Reps. Minore, DeRossett, Hune, Vagnozzi, Hopgood, Gieleghem, Clack, Jamnick, Robertson, Lipsey, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Brown, Byrum, Condino, Dennis, Ehardt, Elkins, Farrah, Garfield, Gillard, Gleason, Hood, Koetje, Kolb, Kooiman, LaSata, Law, Meisner, Murphy, Nofs, Pappageorge, Phillips, Richardville, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Shulman, Smith, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Tobocman, Voorhees, Waters, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 310.

            A resolution declaring September 2004 as College Savings Month in Michigan.

            Whereas, As the state of Michigan prepares to compete in the global economy of the 21st century, it is imperative that the children of our state have access to the education and skills that will ensure them success in the future; and

            Whereas, Through the hard work and dedication of the families and loved ones of the youth of Michigan, students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education and a chance for educational advancement; and

            Whereas, It is extremely important that our state maintain access to postsecondary education, and to encourage parents, family members, friends and neighbors to save for our young people’s education; and

            Whereas, Federal and state government must continue to encourage savings for the future and provide parents, grandparents, friends and businesses additional opportunities to support the educational needs and goals of our children; and

            Whereas, It is in the interest of the state to ensure that the people of Michigan have the opportunity to obtain a postsecondary education and to encourage parents to save for their children’s education; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Education Trust, a prepaid college tuition plan, was provided by the state of Michigan as a Section 529 Qualified Tuition Plan (QTP), which was passed by our state’s legislature through duly enacted laws; and

            Whereas, Under the leadership of our current administration, Michigan continues to help families save for college expenses by supporting the Michigan Education Savings Program, which has been named one of the top college savings programs in the nation with over 55,000 accounts totaling almost $200 million; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body do hereby declare September 2004 as College Savings Month in Michigan.