No. 2
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
98th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2015
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, January 20, 2015.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Ananich—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present
Bieda—present Horn—present Proos—present
Booher—present Hune—present Robertson—present
Brandenburg—excused Johnson—present Rocca—present
Casperson—present Jones—present Schmidt—present
Colbeck—present Knezek—present Schuitmaker—present
Emmons—present Knollenberg—present Shirkey—present
Green—excused Kowall—present Smith—present
Gregory—present MacGregor—present Stamas—present
Hansen—present Marleau—present Warren—present
Hertel—present Meekhof—present Young—present
Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present Zorn—present
Hood—present O’Brien—present
Pastor Don Buege of South and East Boardman Churches of Kalkaska offered the following invocation:
Lord, we confess we have some serious problems. These problems are not issues, but real people who are hurting. We have been called to be servants reaching out to Your hurting people, offering them hope for a better life.
We don’t always agree on the best solutions, because we see things from different perspectives. Help us to remember we do not have to solve the problems of the world on our own. Help us to remember that the answer is not to ask You to bless our plans, but to search for Your wisdom and join Your side.
Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senators Robertson and Warren entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Kowall moved that Senator Knollenberg be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kowall moved that Senators Brandenburg and Green be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hood moved that Senators Gregory, Hopgood, Johnson, Smith and Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The Secretary announced that the following bills and joint resolutions were printed and filed on Friday, January 16, and are available at the Michigan Legislature website:
House Bill Nos. 4001 4002 4003 4004 4005 4006 4007 4008 4009 4010 4011 4012 4013 4014
4015 4016 4017 4018 4019 4020 4021 4022 4023 4024 4025 4026 4027 4028
4029 4030 4031 4032 4033 4034
House Joint Resolutions A B C D
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:04 a.m.
10:48 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Schuitmaker.
During the recess, Senator Young entered the Senate Chamber.
Messages from the Governor
The following message from the Governor was received on January 16, 2015, and read:
EXECUTIVE ORDER
No. 2015-2
Creation of
Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the state of Michigan in the Governor; and
WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 empowers the Governor to make changes in the organization of the Executive Branch or in the assignment of functions among its units that he considers necessary for efficient administration; and
WHEREAS, multiple state agencies bear the responsibility of serving homeless persons in the state of Michigan and those who are at risk of becoming homeless; and
WHEREAS, ending homelessness requires collaboration among state agencies, local governments, the private sector and service provider networks to coordinate program development, deliver key services and provide housing; and
WHEREAS, ending or reducing homelessness contributes to economic development and improves the overall quality of life within our communities; and
WHEREAS, establishment of an Interagency Council on Homelessness will provide Michigan with a central statewide homeless planning and policy development resource and allow for more efficient collaboration between various departments with the goal to meet the needs of the homeless population;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard D. Snyder, Governor of the state of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:
I. CREATION OF THE MICHIGAN INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS
A. The Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness (“Council”) is created as an advisory body within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
B. The Council shall be composed of thirteen (13) members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Governor. Of the members initially appointed, four (4) members shall be appointed for terms expiring on January 31, 2017; five (5) members shall be appointed for terms expiring January 31, 2018; and four (4) members shall be appointed for terms expiring January 31, 2019. After the initial appointments, members of the council shall serve a term of four (4) years.
C. The Council consists of the following members:
• The Director of Michigan State Housing Development Authority, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Community Health, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Corrections, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Education, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, or his or her designee;
• The Director of the Department of Natural Resources, or his or her designee;
• A representative of the courts; and
• Four (4) representatives of the general public.
D. A vacancy on the council occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term. A member may continue serving until his or her successor is appointed.
II. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL
A. The Council shall act in an advisory capacity, serve as a statewide homelessness planning and policy development resource for the Governor and the state of Michigan, and shall do all of the following:
1. Develop, adopt and update a 10-year plan to end homelessness. The 10-year plan shall include evidence-based improvements to programs and policies that will ensure services and housing are provided in an efficient, cost-effective, and productive manner. The plan shall be coordinated and tailored with the Federal Strategic Plan, “Opening Doors,” to meet the needs of this state’s homeless population.
2. Develop recommendations to:
• expand and maximize housing resources as central to all efforts to end homelessness;
• increase access to mainstream state and federal social service resources such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Income (SSI) and veteran benefits;
• expand and maximize service resources such as mental health and substance abuse services;
• improve cross-system policies and procedures through system integration, streamlined application and eligibility processes, and improved outreach;
• ensure persons in state institutions have access to services that will help prevent homelessness upon their discharge; and
• promote systems integration, such as health services and housing supports, to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
3. Develop a strategy to implement the plan and to recommend resource, policy and regulatory changes necessary to accomplish the goals of the plan.
4. Recommend and assist in developing partnerships with private entities, including corporate, philanthropic and faith and community-based organizations, as well as the federal and local government, to obtain involvement and support to achieve the goals of the plan.
5. Monitor and oversee the implementation of the plan to ensure accountability and consistent results, including but not limited to:
• measurable goals, including numeric goals, for permanent housing units made available for target homeless populations;
• measure progress using the annual point-in-time data;
• measure housing retention and how well homeless programs help their clients become employed and access mainstream programs;
• create and coordinate a statewide data collection and reporting system; and
• assemble accurate fiscal and demographic information and research data to support policy development and track outcomes.
6. Identify and maximize the leveraging of resources to improve the system of services for people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
7. Provide an annual progress report on the state plan to the Governor and legislature.
III. OPERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL
A. The Council shall be staffed and assisted by personnel from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Any budgeting, procurement, and related management functions of the Council shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the Chairperson.
B. The Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority shall serve as Chairperson.
C. The Council may select from among its members a Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.
D. The Council shall adopt procedures consistent with Michigan law and this Order governing its organization and operations.
E. A majority of the members of the Council serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the Council’s business. The Council shall act by a majority vote of its serving members.
F. The Council shall meet quarterly at the call of the Chairperson and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Council.
G. The Council shall establish an advisory work group, comprised of representatives from the state agencies participating in the Council, representatives of the state’s continuum of care organizations, a statewide homeless advocacy group and other public and private entities as the Council deems necessary to assist the Council in its duties and responsibilities. The work group shall meet monthly. The Council may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by the work group.
H. The Council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, conduct studies and investigations into efficiencies and processes associated with preventing and ending homelessness, and receive outside comments from the public. The Council may also consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including but not limited to, experts in the private sector, government agencies, and at institutions of higher education.
I. Members of the Council shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses according to relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the Civil Service Commission, and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, subject to available funding.
J. The Council may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Council and the performance of its duties, as the Chairperson deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with this Order and the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission, and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
K. The Council may accept donations of labor, services, or other items of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations shall be expended in accordance with applicable laws, rules and procedures.
L. Members of the Council shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
IV. MISCELLANEOUS
A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state or of any political subdivision of this state may give to the council, or to any member or representative of the council, any necessary assistance required by the council, or any member or representative of the council, in the performance of the duties of the council so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties.
B. Any suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by, against, or before any entity affected under this Order shall not abate by reason of the taking effect of this Order.
C. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Order.
The Executive Order shall become effective upon filing.
[SEAL] Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the state of Michigan this 16th day of January, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Fifteen.
Richard D. Snyder
Governor
By the Governor:
Ruth A. Johnson
Secretary of State
The executive order was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
The following message from the Governor was received on January 16, 2015, and read:
EXECUTIVE ORDER
No. 2015-3
Mental Health and Wellness Commission
Michigan Department of Community Health
Rescission of Section II of Executive Order 2014-07
and Executive Order 2013-06
WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power in the Governor; and
WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 empowers the Governor to make changes in the organization of the Executive Branch or in the assignment of functions among its units that the Governor considers necessary for efficient administration; and
WHEREAS, Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 provides that each principal department shall be under the supervision of the Governor; unless otherwise provided by the Constitution; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 2013-6 created the Mental Health and Wellness Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission was created as an advisory body to make recommendations to improve the quality of life, safety, and independence of people living with mental health conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Commission issued a report to the Governor in December of 2013 with nearly 60 recommendations that were unanimously agreed upon by the members, focusing on issues including youth, veterans, education, public safety, and the integration of physical and behavioral health; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 2014-7 extended the life of the Commission to further the implementation of the recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the legislative term has come to an end and more than half of the current legislative members of the Commission will no longer be serving; and
WHEREAS, efforts to continue the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission and make measureable improvements are ongoing within the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Community Health will continue to serve as a convener for those interested in mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, abolishing the Mental Health and Wellness Commission will lead to more efficient and effective implementation of the recommendations made by the Commission;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard D. Snyder, Governor of the state of Michigan, by virtue of the powers and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:
Section II of Executive Order 2014-07 is rescinded and Executive Order 2013-6 is rescinded.
This Order shall become effective upon filing.
[SEAL] Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 16th day of January in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Fifteen.
Richard D. Snyder
Governor
By the Governor:
Ruth A. Johnson
Secretary of State
The executive order was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Messages from the House
The following message was received and read:
January 14, 2015
By direction of the House of Representatives, I hereby notify you that the House of Representatives has elected Representative Kevin Cotter as Speaker and Gary L. Randall as Clerk.
Very respectfully,
Gary L. Randall, Clerk
House of Representatives
Resolutions
Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 3.
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Harry A. DeMaso, former member of the Senate.
Whereas, This legislative body was saddened to learn of the passing of Harry A. DeMaso. He was a gentleman well-known and respected for his passionate commitment to the people of this state; and
Whereas, Harry DeMaso, a native of Battle Creek, was first elected to the Michigan Senate in 1966. For the next twenty years, he distinguished himself as a champion for unselfish and pragmatic leadership. These were qualities that his successor in the 20th District, Dr. Joe Schwarz, would praise as transcending partisan politics; and
Whereas, Notably, he was the lone Republican to vote in favor of a controversial 1983 income tax increase; and
Whereas, The strategies he pioneered for attracting international investment to Michigan have accounted for countless opportunities and development across our state; and
Whereas, Harry DeMaso’s dedication to family, state, and nation undoubtedly changed Michigan for the better; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Harry A. DeMaso, a member of this legislative body from 1967 to 1986; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the DeMaso family as evidence of our lasting regard for his memory.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.204, the resolution be referred to the Committee on Government Operations,
Senator Kowall moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The resolution was adopted by a unanimous standing vote of the Senate.
Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.204 be suspended to name the entire membership of the Senate and the Lieutenant Governor as co‑sponsors of the resolution.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Harry A. DeMaso, former member of the Senate.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1.
A concurrent resolution granting authority for adjournment for more than 2 days.
(For text of resolution, see Senate Journal No. 1, p. 22.)
The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.
The concurrent resolution was referred to the Secretary for record.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2.
A concurrent resolution prescribing the Joint Convention Rules for the Legislature.
(For text of resolution, see Senate Journal No. 1, p. 22.)
The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.
The concurrent resolution was referred to the Secretary for record.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3.
A concurrent resolution providing for a joint convention of the Senate and House of Representatives.
(For text of resolution, see Senate Journal No. 1, p. 23.)
The House of Representatives has adopted the concurrent resolution.
The concurrent resolution was referred to the Secretary for record.
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Joint Resolution A, entitled
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 28 to article I, to recognize a right to hunt, trap, and fish and to harvest game and fish.
The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
Senator Knollenberg introduced
Senate Joint Resolution B, entitled
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 55 to article IV, to reduce compensation of state legislators who have absences from legislative session.
The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Senator Casperson introduced
Senate Joint Resolution C, entitled
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending section 35 of article IX, to provide for the use of certain revenues generated from leases for the extraction of nonrenewable resources from state-owned lands and to modify the allowable expenditures from the Michigan natural resources trust fund.
The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
Senators Meekhof, Stamas, Knollenberg, Schuitmaker, Brandenburg, MacGregor, Colbeck, Hildenbrand, Robertson, Shirkey, Booher, Pavlov, Proos, Jones and Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 1, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 503, 523, 553, and 1311e (MCL 380.503, 380.523, 380.553, and 380.1311e), sections 503, 523, and 553 as amended by 2011 PA 277 and section 1311e as amended by 2009 PA 205.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness.
Senators MacGregor, Stamas, Knollenberg, Schuitmaker, Brandenburg, Colbeck, Hildenbrand, Meekhof, Robertson, Shirkey, Booher, Pavlov, Proos, Jones and Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 2, entitled
A bill to amend 1974 PA 338, entitled “Economic development corporations act,” by amending section 8 (MCL 125.1608), as amended by 2002 PA 357.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness.
Senators Robertson, Stamas, Knollenberg, Schuitmaker, Brandenburg, MacGregor, Colbeck, Hildenbrand, Meekhof, Shirkey, Booher, Pavlov, Proos, Jones and Marleau introduced
Senate Bill No. 3, entitled
A bill to repeal 1965 PA 166, entitled “An act to require prevailing wages and fringe benefits on state projects; to establish the requirements and responsibilities of contracting agents and bidders; and to prescribe penalties,” (MCL 408.551 to 408.558).
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness.
Senator Shirkey introduced
Senate Bill No. 4, entitled
A bill to limit governmental action that substantially burdens a person’s exercise of religion; to set forth legislative findings; to provide for asserting a burden on exercise of religion as a claim or defense in any judicial or administrative proceeding; and to provide remedies.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Knezek introduced
Senate Bill No. 5, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 272 (MCL 206.272), as amended by 2011 PA 38.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 6, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7b (MCL 211.7b), as amended by 2013 PA 161.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 7, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 64 (MCL 38.1364), as amended by 1989 PA 194.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Senator Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 8, entitled
A bill to amend 1984 PA 431, entitled “The management and budget act,” by amending section 213 (MCL 18.1213), as amended by 2006 PA 269.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform.
Senators Jones, Zorn and Schuitmaker introduced
Senate Bill No. 9, entitled
A bill to amend 1970 PA 91, entitled “Child custody act of 1970,” by amending sections 7 and 7a (MCL 722.27 and 722.27a), section 7 as amended by 2005 PA 328 and section 7a as amended by 2012 PA 600.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Hildenbrand introduced
Senate Bill No. 10, entitled
A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending section 1 (MCL 205.51), as amended by 2013 PA 160.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Hune introduced
Senate Bill No. 11, entitled
A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending section 2 (MCL 205.92), as amended by 2013 PA 234.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Jones introduced
Senate Bill No. 12, entitled
A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending section 68c (MCL 38.68c), as amended by 2013 PA 112.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Knollenberg introduced
Senate Bill No. 13, entitled
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 736c, 782b, 795c, 803, and 804 (MCL 168.736c, 168.782b, 168.795c, 168.803, and 168.804), section 736c as added by 2012 PA 128, section 795c as amended by 1990 PA 109, and section 803 as amended by 2004 PA 92.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform.
Senator Pavlov introduced
Senate Bill No. 14, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 113, entitled “An act to regulate the depositing, storing, or both, of radioactive waste,” by amending the title and section 1 (MCL 325.491), the title as amended by 1987 PA 202 and section 1 as amended by 1989 PA 12, and by adding section 2; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Senator Pavlov introduced
Senate Bill No. 15, entitled
A bill to create the Michigan firearms freedom act; to make certain findings regarding intrastate commerce; to prohibit federal regulation of firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition involved purely in intrastate commerce in this state; to provide for certain exceptions to federal regulation; and to establish certain manufacturing requirements.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Casperson introduced
Senate Bill No. 16, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending sections 1902 and 1903 (MCL 324.1902 and 324.1903), section 1902 as amended by 2012 PA 619 and section 1903 as amended by 2011 PA 117; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism.
Senator Jones introduced
Senate Bill No. 17, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 78m (MCL 211.78m), as amended by 2006 PA 498.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local Government.
Senator Nofs introduced
Senate Bill No. 18, entitled
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” (MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 2120a.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local Government.
Senator Nofs introduced
Senate Bill No. 19, entitled
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 27a (MCL 211.27a), as amended by 2014 PA 310.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local Government.
Senator Shirkey introduced
Senate Bill No. 20, entitled
A bill to amend 1846 RS 1, entitled “Of the statutes,” (MCL 8.1 to 8.8) by adding sections 9 and 9a.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Statements
Senator Nofs asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Nofs’ statement is as follows:
I’d like to expound a bit on Senator DeMaso and his legacy that he left; if my colleagues would indulge me, just to give you a little more background on a Senator whom I had the pleasure to meet.
I rise today in remembrance of former Senator Harry A. DeMaso, who passed away about two weeks ago at the age of 93. As a proud native of Battle Creek, Senator DeMaso spent more than three decades as a leader in our community and as a voice for pragmatic decision-making in Lansing. A few short years after returning home from his service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, Senator DeMaso was elected Battle Creek Township supervisor.
This first venture into public office soon lead to an opportunity to run for the State Legislature, a challenge he accepted in 1957, when he won a seat in the State House, which he served in until 1966, when he was elected to the Michigan Senate, representing Calhoun, Ingham, and Eaton Counties for 20 years.
Senator DeMaso was extremely proud of his Italian-American heritage, from which he developed his strong sense of family and civic responsibility. As a state legislator, his resolve to fulfill that responsibility by doing what he believed was best for Michigan, regardless of the political cost, was regularly on display.
Outside of his responsibilities in Lansing, Senator DeMaso never lost focus of his hometown. He was a tireless advocate for Battle Creek and all of Calhoun County. He participated in numerous foreign trade missions and was instrumental in attracting international investment to the Fort Custer Industrial Park in Battle Creek, which was just starting at that particular time. His strategies for attracting foreign investment and jobs have been utilized ever since that time across the state.
Senator DeMaso was a tireless worker. He really did care about his mission and what his responsibilities were here in Lansing. Senator DeMaso’s dedication to family, state, and nation was truly admirable. I personally got to meet him. He used to stop in at the State Police post and talk to us troopers. He only lived a couple of blocks away from the State Police post on Columbia Avenue in Battle Creek. He really, truly cared about state workers and what the state was doing in the services they were delivering to his constituents.
There is no doubt that during his 93 years, he changed the Great Lakes State for the better and for all of us to look at as an example of how to do this job right. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess until 6:00 p.m.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:02 a.m.
The Senate reconvened at the expiration of the recess and was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
During the recess, Senators Knollenberg, Gregory, Hopgood, Smith and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor, including the center aisle.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Kowall moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of all Senators admittance to the Senate floor.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Recess
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 6:01 p.m.
6:16 p.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
Joint Convention
The Sergeant at Arms announced a committee from the House of Representatives, Representatives Leutheuser, Jenkins, Chang and Brunner, who, through their chairperson, reported that the House was ready to meet with the Senate in Joint Convention.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, announced that the hour had arrived for the meeting of the two houses in Joint Convention.
Senator Kowall moved that the Senate recess for the purpose of proceeding to the Hall of the House of Representatives for the Joint Convention.
The motion prevailed, the time being 6:18 p.m.
(For proceedings in Joint Convention, see House Journal No. 3, p. 43.)
The Senate reconvened at the expiration of the recess at 8:00 p.m. and pursuant to rule 1.101, in the absence of the Presiding Officers, was called to order by the Secretary of the Senate.
The Secretary of the Senate announced that the Senate had attended the Joint Convention in the Hall of the House of Representatives and had received the State of the State message by Governor Snyder.
Scheduled Meetings
Appropriations -
Subcommittee -
State Police and Military Affairs - Thursdays, January 29 (CANCELED), February 19 (CANCELED), February 26 (CANCELED), March 5 (CANCELED), March 12 (CANCELED), and March 26 (CANCELED), 1:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, February 3, February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10, and March 24, 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors - Wednesday, January 21, 11:00 a.m. or later immediately following session, Senate Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (373-2768)
Senator Stamas moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 8:01 p.m.
The Secretary of the Senate declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
JEFFREY F. COBB
Secretary of the Senate
44 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [January 20, 2015] [No. 2
No. 2] [January 20, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 45
46 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [January 20, 2015] [No. 2
No. 2] [January 20, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 47
48 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [January 20, 2015] [No. 2
No. 2] [January 20, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 49
50 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [January 20, 2015] [No. 2
No. 2] [January 20, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 51
52 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [January 20, 2015] [No. 2
No. 2] [January 20, 2015] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 53
54