STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
101st Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2021
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, February 18, 2021.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Lana Theis.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Alexander—present Hollier—present Outman—present
Ananich—present Horn—present Polehanki—present
Barrett—present Irwin—present Runestad—present
Bayer—present Johnson—present Santana—present
Bizon—present LaSata—present Schmidt—present
Brinks—present Lauwers—present Shirkey—present
Bullock—present MacDonald—present Stamas—present
Bumstead—present McBroom—present Theis—present
Chang—present McCann—present VanderWall—present
Daley—present McMorrow—excused Victory—present
Geiss—present Moss—present Wojno—present
Hertel—present Nesbitt—present Zorn—present
Senator Jim Stamas of the 36th District offered the following invocation:
Dear Lord, we thank You for this opportunity to be here today to serve the people of Michigan, to raise up Your name, and to glorify You—that You can continue to help us, give us guidance, and give us strength, Lord. We ask that You be with those who are in need and those who call out Your name. We ask for additional guidance for us and all that we do, that it is in Your name and for the people of Michigan.
Amen.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Theis, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang moved that Senator Ananich be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang moved that Senator McMorrow be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Nesbitt entered the Senate Chamber.
Senators Horn, Runestad, Wojno, MacDonald, VanderWall and Hollier introduced
A bill to create the Michigan first-time home buyer savings program; to provide for first-time home buyer savings accounts; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies, boards, and departments; to allow certain tax deductions; and to provide for penalties and remedies.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Runestad, Horn, Wojno, MacDonald, Zorn, VanderWall and Hollier introduced
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 30 (MCL 206.30), as amended by 2020 PA 65.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators McCann, Wojno, Polehanki, Moss, Irwin, Bayer, Bullock, Geiss, Chang, Ananich, Santana, Brinks, Hertel, Alexander and Hollier introduced
A bill to amend 1969 PA 306, entitled “Administrative procedures act of 1969,” by amending sections 32 and 45 (MCL 24.232 and 24.245), as amended by 2018 PA 602.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Oversight.
Senators Hollier, Polehanki, Moss, Alexander, Hertel, Wojno, Brinks, Chang, Geiss, Bullock, McCann, Bayer, Santana and Ananich introduced
A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations.
Senator Barrett introduced
A bill to amend 2006 PA 584, entitled “An act to authorize the department of natural resources to convey certain state owned property in Roscommon county and Crawford county; to prescribe conditions for the conveyance; and to provide for disposition of the revenue from the conveyance,” by amending sections 1, 3, and 4.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senators Barrett, Horn, Theis, Runestad, Daley, Victory, Zorn, LaSata, Shirkey, Bumstead, Stamas, VanderWall, McBroom, Outman and Johnson introduced
A bill to amend 1967 PA 150, entitled “Michigan military act,” by amending section 151 (MCL 32.551), as amended by 2016 PA 311.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans.
Senators Santana, Wojno, Irwin, Brinks, McCann, Chang, Geiss, Moss and Hollier introduced
A bill to require that the pre-incarceration address of incarcerated individuals be reported when providing information for voting district population counts; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
Senator McBroom introduced
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 40111 (MCL 324.40111), as amended by 2018 PA 272.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senators Brinks, Ananich, Wojno, Polehanki, Santana, Geiss, McCann, Chang, Moss, Bayer, Bullock, Alexander, Irwin and Hertel introduced
A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending sections 4 and 21 (MCL 205.94 and 205.111), section 4 as amended by 2018 PA 679 and section 21 as amended by 2020 PA 30.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators McMorrow, Brinks, Wojno, Polehanki, Santana, Geiss, McCann, Chang, Moss, Bayer, Ananich, Bullock, Alexander, Irwin and Hertel introduced
A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending sections 4a and 25 (MCL 205.54a and 205.75), section 4a as amended by 2018 PA 673 and section 25 as amended by 2020 PA 29.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Daley, Lauwers, Nesbitt, Theis, Horn and Bizon introduced
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 17703, 17708, 17751, and 17757 (MCL 333.17703, 333.17708, 333.17751, and 333.17757), section 17703 as amended by 2016 PA 528, section 17708 as amended by 2020 PA 4, section 17751 as amended by 2020 PA 136, and section 17757 as amended by 2016 PA 383, and by adding section 17744f.
The
bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on
Health Policy and Human Services.
Senators Daley, Lauwers, Nesbitt, Theis, Horn and Bizon introduced
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 3406o (MCL 500.3406o), as amended by 2016 PA 276, and by adding section 3406v.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy and Human Services.
Senators Bizon and Hollier introduced
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 16103, 16181, 16303, 16323, and 20950 (MCL 333.16103, 333.16181, 333.16303, 333.16323, and 333.20950), section 16103 as amended by 1993 PA 80, section 16181 as amended by 2014 PA 148, section 16303 as added by 1988 PA 462, section 16323 as amended by 2018 PA 463, and section 20950 as amended by 2013 PA 165, and by adding section 16186a.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans.
Senators Hollier and Bizon introduced
A bill to amend 1980 PA 299, entitled “Occupational code,” by amending sections 103, 104, 105, 213, and 2404b (MCL 339.103, 339.104, 339.105, 339.213, and 339.2404b), section 103 as amended by 1994 PA 257, section 104 as amended by 2016 PA 412, section 105 as amended by 2016 PA 502, section 213 as amended by 2014 PA 149, and section 2404b as amended by 2014 PA 175, and by adding section 217.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans.
Senators Ananich and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Daley entered the Senate Chamber.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 46, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” (MCL 211.1 to 211.155) by adding section 9p.
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. 12 Yeas—20
Barrett Johnson Nesbitt Stamas
Bizon LaSata Outman Theis
Bumstead Lauwers Runestad VanderWall
Daley MacDonald Schmidt Victory
Horn McBroom Shirkey Zorn
Nays—15
Alexander Bullock Hollier Polehanki
Ananich Chang Irwin Santana
Bayer Geiss McCann Wojno
Brinks Hertel Moss
Excused—1
McMorrow
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Theis
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 100, 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 13a (MCL 722.123a), as added by 2020 PA 8.
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. 13 Yeas—35
Alexander Daley MacDonald Schmidt
Ananich Geiss McBroom Shirkey
Barrett Hertel McCann Stamas
Bayer Hollier Moss Theis
Bizon Horn Nesbitt VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Outman Victory
Bullock Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Runestad Zorn
Chang Lauwers Santana
Nays—0
Excused—1
McMorrow
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Theis
The Senate agreed to the title of the
bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 18, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 17801 (MCL 333.17801), as amended by 2009 PA 55, and by adding sections 16188, 17820a, and 17820b.
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. 14 Yeas—25
Barrett Horn Nesbitt Stamas
Bizon Johnson Outman Theis
Brinks LaSata Runestad VanderWall
Bumstead Lauwers Santana Victory
Daley MacDonald Schmidt Wojno
Hertel McBroom Shirkey Zorn
Hollier
Nays—10
Alexander Bullock Irwin Moss
Ananich Chang McCann Polehanki
Bayer Geiss
Excused—1
McMorrow
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: Theis
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
Resolutions
Senators Johnson, Theis, LaSata, Nesbitt, Polehanki, Bizon, Victory, Barrett, Zorn, Runestad, Bumstead, Daley, Lauwers, MacDonald, McBroom, VanderWall, Chang, Moss, Brinks, Bayer, Geiss, Wojno, McCann, Alexander, Santana, Bullock, Stamas, Horn, Shirkey, Outman and Schmidt offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 14.
A resolution to recognize February 2021 as American Heart Month and February 5, 2021, as “Go Red for Women Day.”
Whereas, Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the United States; and
Whereas, About 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented; and
Whereas, Some risk factors including blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol, and the lack of regular physical activity, can all be controlled; and
Whereas, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement motivates women to learn about their family history and meet with a health care provider in order to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke; and
Whereas, “Go Red for Women Day” encourages women to take control of their heart health by understanding five life-changing numbers:
1. Total Cholesterol;
2. HDL (good) Cholesterol;
3. Blood Pressure;
4. Blood Sugar;
5. Body Mass Index (BMI); and
Whereas, The American Heart Association celebrates February 2021 as American Heart Month by promoting cardiovascular education, awareness, and by encouraging citizens to learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we recognize February 2021 as American Heart Month and February 5, 2021, as “Go Red for Women Day”; and be it further
Resolved, That we also recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular diseases and stroke by applauding the citizens across the country who wore red on February 5, 2021 to show their support for women’s health; and be it further
Resolved, That by increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, we can save thousands of lives each year.
Senator Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Johnson’s statement is as follows:
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the importance of heart health and ask for your support of Senate Resolution No. 14 which proclaims February 2021 as Heart Health Month in the state of Michigan.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States and 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented. It is also more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the various risk factors and how it can be prevented.
Go Red for Women is a movement to encourage and empower women to take control of their heart health and help raise awareness by encouraging those around them to learn the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. I ask my colleagues to join with me in raising awareness of the importance of heart health and support this resolution.
Senators McBroom and Bumstead offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 15.
Whereas, Gray wolves in Michigan have been protected under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1974. At that time, gray wolves were in danger of going extinct and needed the special protection provided by the act to aid their recovery; and
Whereas, The federal government removed the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species list effective January 4, 2021. Gray wolves have made a remarkable recovery from near extinction. Michigan’s current gray wolf population of almost 700 wolves exceeds by over three times the number of wolves biologists consider necessary to maintain a healthy population in the state. Michigan’s wolf population has met all federal recovery goals for delisting both in terms of number of wolves and the stability of those numbers for many years; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan is now responsible for managing its gray wolf population, and Department of Natural Resources officials stated as recently as the summer of 2020 that their survey results show that Michigan’s wolf population has recovered. Wolves in Michigan achieved the minimum sustainable population goal of 200 wolves for five consecutive years in 2004 and have since surpassed state and federal population recovery goals for nearly 20 years; and
Whereas, A managed wolf hunt in the state is a viable means of ensuring stable wolf population numbers. Wolf hunting allows the wolf population to be kept at levels that ensure the overall survival of the animal but limit potential wolf and human conflicts; and
Whereas, Michigan has an active and legitimate wolf management plan in place that was updated in 2015. While we commend the department for beginning the process of updating this plan again and commend the Natural Resources Commission for setting a plan update deadline of the end of 2021, there is no statutory requirement or precedent to delay a 2021 wolf hunt while the plan is reviewed and updated. Neither is there a requirement for a statewide public attitude survey or study to occur prior to a hunting season; and
Whereas, The law is clear that the commission should, to the greatest extent practicable, utilize principles of sound scientific management in making decisions regarding the taking of game; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Natural Resources Commission to authorize, and the Department of Natural Resources to organize, wolf hunting and trapping as part of the state’s wolf management efforts beginning in 2021; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the Natural Resources Commission and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources.
Senator Lauwers 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 Lauwers moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 16.
A resolution to express support for mining and the mining industry and encourage the Governor, state agencies, local governments, members of the public, and labor organizations to support mining by taking certain actions.
Whereas, Mining provides the raw materials needed to build and manufacture the necessities and conveniences of our society. Nearly every industry and consumer product relies on the materials produced from mining, whether the cars we drive, the roads we drive on, the homes we live in, or the electrical system we rely on; and
Whereas, Michigan is blessed with an abundance of valuable mineral resources. Our state’s long and diverse geologic history has produced a wide variety of minerals, notably copper, iron, nickel, salt, sand, gravel, and limestone; and
Whereas, Mining has played an integral role in Michigan’s history and growth. More native copper ore was mined in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula from 1845 to 1887 than any other place in North America, and for many years, Michigan produced more than one-half of the nation’s supply of copper. In 1844, rich iron ore deposits were discovered in the Upper Peninsula, and from the 1850s to the early 1900s, Michigan was the nation’s leader in iron ore production. From 1880 to 1926, Michigan also ranked first or second in the nation in salt production. Michigan’s mining industry was a major driver of Michigan’s early economy and growth and attracted immigrants from around the world; and
Whereas, Men and women throughout the Upper Peninsula and other areas of Michigan are proud of their family history as the hard-working workforce for Michigan’s mines. Through an honest day’s work, mining provided an opportunity for a good life and a better future for generations. It is an inextricable part of the culture and heritage of the Upper Peninsula; and
Whereas, Mining continues to be an important piece of Michigan’s economy and economic future. Within the United States, Michigan remains a leading producer of gravel, sand, limestone, cement, salt, nickel, and iron ore. Mineral resources in the Upper Peninsula, including gold, silver, and zinc, are attracting new interest from a number of national and international companies. An able-bodied workforce is ready and willing to renew the proud heritage of mining in Michigan; and
Whereas, The transition towards renewable energy and transport systems that are protective of the environment requires a complex mix of metals, such as copper, nickel, silver, cobalt, rare earths, and lithium. The responsible mining of these metals is fundamental to the sustainability of the renewable energy transition. Demand for these metals is expected to increase dramatically, and Michigan is well-positioned to help meet this enduring demand; and
Whereas, Modern-day mining can provide the raw materials we need while limiting impacts on the environment and communities. The state of Michigan has adopted strong laws that protect the environment but still allow for a vibrant mining industry. In 2004, Governor Jennifer Granholm stated regarding new laws on nonferrous metallic mineral mining, “These new regulations give us some of the toughest, if not the toughest, mining regulations in the country. They ensure the economic development potential of mining in our state, while being mindful of protecting our environment.” Environmental regulations and community expectations ensure that today’s mining is carried out safely and responsibly in co-existence with the environment so local communities, families, and institutions can prosper and grow; and
Whereas, There is an inherent contradiction when people oppose mining in our state for environmental reasons but wish to continue to reap the benefits of mined materials. Whether the everyday products and services that utilize mined materials or the transition to new technologies dependent on the materials produced from mining, it is morally wrong to demand and enjoy the rewards of mining but expect any impacts — no matter how well regulated and mitigated — to be borne by others; and
Whereas, Mining supports local communities and people, often in areas that are in dire need of economic opportunity. Mining companies investing in Michigan create well-paying jobs and give back to their communities. The taxes generated from these companies, through the Rural Development Fund, support local schools, roads, and other critical services and infrastructure; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan needs to continue to build a strong, diverse, and resilient economy across all regions of the state. A robust mining industry remains an essential part of that goal, providing jobs, attracting investments, generating tax revenue for state and local economies, and helping ensure opportunity and a bright future for all Michiganders; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we express support for mining and the mining industry in Michigan and encourage members of the public and labor organizations to present well-informed support for mining projects to state and local regulators; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage the Governor, state agencies, and local governments to support mining by welcoming new opportunities to expand mining in Michigan, utilizing our robust laws to protect the environment and allow mining projects to move forward, and working with investors to develop needed infrastructure; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Townships Association, and the Michigan Municipal League.
Senator Lauwers 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 Lauwers moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development.
The motion prevailed.
Senator McBroom offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 17.
A resolution to urge the Natural Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources to end the research study begun in 2019 concerning the effectiveness of antler point restrictions as a management tool in the chronic wasting disease core area.
Whereas, Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting several species of cervids (deer, elk, and moose), including white-tailed deer. CWD is considered the most important disease currently threatening North American cervids. It belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies that are caused by infectious misfolded proteins called prions that attack the brain of infected animals, resulting in death; and
Whereas, While CWD has been identified in deer in several counties in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, five counties in the Lower Peninsula have been identified as the Core CWD Area. These counties, Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, and Newaygo, are the focus of the antler point study; and
Whereas, The Department of Natural Resources is studying the influence of antler point restrictions on hunter harvest decisions. While harvest decisions may affect population, herd composition, and demographics, these decisions will not provide any data regarding changes to CWD prevalence, disease transmission, disease related mortality, or other data directly related to CWD within the Core CWD Area; and
Whereas, The antler point restrictions under the study will be in effect through 2021; and
Whereas, The Department of Natural Resources’ CWD Response Plan clearly acknowledges that increasing harvest of yearling bucks will minimize disease spread via dispersal. Conversely, antler point restrictions protect most yearling bucks from harvest, facilitating increased dispersal, enlarging the geographic scope of CWD, and increasing the number of mature bucks in the herd. Demographic sampling suggests that mature bucks have up to double the prevalence rate of other deer in the herd; and
Whereas, Adequate safeguards to prevent an adverse impact to the resource caused by antler point restrictions are lacking from this experiment. Eliminating antler point restrictions will increase the harvest of yearling males thus reducing the geographic spread of CWD and also reducing overall herd prevalence; and
Whereas, Discontinuing the study before it is completed is the decision of the Natural Resources Commission in consultation with the director of the DNR. Preliminary data resulting from this study fails to support the premise that antler point restrictions result in changes which could be beneficial to mitigating CWD. This evidence suggests that antler point restrictions resulted in a significant decrease in the deer harvest, which is detrimental to CWD mitigation efforts. Continuing this study will result in irreversible biological harm to the resource due to the lack of adequate safeguards mitigating the adverse impact that antler point restrictions have in areas where CWD is a factor; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources to end research concerning the effectiveness of antler point restrictions as a management tool to reduce chronic wasting disease; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the members of the Natural Resources Commission.
Senator Lauwers 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 Lauwers moved that the resolution be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Daley offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 18.
A resolution to designate February 22, 2021, as Supermarket Employee Day.
Whereas, There are nearly six million supermarket employees in the United States; and
Whereas, In Michigan, there are 140,941 food retail jobs that generate $11.6 billion in economic activity; and
Whereas, Supermarket employees provide Americans with access to safe, healthy, and affordable food; and
Whereas, These employees work to enhance the health and well-being of each customer; and
Whereas, Supermarket employees contribute and volunteer countless hours in their communities; and
Whereas, These very employees face unprecedented challenges keeping grocery shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas, Supermarket employees continue to both meet and exceed these challenges displaying courage, compassion, dedication, and leadership, while also exemplifying customer service and community outreach; and
Whereas, The need for supermarket employees is greater than ever today because of the current and growing consumer demands along with their reputation for excellence; now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we designate February 22, 2021, as Supermarket Employee Day and ask that all citizens join in honoring our frontline, supermarket heroes.
Senator Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The resolution was adopted.
Senators Bayer, Polehanki and Wojno were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Statements
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
It’s been nearly a year now that Michiganders have suffered through the COVID-19 virus. Thankfully, earlier this winter came the approval of vaccines and now folks are going to be protected against this deadly virus. Getting this vaccine effectively distributed would be a big win for our state and for our people, but most especially for the vulnerable. But, in time, we have seen less of a win and more of mismanagement. In November I called on the administration to give our most vulnerable populations the vaccine first. This idea wasn’t controversial. In fact, it was just common sense. Clear evidence from the CDC shows that the deaths in people aged 65 and older account for over 80 percent of COVID deaths nationally.
On January 29, the Department of Health and Human Services released their vaccine allocation plan. But what is this? The administration has been allocating vaccines to counties using, at least in part, a social vulnerability index. What is a social vulnerability index? According to Michigan.gov, the “the SVI assesses the extent that 15 known vulnerabilities (indicators) are present within a community.” According to the DHHS, “The SVI indicators help to prioritize distribution of scarce resources such as COVID-19 testing sites and vaccinations.” Now what are some of these indicators that are helping to determine whether your county gets enough vaccines or not? Well, your county’s unemployment rate. It’s types of housing. It’s percent of minority status. Instead of distributing vaccines by true priority grouping—being those 65 and over with underlying medical conditions or being vulnerable to the COVID-19—the administration is using a social factors matrix to allocate the vaccines. These factors have skewed the effectiveness of the prioritization schedule and created inequality across the state for the truly most vulnerable. So now in some counties there is not enough vaccine being distributed to vaccinate the very first priority groups, including healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and first responders. Meanwhile, seniors in many parts of the state continue to die every single day from the virus.
I hear from constituents every day asking for help. They do qualify based on priority, but the vaccines simply are not available. Let me be clear, this is not a partisan issue, but it is a life and death issue. Warren Evans, the Democratic County Executive of Wayne County, recently said of the rollout that “It doesn’t seem fair, and it doesn’t seem that they’re being candid in explaining the formula.” Mark Hackel, the Democratic County Executive of Macomb County told WXYZ that the state’s vaccination efforts are leaving the most vulnerable behind—“If I could…say all of our doses that are going [to be targeted] towards seniors, I would say that, but unfortunately the state won’t allow me to do that.”
This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It shouldn’t be Republicans versus Democrats. But the fact is, if you are over 65 and you live in Wayne suburbs or Oakland or Macomb County, you are two to three times less likely to be able to get the vaccine than if you live in Kalamazoo, Washtenaw, or Detroit. In fact, the number of people per thousand who are able to access the vaccine in Washtenaw is about one out of every four. While in Macomb, it’s less than one out of ten. Are the factors of contracting and dying of COVID that much higher in wealthy Washtenaw than in Macomb County? What we’re seeing is what happens when you let politicians, not common sense, make decisions about peoples’ health. When focused on prioritization of both the vaccine accessibility and distribution, we should be looking at the most critical in terms of immediate health outcomes, straight and simple. Other factors may have some long-term considerations but are not as immediately tied to death. Life and death should be the main considerations when distributing this vaccine, not identity politics. We can and we should do better. This starts with righting this wrong and sticking up for our state’s most vulnerable.
Senator Ananich’s statement is as follows:
I wanted to take a moment to talk about an individual who was important in my community. The gentleman’s name was Floyd McCree. He was the mayor of the city of Flint and mostly recognized as the first Black mayor of a major American city. I’m going to read a little bit about his background. Mayor Floyd McCree was a Flint City Councilman and the first Black mayor of a major American city post‑Reconstruction. Mayor Floyd McCree grew up in St. Louis and eventually graduated from Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Missouri. After college, McCree served in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific and rose to the rank of staff sergeant.
Like many men coming home from World War II, McCree was looking for well-paying work as manufacturing jobs turned from producing machines of war back to their civilian pursuits. Floyd McCree was active in labor union organizations. He had an innate desire to serve the community and be a voice for the overlooked and underprivileged. He was hired at the Buick foundry and moved to Flint. McCree was later successful in 1958 in securing a seat on the City Commission representing the 3rd Ward. In 1966, the City Commission appointed Floyd McCree mayor of Flint.
This is the information I had from his obituary and from biographies. In his community, he did much, much more. He went on to serve as Register of Deeds; his son was both a City Councilman and Register of Deeds as well; and I think for all of our interest, his grandson—Kyle McCree—was just recently promoted from area manager of Consumers Energy to government relations for Consumers Energy, so all of us at some point in time when these COVID restrictions are removed, we’ll get an opportunity to meet this wonderful young man. Kyle is a few years younger than me, a tremendous community member in our community back home in Flint, and he does his grandfather proud every single day. I just wanted to take a moment to talk about another person from my community who did some amazing things during Black History Month. I’m very fortunate to have gotten to know Mayor Floyd McCree, his son Melvin McCree, and become very close friends with his grandson Kyle McCree.
I’m going to stop for a second and talk about another issue that I think is extremely important, and I’m not sure if two minutes is going to do it justice, but I want to start the conversation. Yesterday, February 17, the New York Times published a story, and I’ll read the headline—I think it should give us all pause and concern—“Facebook Blocks News in Australia, Diverging With Google on Proposed Law.” I’ll read a little bit of the story, and then I’ll encourage all of you to do the same. I sent the story to my good friend and colleague from the 24th District. I mentioned to him that I’d be mentioning his name because I would never want to divulge a private exchange without talking to him first, but it says, “At the heart of the fight is whether the tech giants should pay news organizations for the news articles that are shared on their networks. Under a proposed law from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, both Google and Facebook would be required to negotiate with media publishers and compensate them for the content that appears on their sites.” Google has decided to work under the law in Australia; Facebook at this time is taking a different path.
I just want us to think about that. Facebook can then decide which laws they like and which countries they like, can decide if they want to allow us to share information, to share personal stories. This is a troubling development. I think we should all be wary of entities like this—especially big entities that now we all use—using their power to decide in a whole country who gets to see things and who doesn’t get to see things. I don’t have the answer for this yet, but hopefully all of us together can have a conversation about this level of Big Tech deciding for us whether or not we get to see information. I will encourage all of you to read this article. There will be more coming out. I’ve sent some ideas, as I said, to my friend from the 24th District; I’ll share those ideas with you as well. This is something we should all be careful and cognizant of going into the future. We should not allow this to happen in our country.
Senator Stamas’ statement is as follows:
Today, I’d like to take a moment in honor of the achievements of a close, personal friend of mine. He was born March 23, 1945 in LaFayette, Alabama and moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the son of a pastor. While attending a historically all Black school—in fact, the school in Chattanooga was not even desegregated until the year after he graduated high school—during this time, he was an active participant in the growing Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. He participated in sit-ins, bus boycotts, marches in the area, and beyond. While many of his friends were arrested for those acts of civil defiance, they always kept their protests peaceful as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached.
In 1963 he attended Tennessee State University where he would earn his Bachelor of Arts in political science, graduating in 1967. During his time at the university, he also enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. After he graduated, he was deployed to the Mount Laguna Air Force Station in California. He served our country for four years in the Air Force; while serving, he achieved the rank of captain.
While attending school and serving in the Air Force, he met his wife Geraldine—or, for short, Gerri. Gerri was a Michigan native attending school in Tennessee. There at the university, the two met and fell in love. In 1967, on Christmas Eve, he was married to Gerri in San Diego, California after she came out on her Christmas break to visit him on leave.
After getting married to Gerri and leaving the Air Force honorably, his path brought him to Michigan—specifically to Ypsilanti. This is where he and Gerri would have their two children, Felicia and Marcus. During this time, he served as deputy director of the Democratic research staff in the Michigan State House from 1984 to 1988; business manager of the Wayne County Department of Public Services from 1988 to 1993; and deputy director of legislative research staff at the Michigan House of Representatives. During this time, he was also recognized for his work in the community, and in the year 2000, he received the Ann Arbor News Citizen of the Year Award.
Working in the Michigan House of Representatives and making a difference
in his community spurred him to run for the House on multiple occasions for the
54th District. He first ran in 1998 and then in 2004. In 2010, he took and held
the seat for the 54th District by a margin of 2-to-1 and held the seat through
2017. During this time—from 2013 through 2014—he served as the Minority Floor
Leader of the Michigan House. After his time as Minority Floor Leader, he
would serve as caucus leader from 2015 through the end of 2016 for the House
Democrats.
There were many accomplishments of different issues during this time, though the key item—and still today the proudest, I believe, of his—is the renaming of I-75 from border to border as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway. This project was especially close to him because of his time and service in the Air Force.
Currently, he’s living in the district, serving as president of Alpha Environmental Services, Inc. He also enjoys spending lots of time with his family—specifically the three grandchildren, Jayla, Darius, and Kelton.
The person I have been speaking about is former Minority Floor Leader David E. Rutledge. David has been a close friend of mine for many years. We both have had the pleasure of serving together. We may not have always agreed on everything, but we both respected each other and each other’s views. We worked together to find common ground and build relationships. Even after leaving the Legislature, David and I continue on a regular basis to talk and text and catch up with one another. David’s contributions to the African American community here in Michigan, Alabama, and Tennessee have been an incredible impact and have set powerful examples for all of us to walk in his footsteps. Today I have chosen to honor my friend David E. Rutledge for the inspiring and courageous life he has lived in tribute to Black History Month.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill No. 4262
Committee Reports
The Committee on Natural Resources reported
Senate Bill No. 106, entitled
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Ed McBroom
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators McBroom, Bumstead, Outman and Schmidt
Nays: Senator McCann
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Natural Resources reported
Senate Bill No. 119, entitled
A bill to amend 1911 PA 163, entitled “An act to provide for the election of inspectors of mines in certain cases and the appointment of their deputies, for the appointment of such inspectors of mines and their deputies until the election and qualification of the first inspectors of mines, to prescribe their powers and duties and to provide for their compensation, and to repeal Act No. 213 of the Public Acts of 1887,” by amending the title and sections 1 and 6 (MCL 425.101 and 425.106), section 1 as amended by 1984 PA 116; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Ed McBroom
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators McBroom, Bumstead, Outman and McCann
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Natural Resources submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 8:30 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators McBroom (C), Bumstead, Outman, Schmidt and McCann
The Committee on Finance submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 12:00 noon, Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Runestad (C), Nesbitt, Daley, Bumstead, VanderWall, Chang and Alexander
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Appropriations submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Stamas (C), Bumstead, Barrett, Bizon, LaSata, MacDonald, Nesbitt, Outman, Runestad, Schmidt, Victory, Daley, Hertel, Bayer, Hollier, Irwin, McCann and Santana
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 and Michigan Department of Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at 3:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Schmidt (C), Outman, Bumstead, Daley, Theis, Bayer and Polehanki
Advice and Consent – Thursday, February 25, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5314
Subcommittees –
Corrections and Judiciary – Wednesdays, February 24 and March 10, 11:30 a.m. or immediately following session, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Labor and Economic Opportunity/MEDC – Tuesday, February 23, 3:00 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Insurance and Financial Services and Regulatory Reform – Tuesday, February 23, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy – Tuesday, February 23, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Universities and Community Colleges – Thursday, February 25, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Families, Seniors, and Veterans – Wednesday, February 24, 3:00 p.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-1721
Natural Resources – Wednesday, February 24, 8:00 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373‑5312
Regulatory Reform and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Insurance and Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee – Tuesday, February 23, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-5314
Senator Lauwers moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:42 a.m.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Theis, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.
MARGARET O’BRIEN
Secretary of the Senate