No. 10

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

102nd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

 

10:00 a.m.

 

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Garlin D. Gilchrist II.

 

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

 

 

Albert—present                                   Hauck—present                               Moss—present

Anthony—present                                Hertel—present                               Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present                                    Hoitenga—present                           Outman—present

Bellino—present                                  Huizenga—present                           Polehanki—present

Brinks—present                                   Irwin—present                                 Runestad—present

Bumstead—present                              Johnson—present                             Santana—present

Camilleri—present                               Klinefelt—present                            Shink—present

Cavanagh—present                              Lauwers—present                            Singh—present

Chang—present                                   Lindsey—present                             Theis—present

Cherry—present                                  McBroom—present                          Victory—present

Daley—present                                    McCann—present                            Webber—present

Damoose—present                               McDonald Rivet—present                Wojno—present

Geiss—present                                    McMorrow—present                       


 

Senator John Damoose of the 37th District offered the following invocation:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of serving, because it is a privilege, Lord God, that You called each and every one of us out and gave us a task to do for those people You’ve put under our care. We pray that You help us to always keep our mind on those who are the least among us, Lord God. We pray for wisdom in every decision we make, Lord God, because some of these things are very serious.

We pray that our hearts would be right before You. We pray that we would follow Your desire that we treat others as we would like to be treated, and that we would have the courage to intentionally love our brothers and sisters in this chamber and out. We pray that You bless us each so that we may be a blessing to all of those we serve. We ask this in Your precious name. Amen.

 

The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

Motions and Communications

 

 

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Nesbitt and Runestad be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

Senator Singh moved that Senators Geiss and Moss be temporarily excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

 

 

Recess

 

 

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:03 a.m.

 

10:52 a.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.

 

During the recess, Senators Nesbitt, Runestad, Geiss and Moss entered the Senate Chamber.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Messages from the House

 

 

Senate Bill No. 13, entitled

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending section 613a (MCL 168.613a), as amended by 2015 PA 1.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill, ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.

The Senate agreed to the full title.

The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment, printing and presentation to the Governor.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Resolutions

 

 

Senators Klinefelt, Polehanki, Cavanagh, Hertel, McCann, Chang, Wojno, Irwin, Bayer, Cherry, Singh, Camilleri, McMorrow, Shink, Santana, Geiss, Moss, Hoitenga, Victory, Webber, Lauwers, Johnson, Huizenga and Anthony offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 4.

A resolution to commemorate February 1, 2023, as the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC).

Whereas, Michigan’s 83 county governments play a central role in the proper delivery of, and oversight for, critical public services for the state’s approximately 10 million residents; and

Whereas, Michigan county governments are led by boards of commissioners who are elected from their communities; and

Whereas, The State Association of Supervisors of Michigan was formed by representatives of 16 counties on February 1, 1898, in the Senate chamber of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing; and

Whereas, The association’s name was changed to the Michigan Association of Counties on July 17, 1969; and

Whereas, MAC is the oldest association representing local governments in Michigan; and

Whereas, John W. Ewing of Eaton County was elected as the first president of the association in 1898; and

Whereas, 48 of Michigan’s 83 counties have had at least one of their commissioners (or supervisors prior to 1968) serve as president of the association’s board of directors; and

Whereas, The State Association of Supervisors was formally incorporated on January 24, 1940, with offices at 335 Hillcrest in East Lansing; and

Whereas, W. E. Dennison became the first executive director of the association in 1955, and served to 1967, a period during which the association relocated its offices to Lansing; and

Whereas, The association created the Michigan Counties Workers’ Compensation Fund in 1979 to help county members provide workplace safety and injury insurance services to its employees; and

Whereas, The association created the Michigan Association of Counties Service Corporation in 1986 to partner with service providers to help counties save money on everything from health insurance to telecommunications services; and

Whereas, The association hosts two major conferences every year to bring together county leaders for briefings on trending public policy issues and to hear from state newsmakers and others; and

Whereas, The association’s advocacy work in Lansing and beyond has advanced the interests of county governments and the residents they serve; and

Whereas, No fewer than five association presidents have served, or are serving, in the Michigan Legislature in the 21st century, a testament to the culture of public service inculcated by the association; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate February 1, 2023, as the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). We honor the association’s dedication to serving the county boards of commissioners in Michigan as they work to improve the quality of life for all Michigan residents.

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

Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Senator Klinefelt asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Klinefelt’s statement is as follows:

I rise today to present a resolution to recognize February 1, 2023, as the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Counties, also known as MAC. Michigan has 83 counties that play a central role in the proper delivery and oversight of critical public services. The Michigan Association of Counties is the oldest association representing local units of government in our state. The association’s advocacy work in Lansing and across our state has advanced the interests of counties and the residents they serve.

I am a proud past president and member of MAC, and I am delighted to sponsor this resolution that declares February 1, 2023, as the 125th anniversary of MAC. I would like to thank my colleagues for co-sponsoring this resolution and acknowledging MAC’s important role in advocacy of services to our residents.

 

 

Senators Outman and Cherry offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 5.

A resolution to commemorate February 1, 2023, as Blue Star Mother’s Day.

Whereas, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is a national organization of mothers whose sons and daughters serve honorably in the nation’s armed forces; and

Whereas, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was founded in Flint, Michigan, in 1942; and

Whereas, The purposes and activities of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., include all of the following:

•    Perpetuating the memory of the men and women who have served our country as members of the armed forces;

•    Welcoming home returning veterans;

•    Visiting wounded veterans in hospitals and rehabilitation centers;

•    Assisting in veterans ceremonies;

•    Attending patriotic rallies and meetings;

•    Maintaining true allegiance to the government of the United States;

•    Upholding the American institutions of freedom, justice, and equal rights;

•    Caring for the unsupported mothers who gave their sons and daughters to the service of the nation; and

•    Providing moral support for members; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate February 1, 2023, as Blue Star Mother’s Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the contributions that Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., has made to our state and nation.

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

Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted.

Senators Lauwers, Moss, Santana and Theis were named co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

 

Senator Outman asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Outman’s statement is as follows:

I rise to ask that we designate February 1 as Blue Star Mother’s Day. The Blue Star Mothers organization was founded in Flint in the wake of America’s entrance into World War 2. In late January of 1942, a local Flint paper asked for mothers of servicemen to come together, and on February 1, 1942, 300 such mothers showed up for their first meeting. After that, Blue Star Mothers formed statewide chapters, not just in Michigan but in many other states as well across the country. In 1960, Congress officially chartered the organization.

The Blue Star Mothers service to our nation and our veterans is unquestionable. In addition to giving birth to and raising our servicemen and women, they also help by keeping alive the memory of our men and women in the armed forces, welcoming home returning veterans, visiting our wounded veterans, caring for the unsupported mothers who gave their sons and daughters to the service of our country, and many other ways that we veterans cannot thank them enough.

When I was in the service and I served overseas as a 19 year old kid—thought he was bulletproof, that the world revolved around me, and I really didn’t take into consideration what my parents, my mother in particular, went through as she was on the home front waiting to hear news. Of course, news was a little slower then, of what was happening on the other side of the world. I took it for granted. The only thing I really wanted was to make sure that I got my care packages of all the cookies and stuff that she sent.

The shoe was on the other foot when my son-in-law was in Iraq and then in Afghanistan, and my daughter was home with their new child, and we sat there waiting to hear the news—the concern that we had. It gave me a whole new appreciation for what my mother went through and what all Blue Star Mothers go through.

So I ask my colleagues to adopt this resolution to commemorate Blue Star Mother’s Day and to honor the service and sacrifice of our Blue Star Mothers.

 

 

Senators Santana, Wojno, Cavanagh, McMorrow, Irwin, Cherry, McCann, Bayer, Geiss, Chang, Shink, Hertel, McDonald Rivet, Klinefelt, Polehanki, Brinks, Moss, Camilleri and Singh offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 6.

A resolution to recognize February 2023 as Black History Month.

Whereas, The origins of Black History Month began as a concept in 1915, and in earnest in 1924 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, through his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., created Negro History and Literature Week in the United States. Since 1976, every United States President has adopted the month of February as Black History Month, an annual celebration of African-American achievements and roles in our history; and

Whereas, As a result of growing awareness of Black identity and the contributions of the Civil Rights Movement, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the burdens of racial prejudice and to explore, understand, and appreciate the identities and cultures across and within the African diaspora; and

Whereas, We pay tribute to, not only the many African-American historical figures in our nation’s history, but also the hidden figures that have contributed to American ingenuity and innovation throughout the existence of this great nation, the celebration of which has evolved into a month-long celebration of Black progress and power; and

Whereas, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”; and

Whereas, Michigan recognizes the injustices that African-Americans have endured and commends the African-American community for the continuous pursuit of overcoming those injustices, while changing the course and nature of history. We honor the prominent leaders and activists who have paved the way for equality and justice; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize February 2023 as Black History Month; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor the contributions and sacrifices made toward building pride in Black history and educating all Americans; and be it further

Resolved, That during a national pandemic which disproportionately affects African-Americans, we join other organizations throughout the state of Michigan and this country to raise awareness about the hardships African-Americans have endured, celebrate the milestones achieved, and continue the unrelenting pursuit of equality and justice for all.

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

Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.

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

The resolution was adopted.

 

 

Senator Santana asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Santana’s statement is as follows:

Today I rise to speak on the resolution before you. Black history is American history, and it is embedded in the stitching of the Stars and Stripes represented by the American flag that hangs high across this great land. Black history flows from the rivers to the journey north to freedom and the path of the Underground Railroad. Black history is heard from the sounds of the African drumbeats from the coast of Africa to the trans-Atlantic trade, to the jute joints in the backwoods of the bayou or the sounds of Motown that continue to warm our souls. Black history has shaped the evolution of American innovations.

If you look around you every day, you will encounter the history of America with Black excellence that still contributes to our society. When you are driving in your car across Michigan and this great country, think about Garrett Morgan who invented the traffic light. Or when you are eating your childhood favorite—peanut butter and jelly—think about George Washington Carver. Every time you put a load of clothes in the dryer, think of George T. Sampson. When you ride the automated elevator back to your office, think about Alexander Miller. When you think of how chilly it is in the winter and how your home is designed to extract the cold air out of one vent and the heat blows in the home from the other vent, think of Alice H. Parker. Lastly, every time you go into a restroom that is modernized, has plumbing instead of an outhouse, think of Thomas Elkins, who modernized the toilet. The list goes on and on and on of how Blacks have contributed to our great American history. The pacemaker, Otis Boykin; potato chips, George Speck; and touchtone phone, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.

While we recognize and celebrate Black history each day, we take this month to acknowledge Blacks’ contributions to America in the month of February. I mentioned just a small portion of what Blacks have contributed to innovations and the evolution of America. However, let us not forget the arts, education, science, military, and the highest position of leadership in our country, the President of the United States.

My ask to each of my colleagues in this chamber is to take the time to celebrate the contributions that Black Americans have made to our districts, our state, as well as our nation.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Introduction and Referral of Bills

 

 

Senators Hoitenga, Theis, Damoose, Outman, Runestad, McBroom, Hauck and Lauwers introduced

Senate Bill No. 46, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 40118 (MCL 324.40118), as amended by 2022 PA 23.

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

Senators Daley, McDonald Rivet, Lauwers, Victory, Bellino, Huizenga and Theis introduced

Senate Bill No. 47, entitled

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 36103, 36110, and 36111 (MCL 324.36103, 324.36110, and 324.36111), section 36103 as amended by 2003 PA 36 and sections 36110 and 36111 as amended by 2016 PA 265.

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

 

 

Senator Huizenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 48, entitled

A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending sections 2 and 21 (MCL 205.92 and 205.111), section 2 as amended by 2018 PA 1 and section 21 as amended by 2021 PA 109.

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

 

 

Senator Huizenga introduced

Senate Bill No. 49, entitled

A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending sections 1 and 25 (MCL 205.51 and 205.75), section 1 as amended by 2018 PA 2 and section 25 as amended by 2021 PA 108.

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

 

 

Senators Santana, Wojno, Cavanagh, McMorrow, Irwin, Cherry, Bayer, McCann, Geiss, Chang, Shink, McDonald Rivet, Klinefelt, Polehanki, Brinks, Moss, Camilleri, Singh and Hertel introduced

Senate Bill No. 50, entitled

A bill to amend 1865 PA 124, entitled “An act to designate the holidays to be observed in acceptance and payment of bills of exchange, bank checks and promissory notes, the business of banking, savings and loan, building and loan, municipal offices, the holding of courts and relative to the continuance of suits,” by amending sections 1 and 2 (MCL 435.101 and 435.102), section 1 as amended by 1984 PA 4.

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

 

 

Senator Albert introduced

Senate Bill No. 51, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending sections 30 and 51 (MCL 206.30 and 206.51), section 30 as amended by 2022 PA 5 and section 51 as amended by 2020 PA 75.

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

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

General Orders

 

 

Senator Singh 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 Gilchrist, designated Senator Bellino as Chairperson.

After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and with a substitute therefor, the following bill:

House Bill No. 4001, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending sections 30 and 51 (MCL 206.30 and 206.51), section 30 as amended by 2022 PA 5 and section 51 as amended by 2020 PA 75.

Substitute (S-2).

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

Messages from the Governor

 

 

The following message from the Governor was received:

Date: January 31, 2023

Time: 9:18 a.m.

To the President of the Senate:

Sir—I have this day approved and signed

Enrolled Senate Bill No. 7 (Public Act No. 1), being

An act to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies and the legislative branch for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2023; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

(Filed with the Secretary of State on January 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.)

                                                                                       Respectfully,

                                                                                       Gretchen Whitmer

                                                                                       Governor

 

 

Recess

 

 

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

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:15 a.m.

 

12:14 p.m.

 

The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

 

 

The following communication was received:

Department of State Police

January 31, 2023

Pursuant to MCL 500.6110 please see the attached annual report from the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority.

                                                                                       Thank you,

                                                                                       F/Lt. Nicole McGhee

                                                                                       Government Relations Section

                                                                                       Transparency and Accountability Division

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the rules be suspended and that the following bill, now on Third Reading of Bills, be placed on its immediate passage:

House Bill No. 4001

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

 

 

Third Reading of Bills

 

 

The following bill was read a third time:

House Bill No. 4001, entitled

A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 51 (MCL 206.51), as amended by 2020 PA 75.

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. 16                                             Yeas—20

 

 

Anthony                             Chang                                Klinefelt                            Polehanki

Bayer                                 Cherry                               McCann                             Santana

Brinks                                Geiss                                 McDonald Rivet                 Shink

Camilleri                            Hertel                                 McMorrow                        Singh

Cavanagh                           Irwin                                  Moss                                 Wojno

 

 

                                                                     Nays—18

 

 

Albert                                Hauck                                Lindsey                             Runestad

Bellino                               Hoitenga                            McBroom                          Theis

Bumstead                           Huizenga                            Nesbitt                               Victory

Daley                                 Johnson                             Outman                             Webber

Damoose                            Lauwers                                                                     

 

 

                                                                   Excused—0

 

 

                                                                 Not Voting—0

 

 

In The Chair: President

 

 

Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the full title of the act shall be inserted to read as follows:

“An act to meet deficiencies in state funds by providing for the imposition, levy, computation, collection, assessment, reporting, payment, and enforcement by lien and otherwise of taxes on or measured by net income and on certain commercial, business, and financial activities; to prescribe the manner and time of making reports and paying the taxes, and the functions of public officers and others as to the taxes; to permit the inspection of the records of taxpayers; to provide for interest and penalties on unpaid taxes; to provide exemptions, credits and refunds of the taxes; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; to provide an appropriation; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,”

The Senate agreed to the full title.

 

 

Protests

 

 

Senators Nesbitt, Daley, Victory, Theis, Bellino and Runestad, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 4001.

Senator Nesbitt moved that the statement he made during the discussion of the bill be printed as his reasons for voting “no.”

The motion prevailed.

Senator Nesbitt’s statement, in which Senators Daley, Victory, Theis, Bellino and Runestad concurred, is as follows:

I rise today once again disappointed. I am disappointed because providing tax relief to all inflation weary Michiganders—families, seniors—seemed like something we could all work together on in a bipartisan fashion, Democrats and Republicans can come together and figure out a solution on this. It’s what we all said we were going to do. Unfortunately, Governor Whitmer has different plans, and the Legislature seems to be following those plans, reminding us yet again that her partisan actions always speak louder than her words on bipartisanship.

Mr. President, we were told that Governor Whitmer and the Democrats have not even considered or even discussed preventing the scheduled income tax cut that was going to occur. Six hundred million dollars returned to hardworking taxpayers here in the state of Michigan. We were told that quote, That was political suicide, haven’t even looked at it. But then just yesterday, while the Governor told the press corps that she was simply analyzing the scheduled income tax cut, it turns out she was actually devising a shell game to swindle taxpayers out of their money, to send money that state law says should go to family tax relief to big corporations instead.

And to make matters worse, Mr. President, the Governor is shoehorning her tax increase in a bill that was designed in concept to provide real relief to Michigan families and seniors. A bill that on its own still fails to provide immediate relief now for all seniors—tax hikes, picking winners and losers, and the middle class getting the shaft. We’re only a few weeks into this new Democrat trifecta and it already feels like Michigan’s lost decade.

 

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Statements

 

 

Senators Anthony and Runestad asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Anthony’s statement is as follows:

“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.”

Today is the first day of Black History Month, a celebration of art, culture, achievement, and Black excellence. While some in this state and across the nation would seek to hide and suppress and demonize and minimize the history of African Americans in this nation, this month we pause to celebrate. This month we honor the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to reach our shores in 1619. We honor our inventors, the civil rights leaders, activists, organizers, social justice warriors. We celebrate authors, educators, inventors, and even lawmakers. It’s a time to celebrate Black girl magic and Black boy joy. A time to celebrate jazz, hip hop, R&B, soul, and Gospel. It’s a time to reflect on Asada Shakur and Medgar Evers, on Shirley Chisholm and Kamala Harris, on Lansing’s very own Malcolm X and Magic Johnson; even a time to celebrate LeBron James inching that much closer to the scoring record in the NBA.

But this month isn’t just celebrating the big names that we read in history books and on pamphlets in barber shops and beauty salons, this month is also an opportunity to celebrate emerging Black history that is made each and every day in every single one of our communities across this state and across the nation. Black folks who are defying stereotypes and statistics and going beyond every expectation that this country has for us.

So, many of us are reaching higher heights despite systemic racism and oppression and injustice. This Black History Month, we ask you to join us as we celebrate Black achievement, Black excellence, and we will continue to march on until victory is truly won.

 

Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:

Today I stand before you to bring a serious matter to your attention about Michigan’s child protective services. It has been failing children and families and the results are having tragic consequences. This past week in Lincoln Park, five-year-old Ethan Belcher had his life taken from him. His mother and stepfather were charged with his murder. News outlets have reported that Ethan’s extended family members have been in contact with CPS over the course of several years with concerns about physical abuse. Detroit Channel 4 news reporters attempted to investigate CPS’ interactions with the family using the Freedom of Information Act, but were denied by DHHS officials because CPS cases and information are “not available by FOIA as it is exempt from FOIA.”

This news was surprising to our Governor who told Local 4 that “you’re educating me right now,” and “I think that perhaps there is an opportunity for us to take a real hard look at it and see what more we can do.” Colleagues, we must do more and we must start doing more right now. Earlier this month I inquired whether CPS has had any previous contact with the Oakland County mother who was found frozen to death in a field with her two sons. I was told that DHHS is extremely limited to the point of absolutely zero information in what it can share with a legislator regarding child protective services cases, including whether or not the department has even ever had contact with a particular family. Strict privacy laws are necessary and rightly protective when it comes to these personal situations. There must also, though, be room for investigation and oversight in order to prevent future tragedies and provide justice when it is needed. That is why tomorrow I am holding a press conference to outline the serious issue that has plagued our state decade after decade. Our children have been seriously neglected in terms of ensuring their safety as it relates to past, and I believe current, CPS involvement. I believe it can be vastly improved with more transparency. My bill to create more transparency relating to CPS cases under certain circumstances by allowing any sitting member of the Legislature to access this kind of information and to provide professional news organizations with access to the agency. I will be joined by Ethan’s loving aunts Ashley Belcher and Candace Rush.

Colleagues, these recent events and many similar events have shined a serious spotlight on CPS. What we are seeing can only be described as nothing short of a disaster. CPS cannot continue to operate in the dark, shielded from oversight. This agency cannot be allowed to operate with total stonewalling secrecy when there are so many innocent lives at risk. The problems at CPS have developed over decades under both party’s administrations. Now it’s way past time to come together for a bipartisan solution. I hope you will join me in working to solve this ever-lingering catastrophe on behalf of vulnerable children and families who rely on CPS for support and protection.

While more can and will need to be done in the future, more transparency is the best first step. We must ensure that CPS can be properly investigated when necessary.

 

 

Announcements of Printing and Enrollment

 

 

The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, January 31, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:

House Bill Nos.     4047   4048   4049   4050  4051

 

 

Committee Reports

 

 

The Committee on Education reported

Senate Bill No. 12, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1280f (MCL 380.1280f), as added by 2016 PA 306.

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.

                                                                                       Dayna Polehanki

                                                                                       Chairperson

To Report Out:

Yeas: Senators Polehanki, Geiss, Chang, Camilleri and McDonald Rivet

Nays: Senator Damoose

The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Education submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Polehanki (C), Geiss, Chang, Camilleri, McDonald Rivet, Damoose and Johnson

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Local Government submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Klinefelt (C), Wojno, Moss, Bayer, Shink, Hoitenga and Daley

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building

Present: Senators Shink (C), Cherry, Singh, Polehanki, Daley, Victory and Hoitenga

 

 

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT

 

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure submitted the following:

Meeting held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower

Present: Senators Geiss (C), Klinefelt, Wojno, Hertel, Camilleri, Chang, McCann, Bellino, Victory, Bumstead and McBroom

Scheduled Meetings

 

 

Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Thursday, February 2, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312

 

Economic and Community Development – Thursday, February 2, 12:00 noon, Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721

 

Labor – Thursday, February 2, 9:30 a.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5314

 

 

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 12:29 p.m.

 

The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate