Senators Clark-Coleman, Hammerstrom, Prusi and Basham offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 93.

            A resolution to declare February 1, 2006, as Jerome Bettis Day.

            Whereas, Jerome Bettis is one of Michigan's most-favored sons and returns to Detroit to play in Super Bowl XL as a member of the American Football Conference Champion Pittsburgh Steelers; and

            Whereas, Jerome Bettis will mark the conclusion of an illustrious professional football career at the last whistle of Super Bowl XL, giving him the opportunity to cross the goal line less than eight miles from where he started at McKenzie High School; and

            Whereas, Our favorite son is a winning combination of brawn and brains that epitomizes the spirit of Michigan and its largest city. Jerome Bettis has single-handedly united all of Michigan in our feelings of pride over his great accomplishments; and

            Whereas, Jerome Bettis has not forgotten his roots and has reached out to children throughout southeastern Michigan, giving them encouragement, help, and hope to achieve their greatest dreams in programs such as The All-Pro Jerome Bettis Football Camp, the "Cyber Bus" Computer Literacy Program, and Project S.C.O.R.E.; and

Whereas, Jerome Bettis' rise to prominence has not quenched his thirst for people. He established a scholarship at his alma mater McKenzie High School and hosts the legendary Reggie McKenzie Football Camp every summer; and

Whereas, Jerome "The Bus" Bettis began his football career at Notre Dame University in 1990 and had a highly successful rookie campaign earning the National Football League Co-Rookie of the Year honor. He was one of only eight rookies to rush for 200 yards in a single game; and

            Whereas, Fans voted him to the Pro Bowl three times. Jerome Bettis is at the top of his league in talent and character. Football enthusiasts across the country wear his jersey number emblazoned across their chests as they dream in Technicolor of having his moves and power; and

            Whereas, That same force that pushes Jerome Bettis past his opponents on the football field propels him beyond the challenge of asthma and has allowed him to have a stellar career and to become a spokesperson for the Asthma All-Star program that educates youth on living productively with the respiratory disorder; and

            Whereas, Jerome Bettis is truly a gift that keeps on giving. He is a major reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing in the greatest Super Bowls of all times. Detroit and our state will appear on the world's stage alongside one of the brightest athletes in history; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That Wednesday, February 1, 2006, be hereby declared as Jerome Bettis Day to honor the great achievements, community service, and championship of character that he has demonstrated during his collegiate and professional football careers; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Jerome Bettis as a token of our highest esteem.