No. 10

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

JOURNAL

OF THE

House  of  Representatives

 

100th  Legislature

REGULAR  SESSION  OF  2020

 

 

 

 

House Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

 

6:00 p.m.

 

The House was called to order by the Speaker.

 

The roll was called by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who announced that a quorum was present.

 

 

Afendoulis—present       Filler—present              Jones—present             Reilly—present

Albert—present             Frederick—present        Kahle—present             Rendon—present

Alexander—present        Garrett—present           Kennedy—present        Robinson—present

Allor—present               Garza—present             Koleszar—present         Sabo—present

Anthony—present          Gay-Dagnogo—present Kuppa—present            Schroeder—present

Bellino—present            Glenn—present             LaFave—present           Shannon—present

Berman—present           Green—present             LaGrand—present         Sheppard—present

Bolden—present            Greig—present             Lasinski—present         Slagh—present

Bollin—present              Griffin—present           Leutheuser—present     Sneller—present

Brann—present              Guerra—present           Liberati—present          Sowerby—present

Brixie—present              Haadsma—present        Lightner—present         Stone—present

Byrd—present               Hall—present               Lilly—present              Tate—present

Calley—present             Hammoud—present      Love—present              VanSingel—present

Cambensy—present        Hauck—present            Lower—present            VanWoerkom—present

Camilleri—present         Hernandez—present      Maddock—present        Vaupel—present

Carter, B.—present         Hertel—present            Manoogian—present     Wakeman—present

Carter, T.—present         Hoadley—present         Marino—present           Warren—present

Chatfield—present         Hoitenga—present        Markkanen—present     Webber—present

Cherry—present             Hood—present             Meerman—present        Wendzel—present

Chirkun—present           Hope—present             Miller—present            Wentworth—present

Clemente—present         Hornberger—present     Mueller—present          Whiteford—present

Cole—present                Howell—present           O’Malley—present       Whitsett—present

Coleman—present          Huizenga—present        Pagan—excused           Wittenberg—present

Crawford—present         Iden—present               Paquette—present         Witwer—present

Eisen—present               Inman—present            Peterson—present         Wozniak—present

Elder—present               Johnson, C.—present     Pohutsky—present        Yancey—present

Ellison—present            Johnson, S.—present     Rabhi—present             Yaroch—present

Farrington—present                                                                               

 

 

e/d/s = entered during session

Dr. Mark Barclay, Pastor of Living Word Church in Midland, offered the following invocation:

 

“Heavenly Father,

Thank You for each of these great servants here today who are willing and obediaent to the call on their life, whom, in Your providence, You have chosen to help govern our great state, and to help serve and protect the great citizens and resident of Michigan.

I pray today for a special anointing to be upon each of them. I pray for the wisdom of God to be evident in their lives and in their sessions.

I pray for safety and divine protection over them and their families, and I thank You for their sacrifice.

I pray for health and strength in their bodies. I pray for peace in their hearts and that they will always be sharp and clear-minded. I pray that You will always guide their steps into proper decisions, and that they will be able to stand strong by their convictions and beliefs and ultimately be able to support the Constitution of the state of Michigan and the United States Constitution.

I pray that this very important day will be a powerful day for them and that they will accomplish much as they do their work under Your eye and under the shadow of Your wing. Amen.

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Cole moved that Rep. Pagan be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Motions and Resolutions

 

 

Rep. Cole moved that Rule 41(4) be suspended.

The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor.

 

 

Rep. Cole moved that a special committee of four members be appointed to notify the Senate that the House was ready to meet the Senate in Joint Convention.

The motion prevailed.

The Speaker appointed as such committee Reps. Calley, Leutheuser, Sowerby and Pohutsky.

 

 

______

 

 

The special committee to notify the Senate that the House was ready to meet in Joint Convention returned to the House along with the members of the Senate.

The committee, through its Chairperson, reported that it had performed the duty assigned it. The report was accepted and the committee discharged.

The Sergeant at Arms announced the members of the Senate, who were admitted and conducted to seats.

 

 

Joint Convention

 

 

6:30 o’clock p.m.

The Joint Convention was called to order by the President of the Joint Convention, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.

 

 

Rev. Dr. Hurley J. Coleman, Jr., Pastor of World Outreach Campus Church in Saginaw, offered the following invocation:

 

“O gracious and mighty God, in Whose hands the earth and world was formed, we are compelled to invite Your presence into these proceedings.

We are thankful for the grace given for our life and times; for our leaders, our people and places. It is by Your grace, and not of our own doing that we are blessed to be here.

We pray this night; as we stand together and pray for this awesome aggregation of leaders from throughout this state, our Governor, our Justices, our Legislators, and our administrators, and the citizens of this great state.

We pray for wisdom and guidance for our Governor, as she leads this state.

We pray that the weight of wisdom adorn our Justices.

We pray that an atmosphere of reverence cover the chambers of legislation that will bring a unity of purpose.

We pray for those persons who will operate in administrative capacities throughout this great state, that they would serve the citizens with grace, compassion, and equanimity.

This is a season of great activity. This year, 2020 should be a year of perfect vision; a year when we are serious about dealing with the serious issues of this state.

We pray for willingness to find ways to serve this state and this people.

Serve our history by building upon the foundations of life, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.

Serve our present with the virtue of action on the things that affect our mobility, our interactions, our communities; policies and practices that cause us to grow and succeed.

Serve our future with perfect vision for educating our children, providing for economic sustainability for all, and ensuring a healthy environment.

And finally, to serve each other by allowing for diversity without diversion, for conversation without conflict, and valuing vision without division.

We pray that our leaders will find ways to bring together the resources and energies from the far reaches of this Great State, surrounded by the power of the Great Lakes, and filled with Great People.

And, that those resources and energies be activated, for purpose, in the virtuous pursuit of constructive action for the betterment of all people.

This is our prayer, this is our faith, and this is our confidence in You Who have made us, our God, and our Father. Amen.”

 

 

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

 

The roll of the House was called by the Clerk, who announced that a quorum of the House was present.

 

The President of the Joint Convention announced that the two Houses had met in Joint Convention to receive the message of the Governor.

 

Representative Cole moved that a special committee, consisting of two Representatives and two Senators, be appointed to invite and escort the State Officers to the Joint Convention.

The motion prevailed.

The President of the Joint Convention named as such committee Representatives Lightner and Chirkun, and Senators MacDonald and Chang.

 

The Sergeant at Arms announced the special committee appointed to invite the State Officers to be present at the Joint Convention.

The State Officers, escorted by the committee, were conducted to seats.

 

Senator MacGregor moved that a special committee, consisting of two Representatives and two Senators, be appointed to invite and escort the Judges of the Court of Appeals to the Joint Convention.

The motion prevailed.

The President of the Joint Convention named as such committee Representatives VanWoerkom and Yancey, and Senators LaSata and Bullock.

 

The Sergeant at Arms announced the special committee appointed to invite the Judges of the Court of Appeals to be present at the Joint Convention.

The Judges of the Court of Appeals, escorted by the committee, were conducted to seats.

 

Representative Cole moved that a special committee, consisting of two Representatives and two Senators, be appointed to invite and escort the Justices of the Supreme Court to the Joint Convention.

The motion prevailed.

The President of the Joint Convention named as such committee Representatives Marino and Hood, and Senators Nesbitt and Polehanki.

 

The Sergeant at Arms announced the special committee appointed to invite the Justices of the Supreme Court to be present at the Joint Convention.

The Justices of the Supreme Court, escorted by the committee, were conducted to seats.

 

Senator MacGregor moved that a special committee, consisting of four Representatives and four Senators, be appointed to invite and escort the Governor to the Joint Convention.

The motion prevailed.

The President of the Joint Convention named as such committee Representatives Wakeman, Griffin, Anthony and Liberati, and Senators Horn, Zorn, McMorrow and Irwin.

 

The Sergeant at Arms announced the special committee to wait on the Governor.

The Governor, escorted by the committee, was conducted to the rostrum.

The President of the Joint Convention then introduced Governor Whitmer who gave her message to the Joint Convention as follows:

 

 

Governor Whitmer:

I. Introduction

Thank you.

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist; Speaker Chatfield; Leader Greig; Majority Leader Shirkey; Leader Ananich; members of my cabinet; members of the bench; and all those who serve our state: thank you.

I must say, everyone is looking fantastic tonight. But, this year, I want to get one thing straight: This is NOT the red carpet.

Please, I urge you, focus on the substance of my speech. It’s about issues, not appearances. I don’t care how distracting Senator Shirkey’s outfit is—cut him a break.

Tonight, I have the honor of speaking both on behalf of the people of Michigan—and directly to the people of Michigan. So, whether you are watching from home or you are in this room: welcome. I’m glad you’re here.  

I’m especially pleased my family is here, Marc, Sherry and Sydney.

I also want to acknowledge the dedicated Michigan Army and Air National Guard members who are serving overseas. As they represent our state and defend our country, we owe them our deepest gratitude.

Two of our brave servicemembers are here tonight—Colonel Alice Clark and Chief Warrant Officer Amber Burgess, thank you for your service.

And there is another person who isn’t with us but who is here in spirit.

Governor Bill Milliken. He didn’t just leave a legacy. He lived a legacy.  The reason is simple: Governor Milliken brought people together. He was a “passionate moderate”—back when that wasn’t an oxymoron. He knew the real enemy wasn’t on the other side of the aisle. The real enemy was doing nothing.

In the governor’s memory and overlooking the waters he fought so hard to protect, we will break ground on the Milliken visitors center at arch rock on Mackinac island this year. His son Bill Milliken Jr. is with us tonight.

II. A generation of doers

Governor Milliken’s commitment to action is still relevant today. Especially today.

If you don’t believe me, ask our kids. Ask [13]-year-old Monte Scott, [who is sitting right up there with his mom, Trinell].

Monte lives in Muskegon Heights, and his neighborhood was plagued by potholes.

The potholes were almost ankle-deep. And after some expensive repair bills on his mom’s car, he got tired of waiting for the adults in charge to fix them.

So Monte took action. To the delight of his neighbors, and his mom, he grabbed dirt and a shovel from his backyard and filled them himself.

When I met Monte, he told me his dream is to go to college and to run for mayor. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s giving the State of the State one day.

Monte’s generation is a generation of doers. And they want to do good.

They inspire me. And we, the adults in charge, should do everything we can to build a better future for them.

Over the past year, we’ve made some good progress.

After 6 straight years of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation, we passed historic legislation… bipartisan legislation that puts money back in people’s pockets and brings down the cost of car insurance. We preserved quality-coverage options, strengthened consumer protections, and most importantly, ensured an average rate reduction for the next eight years.

This has already resulted in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association lowering its fees—which will save drivers at least $120 per car this year.

That’s progress.

Also last year, with Secretary of State Benson, we launched redistricting efforts to strengthen our democracy, and make our elections more fair. And with Attorney General Nessel’s leadership, we’re holding drug companies that profited from peddling opioids, and corporate polluters that put harmful PFAS into our water, accountable.

We’ve made meaningful criminal justice reforms, too. We have a new law that will raise the age for juvenile offenders from 17 to 18. And last year, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and Chief Justice McCormack co-chaired a bipartisan task force focused on county jails that will help us make real reforms in our criminal justice system. And by the way, last year, Garlin became the first African American lieutenant governor in our state’s history to sign a bill into law.

It’s been a year of firsts.

We created and named the first Clean Water Public Advocate and created the Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

The first pride flag flew over the governor’s residence and the Romney building. I also hosted the first Diwali celebration and Ramadan dinner at the residence.

These firsts honor the beautiful diversity that is Michigan.

Unfortunately, we’ve also seen an uptick in hateful, harmful language in Michigan and across the country.

A lot of it starts in Washington, D.C., and now it feels like it’s working its way to Lansing.

Whether it’s misogyny in the workplace or threats of violence online, this is unacceptable.

Let’s debate. Let’s disagree. But then let’s all live up to our responsibility to stand up to hate and harassment.

Remember, our children are watching. 

In Michigan, diversity is our strength. Doing is our strength.

III. Do something

So, my friends, what are we going to do in 2020?

Well, I say let’s take our cue from Monte… and dig right in.

Anyone watching the national political debate has heard a lot of talk about plans.  

Well, when it comes to tackling Michigan’s challenges, I’ve got a Plan A and a Plan B.

Plan A was simple—it was in my budget last year.  

When I spoke to you then, I told you that I was rolling up my sleeves and ready to work with anyone who’s interested in solving problems.

I still am. But we can’t afford to wait.

Over this last year, I made tough decisions that didn’t make some of my friends happy. It was not easy. But leadership requires tough choices. Leadership means coming together around a significant problem, and working together. And sometimes we don’t make our friends happy. I had hoped that legislative Republicans would follow suit on other tough issues in order to move Michigan forward together. They haven’t.... But I’m still hopeful.

Michiganders are hardworking people. They expect results. They deserve leaders who will work hard… and get things done. They won’t accept excuses, and neither will I.

I am not here to play games.

That’s why it’s time for Plan B.  

For those of you who want to keep playing games, I’m going to press on without you. I’m going to use the power of my office to do what I said I was going to do.  

Because for me… for Michigan… IMpatience is a virtue.

No more waiting around to fix our roads. Or improve our schools. Or strengthen our families. 

The people of Michigan are counting on us.

It’s time to act.

And it starts here. In this room.

Tonight’s speech will be shorter than usual.

Believe me, the people of Michigan don’t want more ceremony, they want concrete action. And sometimes, they just want concrete.

I’ll follow up with more on a variety of topics, including critical issues like drinking water and climate change, throughout the year.

Water is one of Michigan’s greatest and most urgent challenges because it touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Recent headlines about PFAS and record Great Lakes water levels and their impact on tourism, agriculture and infrastructure speak to the magnitude and the urgency of the challenge ahead.

You’ll hear a lot more about this in the coming weeks.

Tonight, I’m going to focus on roads, education, jobs, and health care.

IV. Do something on our infrastructure

I’ve spoken about building metaphorical bridges between our two political parties. But, disappointingly, political gridlock prevailed. And we’ve had to literally close bridges.

Last year, I proposed a real solution that would have fixed our roads by 2030 and freed up funds for education spending. That was Plan A.  

It was a serious solution. It was a real solution. An honest solution to problems we inherited.  

But some thought otherwise. Let’s just say it wasn’t warmly embraced.

But I’m not giving up.

Because the problem remains. In fact, it’s worse because another year has passed. Michigan roads are among the most beat up and dangerous in the country.

Michigan families pay more than $600 a year in car repairs. Cracked windshields, blown tires, busted rims.

That’s money that could go into to your child care budget. Or your retirement fund. Or rent.

And it’s also bad for business.

We can’t ask businesses to invest in Michigan if we refuse to invest in ourselves.

And we can’t protect public safety if our roads put our people in danger.

INaction is not an option.

When I introduced my proposal, I said I was happy to consider alternative solutions. But no one came up with any—at least not serious ones.

Diverting money from the teacher pension system to fill some potholes… come on.  

Selling bridges… not serious.  

And letting roads turn back into gravel… I don’t think so.  

Any proposal that creates more problems than it solves is NOT a serious solution.  

So, it’s time for Plan B: executive action.

Tomorrow, I will ask the State Transportation Commission to issue state road bonds, so we can start fixing the roads now.  

My Rebuilding Michigan plan is financed without an increase at the gas pump, and it will do three things: save time, save money, and save lives.  

Since it doesn’t require the legislature to act, we can get started right away. That’s important. Cutting down on the time we take to repair Michigan’s most frequently travelled trunklines and state roads is fiscally responsible.

We can add and expand 122 major new projects and nearly double the amount available to fix roads over the next 5 years than if we wait. We can get to work on these state trunkline roads and freeways and take advantage of today’s low interest rates.

Over the long haul, we’ll actually SAVE money. It just makes sense.

So, from now on, when you see orange barrels on a STATE ROAD: slow down, and know that it’s this Administration, fixing the damn roads.

But let me be clear: these new projects will only address the worst of our most highly travelled state roads. We still need the legislature to come up with a real, long-term solution to fix the roads.

So next time you’re driving down your local street and hit a pothole or see a bridge closed—call up the leadership in this building and encourage THEM to act.

V. Do something on our economy

A long-term infrastructure fix isn’t the only solution the hardworking people of Michigan need.

Michigan has boasted 10 straight years of economic growth. But Michiganders aren’t all sharing in it. And at a time of historically low unemployment, many people are struggling to get ahead. Some are underskilled. Some are overworked. Some are underpaid.

We’re doing something about that.

Since I took office, we announced nearly 11,000 new auto jobs—that’s 5 times more than the previous year and it’s the most ever announced in a single year in the history of the MEDC.  

Our deal with Fiat Chrysler is one of the nation’s largest automotive assembly plant deals of the last decade. Adding over 6,000 jobs and generating $4.5 billion of investment. And for the first time in 30 years, the opening of a new assembly plant in Detroit.   

Our deal with Ford Motor Company will create 3,000 jobs, producing the first-ever fully electric F150, securing Michigan’s pole position in mobility innovation.

And just this week, we worked with GM to announce a more than $2.2 billion investment in their Detroit-Hamtramck Facility. This plant, previously on the closure list, will now add more than 2,000 new jobs for Michiganders.

We’re growing jobs outside of the auto industry, too.

My administration has continued work with the Canadian government on plans to construct the Gordie Howe International Bridge—a project that will create thousands of good-paying Michigan jobs, and spur economic growth in our state for years to come.

The Canadian Consul General Joe Comartin is here tonight. Please, join me in applauding our Canadian neighbors for financing this project and remaining a steadfast partner.

The truth is, plenty of Michiganders have a job. Many have to have more than one.

And 43 percent of our neighbors cannot afford basic expenses, like food and housing. That means on a block with 5 families, at least 2 of those families are barely getting by.

Michiganders need stability. And better pay so we can save more. We should be able to take time off when our kids are born and afford childcare when we’re ready to go back to work. We need employers who will invest in a strong workforce.

Take overtime protections.  

When I was growing up, if you worked more than 40 hours a week, you were paid overtime. It was that simple. It should still be that simple.  

If you’re working extra hours—sacrificing time with your loved ones on behalf of your employer—you deserve to get paid for that.

Right now, only workers making $35,000 or less have overtime rights. That threshold is too low. As it stands, only 1 in 6 salaried workers in Michigan benefits.

So, I’ve directed the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to expand the right to overtime pay to tens of thousands of Michigan workers.

If you’re on the clock, you deserve to get paid.

We’re also cracking down on companies that misclassify their employees to shortchange them on payday— that’s called payroll fraud. And it’s illegal.

While most of our employers do right by their employees—there are some that don’t. I am determined to make sure the hardworking people of Michigan are respected.

VI. Do something on our education

Protecting our workforce is one step, preparing our workforce is another.

And that starts with our kids.

Michigan ranks in the bottom 10 states for overall literacy. We’re doing something about that, too.

This year, we’re doubling down on the commitment to invest in early literacy. We’re working to make pre‑k universal for kids living in districts where test scores are low or poverty is high. And we’re providing better access to child care for parents who are in school or working full-time.

Then, once kids reach school age, we’re making sure they can get the reading help they need. We’ve already tripled the number of literacy coaches in the state. The next step is to have literacy coaches train educators to better identify and support struggling readers. You’ll hear more about this in the budget next week.

We’re also partnering with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Skillman Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, and others to help families navigate the Third Grade Reading Laws signed by my predecessor. This punitive law could be a nightmare for families, and this initiative will give parents and students the resources and support they need to get through it.

We can get ahead of this problem if we start early.

But our work cannot stop with early literacy. All Michigan students should have the opportunity to go to properly funded schools. 

The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Any teacher can tell you, every student has potential, but their needs are often different.  

This year, together we moved toward an equitable funding formula.

Equitable funding is essential to meeting the needs of our at-risk students and students with special needs. Ensuring that every child gets the skills to graduate and succeed in our workforce.

While we’re talking about skills…

In 2019, I set an ambitious goal to increase the number of Michiganders with a post-secondary credential to 60% by 2030.

To get there, there’s bipartisan legislation called Michigan Reconnect, that will provide tuition-free skills training and degree programs for adults.

To the champions of these bills, Senators Horn and Ananich, Representatives Frederick, Kennedy, and Anthony: thank you.

Now, let’s get this proposal passed.  

Our business community supports Michigan Reconnect. And here’s why: We have over one hundred thousand in-demand jobs to fill. These are good paying jobs—jobs in construction, IT, and advanced manufacturing. But they demand specialized skills training.

Meeting our goal and filling these jobs depends on more than just passing a bill. It depends on our young people.

So, to Michigan’s high school seniors, including my own kids—I have two words: Keep going. Make a plan for after high school. Find a program that’s a good fit for you—whether it’s a union apprenticeship, a community college, or a university.

And please, Class of 2020, fill out your FAFSA financial aid form.

It unlocks the Pell Grant and additional federal and state financial aid.

Last year, Michigan students left $100 million in federal financial aid on the table.  

We can’t make that mistake again. So I’ve launched the “Governor’s FAFSA Challenge.” The high schools in Michigan with the highest completion rates can earn prizes, and the top school will take home $10,000.

So parents and counselors, tell your students. Students, tell your friends. Filling out this form is important for your future. Everyone deserves a path to postsecondary success.

VII. Do something on our healthcare

And everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care.

In 2014, we expanded Medicaid to cover more than 600,000 Michiganders.

But more must be done. Many residents lack access to affordable healthcare. Either they don’t have insurance at all… or the costs are so high, they can’t get the care they need.

You would think that Washington would be trying to figure out how to improve the Affordable Care Act, instead of using our court system to kill it.

Dismantling the ACA would be disastrous for our state and devastating for our people.

One of the most important ACA provisions prohibits an insurance company from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Without that provision, the coverage of millions in our state could be at risk.

We need to enshrine these protections for Michiganders. Some Democrats in the legislature, including Representatives Kuppa, Hoadley, and Koleszar have come up with a proposal. And it’s a good one.

Like protecting people with pre-existing conditions, and preventing insurance companies from discrimination.

But we need the support of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. I urge the lawmakers here tonight to think about your constituents. Think about any woman who has given birth, any child with asthma, or anyone with a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Pass these protections. It’s the right thing to do.

We need to prevent health crises, too.

And on that front, we’ve made a lot of progress.

We’ve helped more people struggling with substance use disorders and mental health issues get the support they need. I signed bipartisan legislation that protects more than 83,000 Michigan residents’ access to mental health services.

And we’re helping Michiganders struggling with opioid use disorder. Opioid deaths in our state have nearly tripled in the last decade. I set a goal and harnessed resources to cut the number of opioid deaths in half over the next five years.

In the coming months, I will create a task force that will focus on prescription drug transparency and lowering costs. Because if you can’t afford to fill a prescription, you could wind up in the ER… or worse.

And my administration is working to ensure a safe, healthy environment for all new moms, especially moms of color.

This year, my budget proposal will extend health coverage for low-income women who have had babies.

We will extend postpartum care from 60 days to one full year after giving birth, and move up a woman’s first postpartum visit to within three weeks, with a comprehensive visit within 12 weeks. This will help new moms heal, and work through postpartum depression and anxiety after giving birth.

We’ll let a woman choose birth control that works for her. A novel idea, I know—we’re going to ask a woman what she wants, ensure she can get it in one visit, and provide coverage for it.

We’ll increase access to treatment for substance addiction and mental health services that work for moms.

And expand access to home visiting programs.

This will make a crucial difference for new moms. And we’ll make an intensive effort to eliminate the disparities in care—for new moms of color especially. Because right now, black women are 3 times more likely than white women to die of pregnancy-related causes.

This is a staggering disparity. So I’m working with Michigan’s medical community to address it. I’ve enlisted the help of the CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, Dr. Audrey Gregory, and I’ve asked our medical partners and universities to incorporate implicit bias training into their curriculum. So that as people of color seek health care, they’ll be treated with equal dignity and respect, which will yield better outcomes. Dr. Randolph Rasch, Dean of the Michigan State University College of Nursing, who is here tonight, will head up this effort.

We need our medical professionals, and our future doctors and nurses, to be aware of bias and root it out. So we can promote equity in outcomes for every mom and every baby.

So here’s the bottom line: the health of our state is only as good as the health of our residents.

VIII. Conclusion

I want to end where I began …

IMpatience is a virtue.

Sure, it’s good to be patient when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store … or on the phone with customer service … or … when you’re a Lions fan.

But not now. Not when people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake.

Not here, in a state that faces challenges from pocketbooks to potholes … where our road conditions prove that WAITING to actonly makes things worse.

In 2020 … in Michigan … we can afford to be a little impatient. We need to be a little impatient.

In the blink of an eye, my daughters will be off to college and then joining the workforce. Same goes for Monte. For ALL our kids.

Let’s fight for them, not with each other.

Let’s show them what’s possible.

The people of Michigan are on the move. And it’s time for Lansing to catch up.

It’s time for action.

Let’s get to work.

Let’s move some dirt.”

 

 

The business of the Joint Convention having been completed, the Governor, the Justices of the Supreme Court, the Judges of the Court of Appeals and the State Officers withdrew.

 

Representative Cole moved that the Joint Convention adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 7:44 o’clock p.m.

 

The Lt. Governor and members of the Senate retired.

 

The Speaker announced that the House of Representatives and Senate had met in Joint Convention and had listened to the message of the Governor.

 

 

Announcement by the Clerk of Printing and Enrollment

 

 

The Clerk announced that the following bills had been reproduced and made available electronically on Tuesday, January 28:

House Bill Nos.     5411   5412   5413   5414 5415   5416   5417   5418   5419 5420   5421   5422 5423       5424        5425

 

The Clerk announced that the following Senate bill had been received on Wednesday, January 29:

Senate Bill No.       711

 

The Clerk announced that the following bills had been reproduced and made available electronically on Wednesday, January 29:

Senate Bill Nos.     760    761    762

 

 

Messages from the Senate

 

 

House Bill No. 4126, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 IL 1, entitled “Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act,” by amending section 8 (MCL 333.27958).

The Senate has substituted (S-2) the bill.

The Senate has passed the bill as substituted (S-2) by a 3/4 vote, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

House Bill No. 4127, entitled

A bill to amend 2016 PA 281, entitled “Medical marihuana facilities licensing act,” by amending section 206 (MCL 333.27206), as amended by 2018 PA 648.

The Senate has substituted (S-2) the bill.

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

The Speaker announced that pursuant to Rule 42, the bill was laid over one day.

 

 

Announcements by the Clerk

 

 

January 29, 2020

Received from the Auditor General a copy of the:

·         Performance audit on IT Equipment Surplus and Salvage, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (071-0515-19), January 2020.

                                                                                       Gary L. Randall

                                                                                       Clerk of the House

 

 

______

 

 

Rep. Bolden moved that the House adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 7:55 p.m.

 

The Speaker declared the House adjourned until Thursday, January 30, at 12:00 Noon.

 

 

GARY L. RANDALL

Clerk of the House of Representatives