house resolution no.127

Reps. Gay-Dagnogo, Rabhi, Camilleri, Anthony, Tate, Guerra, Manoogian, Tyrone Carter, Shannon, Liberati, Hammoud, Wittenberg, Garza, Kennedy, Cynthia Johnson, Yancey, Hood, Stone, Pohutsky, Ellison, LaGrand, Warren, Lasinski, Brenda Carter and Jones offered the following resolution:

A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to develop and improve trade relations with Cuba and to study and report on economic opportunities with Cuba.

Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives clearly recognizes the need to develop and foster all beneficial economic opportunities for the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Global production and distribution channels are of the utmost importance to consumers and producers and bolster state and national economies. In 2017, thousands of Michigan businesses exported $59.8 billion in goods to other countries. These exports supported 271,337 jobs in Michigan and the rest of the country in 2016; and

Whereas, International trade opportunities routinely change in conjunction with economic globalization, evolutions in technology, and shifting political situations. It is necessary to explore and cultivate new international economic opportunities whenever they arise; and

Whereas, Michigan has many established and burgeoning industries, particularly in the agricultural sector, which would benefit from improved relations with Cuba. Cuba's more than 11 million consumers have been closed off to American producers for decades. A relationship between Michigan and Cuba would be mutually beneficial and foster economic growth and job creation for both parties; and

Whereas, The United States has taken steps in recent years to rebuild trade relations with Cuba by addressing long-standing regulations and restrictions imposed on Cuban trade, travel, carrier services, telecommunications, and financial industries. The full benefit to Michigan and the rest of the country will only occur with the continuance of these efforts to ease sanctions and trade barriers; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to develop and improve trade relations with Cuba; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge Congress to conduct a study analyzing economic opportunities relative to Cuba and publicly report on the findings of the study upon its completion; 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, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.