Reps. Stahl, Shackleton, Stakoe, Huizenga, Kooiman, Koetje, Brandenburg, Drolet, DeRoche, Garfield, Hummel, Newell, DeRossett, Emmons, Van Regenmorter, Bradstreet, Hart, Pumford, Bisbee, Rivet, Casperson, Pastor, Farhat, Caswell, Meyer, Stewart, Rick Johnson, Taub, Tabor, Voorhees, Steil, Sheltrown, Gleason, Bieda, Gaffney, Shaffer, Richardville, Accavitti, Adamini, Gillard, Hager, Milosch, Murphy, Phillips, Sak, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Hopgood, Pappageorge, Rocca, Shulman and Stallworth offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 218.

            A resolution to call on the Governor to work with the Premier of Ontario to create a Michigan-Ontario commission on border security, safety, and economic growth.

            Whereas, Michigan and Ontario share several of the busiest international crossing points along our common border.  In addition to the large volume of passenger cars and individuals, commercial vehicles and railroad traffic reflect the strong economic partnership between our nations.  The friendship we enjoy with our Canadian neighbors extends to our mutual concerns for safety, efficiency, and vigilance in the face of shared threats; and

            Whereas,  In the wake of NAFTA and the terrorist attacks of September 11^th, the need to communicate on matters as far-reaching as infrastructure, worker access, security, and commercial concerns is more important than at any time in our history.  In addition to dealing with problems, our state and provincial governments should do all we can to work together and harmonize border-related policies and regulations; and

            Whereas, Both sides of the border are strongly dependent upon the swift and safe transport of goods and people between our countries.  Increasing the speed of crossings and increasing cooperation are steps that ultimately will provide great benefit to businesses of all types and sizes; and 

            Whereas, In spite of the seriousness and number of issues surrounding our shared border crossings, there is no formal group that exists to deal directly with the unique concerns of the Michigan-Ontario border crossings.  A structure is needed to encourage dialogue, resolve problems, and anticipate issues as expeditiously as possible.  With all that depends upon the smooth and safe movement of people and goods across our borders, the establishment of a Michigan-Ontario commission on border-crossing issues is long overdue; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we call on the Governor to work with the Premier of Ontario to create a Michigan-Ontario commission on border security, safety, and economic growth.  We urge that the commission include representatives of local border communities; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor.