than them.
Clearly, you are aren’t content with the retired workers on fixed incomes taking cuts to their pensions—taking more cuts because you taxed their pensions—and their health benefits. Then, you busted the union with this right-to-freeload law. Now you want to bleed the unions dry even more.
I’m sure, Mr. Speaker, it never crossed your mind that asking for massive amounts of money from labor unions could possibly benefit your party in an election year. I’d like to remind you that your demands would delay the settlement of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, which was filed illegally and unconstitutionally, because the emergency manager is illegal and a disgrace and the biggest threat to democracy of my generation and probably of my lifetime. You ought to be ashamed about that, too, Mr. President, but we’re moving on.
This deal protects workers while holding accountable the bondholders who knowingly made predatory loans to a cash-strapped city. Oh, I’m telling the truth today. Instead of asking them for money, you’re asking the unions. I shouldn’t be surprised, Mr. Speaker. After all, it was with your enthusiastic support that large corporations received billions in tax breaks. You know, let me say that one more time: support that large corporations received billions in tax breaks, requiring cuts to education and increased taxes on seniors and families to balance the state budget.
Yet there was never talk of asking the wealthy corporate interests reaping the benefits of GOP-backed largesse to cut checks for the state coffers. Speaker Bolger, if you and your colleagues are really committed to seeing Detroit successfully exit Chapter 9 bankruptcy and continue its rebirth into one of the state’s cornerstone cities, you ought to put this shameful politicking aside. But then again, Mr. Speaker, you are the man who backed Mitt “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt” Romney.
Senator Colbeck’s statement is as follows:
I want to continue the discussion of the Smarter Balanced Assessment, specifically addressing an accusation that the amendment that was offered in the Appropriations Committee was a carve-out. As a member of the Senate education policy committee and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have had kind of a unique perspective on this discussion over what assessment program we should be pursuing as a state. I just want to make sure, for the record, that everybody understands that the amendment that was offered was not a carve-out. It was a superset of all the assessments that I have heard and all the testimony that we heard in those various committee hearings that I organized into a nice little spreadsheet here. I broke it out organization by organization and put together my best cut, at a least common denominator, of those requirements.
So to go off and make an intonation that the amendment was a carve-out, I take offense at that remark, and I want to make sure that everybody understands that we’re ultimately interested in the best tool for our students across the board. If there is a carve-out that is being done in regard to our assessment right now, it is from the Michigan Department of Education.
As a member of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, reverse engineering their evaluation spec, based on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, that kind of behavior should not be supported. Without further ado, I hope that we have a factual-based discussion on what requirements should be in or not be in our assessments going forward for our students and for our teachers. We should not jump to conclusions that are in error.
Committee Reports
The Committee on Appropriations reported
Senate Bill No. 760, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of agriculture and rural development for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Gregory and Hopgood
Nays: None
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. 765, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker and Hopgood
Nays: None
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. 770, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of insurance and financial services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: Senator Hood
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. 772, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory and Hopgood
Nays: None
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. 775, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 17b (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1617b), section 11 as amended by 2013 PA 97 and section 17b as amended by 2007 PA 137.
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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: Senators Anderson, Gregory, Hood and Hopgood
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 Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 2:05 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Kahn (C), Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory, Hood and Hopgood
Excused: Senator Johnson
The Committee on Health Policy reported
Senate Bill No. 880, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 18223 (MCL 333.18223), as amended by 2010 PA 121.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
James A. Marleau
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Marleau, Emmons, Hune, Jones, Schuitmaker, Warren, Johnson and Ananich
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Health Policy submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Marleau (C), Robertson, Emmons, Hune, Jones, Schuitmaker, Warren, Johnson and Ananich
The Committee on Appropriations reported
Senate Bill No. 762, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 201 and 201a (MCL 388.1801 and 388.1801a), as amended by 2013 PA 60.
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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: None
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. 768, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 236 and 236a (MCL 388.1836 and 388.1836a), as amended by 2013 PA 60.
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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: Senator Caswell
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. 769, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of human services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: None
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. 776, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of state police for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory and Hopgood
Nays: None
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. 777, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
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 Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 1:05 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Kahn (C), Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory, Hood, Hopgood and Johnson
The Committee on Appropriations reported
Senate Bill No. 763, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of community health for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory and Hopgood
Nays: Senator Colbeck
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. 764, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Walker, Anderson, Gregory, Hood, Hopgood and Johnson
Nays: None
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. 766, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of environmental quality for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory, Hopgood and Johnson
Nays: None
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. 767, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the legislature, the judiciary, the executive, the department of attorney general, the department of state, the department of treasury, the department of technology, management, and budget, the department of civil service, the department of civil rights, and certain state purposes related thereto for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; to provide for the disposition of fees and other income received by the state agencies; and to declare the effect of this act.
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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: Senators Green, Gregory, Hopgood and Johnson
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. 771, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the judiciary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: None
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. 773, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of military and veterans affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker and Walker
Nays: None
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. 774, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of natural resources for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 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.
Roger Kahn, M.D.
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Kahn, Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory and Hopgood
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 Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 11:32 a.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Kahn (C), Moolenaar, Jansen, Pappageorge, Booher, Caswell, Colbeck, Green, Proos, Schuitmaker, Walker, Anderson, Gregory, Hood, Hopgood and Johnson
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 8:30 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building
Present: Senators Casperson (C), Pavlov, Green, Kowall, Meekhof and Warren
Excused: Senator Hood
Scheduled Meetings
Administrative Rules - Wednesday, May 14, 3:30 p.m. or later after committees are given leave to meet, Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-5773)
Appropriations - Wednesday, April 30, 2:00 p.m., Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-1760)
Families, Seniors and Human Services - Wednesday, April 30, 3:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5323)
Finance - Wednesday, April 30, 12:30 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5307)
Health Policy - Thursday, May 1, 2:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5323)
Health Policy and House Health Policy - Wednesday, April 30, 3:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5323)
Judiciary - Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 a.m., Room 110, Farnum Building (373-5323)
Local Government and Elections - Wednesday, April 30, 3:00 p.m., Room 100, Farnum Building (373-5314)
Michigan Law Revision Commission - Tuesday, May 13, 9:00 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-0212)
Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes - Thursday, May 1, 9:00 a.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5314)
Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing - Wednesday, April 30, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-5307)
Regulatory Reform - Thursday, May 1, 1:00 p.m., Room 210, Farnum Building (373-5307)
Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 12:07 p.m.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
CAROL MOREY VIVENTI
Secretary of the Senate
588 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 589
590 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 591
592 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 593
594 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 595
596 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 597
598 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 599
600 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 601
602 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [April 29, 2014] [No. 37
No. 37] [April 29, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 603
604