Senators Thomas, Patterson, Kuipers, Jacobs, Switalski, Cherry, Bernero, Prusi, Barcia, Birkholz, Leland, Hammerstrom, Brown, Gilbert, Toy and Brater offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 16.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Agriculture to provide assistance in the effort to deal with the infestation of the emerald ash borer.

            Whereas, With alarming swiftness, the emerald ash borer, an aggressive Asian insect, is threatening virtually all of the ash trees in this state and region.  In spite of a quarantine in 6 southeastern Michigan counties, this beetle has killed 5 million of the 28 million ash trees in the quarantined area.  Overall, the emerald ash borer, which is causing similar devastation in Ontario and Ohio, threatens as many as a billion trees in our state; and

            Whereas, Ash trees are very important to the ecology of our state.  They are also used for many products in several sectors of the economy.  Beyond these factors, the ash trees that grace our communities and neighborhoods are beloved shade trees that contribute enormously to the character and beauty of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The Governor is working to secure quick help from the federal government to deal with this swiftly escalating problem.  Michigan badly needs technical and financial assistance in the face of this emergency.  The state has taken decisive actions, but the magnitude of the problem and the immediacy of the issue make it clear that we need the swift assistance of Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Agriculture to provide assistance, including financial assistance, in the effort to deal with the infestation of the emerald ash borer; 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.