STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
101st Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2022
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Lana Theis.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Alexander—present Horn—present Polehanki—present
Ananich—present Huizenga—present Runestad—present
Barrett—present Irwin—present Santana—present
Bayer—present Johnson—present Schmidt—present
Bizon—present LaSata—present Shirkey—present
Brinks—present Lauwers—present Stamas—present
Bullock—present MacDonald—present Theis—present
Bumstead—present McBroom—present VanderWall—present
Chang—present McCann—present Victory—present
Daley—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present
Geiss—present Moss—present Wozniak—present
Hertel—present Nesbitt—present Zorn—present
Hollier—present Outman—present
Senator Michael D. MacDonald of the 10th District offered the following invocation:
Dear Lord, bless us as we gather here today. Guide our minds and our hearts as we work for the good of our families and our neighbors. Teach us to be generous in our outlook, courageous in the face of hard choices, and wise in our own decisions. Lord, today we ask that You please watch over people all over the world who are struggling in the face of adversity. In particular, be with the residents of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom and try to keep their families safe. Let us all pray for peace in the face of much suffering. Amen.
The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Theis, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, assumed the Chair.
Motions and Communications
Senator Lauwers moved that Senator Stamas be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang moved that Senator Ananich be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
The following communications were received:
Office of Senator Ed McBroom
March 8, 2022
Pursuant to Senate Rule 2.105d, the Oversight Committee hereby refers the following Auditor General report for consideration by the Senate Standing Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
Performance Audit of the Office of Educator Excellence, Michigan Department of Education, (Report Number 313-0140-18) (March 2021).
The Committee shall consider the findings contained in the audit report and, if appropriate, evaluate the department’s corrective action plan for feasibility and effectiveness. The Committee shall also consider recommendations for improvement and corrective action, including legislative action. The Oversight Committee requests receipt of said recommendations within 90 calendar days.
March 8, 2022
Pursuant to Senate Rule 2.105d, the Oversight Committee hereby refers the following Auditor General report for consideration by the Senate Standing Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
Performance Audit of Virtual Learning in Cyber Schools, Michigan Department of Education, (Report Number 313-0225-18) (September 2021).
The Committee shall consider the findings contained in the audit report and, if appropriate, evaluate the department’s corrective action plan for feasibility and effectiveness. The Committee shall also consider recommendations for improvement and corrective action, including legislative action. The Oversight Committee requests receipt of said recommendations within 90 calendar days.
Ed McBroom
Chairman, Senate Oversight Committee
The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communications were received:
Office of Senator Sylvia Santana
March 8, 2022
Please add my name as co-sponsor of Senate
Bill 948. Please feel free to contact my office at
senssantana@senate.michigan.gov or 517-373-0990, if you have any questions. I
appreciate your attention in this matter.
March 8, 2022
Please add my name as co-sponsor of Senate Bill 949. Please feel free to contact my office at senssantana@senate.michigan.gov or 517-373-0990, if you have any questions. I appreciate your attention in this matter.
Respectfully,
Sylvia A. Santana
State Senator
District 3
The communications were referred to the Secretary for record.
The following communication was received:
Office of Senator Dan Lauwers
March 9, 2022
I respectfully request that I be added as a co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 115 and Senate Resolution 114, which are being considered in session today. Please take steps to formally process my addition as soon as possible.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Dan Lauwers
State Senator, 25th District
Senate Majority Floor Leader
The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Messages from the House
Senator Lauwers moved that the enrollment be vacated on the following bill:
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 435, being
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “An act to protect and promote the public health; to codify, revise, consolidate, classify, and add to the laws relating to public health; to provide for the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities; to provide for the classification, administration, regulation, financing, and maintenance of personal, environmental, and other health services and activities; to create or continue, and prescribe the powers and duties of, departments, boards, commissions, councils, committees, task forces, and other agencies; to prescribe the powers and duties of governmental entities and officials; to regulate occupations, facilities, and agencies affecting the public health; to regulate health maintenance organizations and certain third party administrators and insurers; to provide for the imposition of a regulatory fee; to provide for the levy of taxes against certain health facilities or agencies; to promote the efficient and economical delivery of health care services, to provide for the appropriate utilization of health care facilities and services, and to provide for the closure of hospitals or consolidation of hospitals or services; to provide for the collection and use of data and information; to provide for the transfer of property; to provide certain immunity from liability; to regulate and prohibit the sale and offering for sale of drug paraphernalia under certain circumstances; to provide for the implementation of federal law; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for sanctions for violations of this act and local ordinances; to provide for an appropriation and supplements; to repeal certain acts and parts of acts; to repeal certain parts of this act; and to repeal certain parts of this act on specific dates,” by amending sections 2701, 2711, 2717, and 16189 (MCL 333.2701, 333.2711, 333.2717, and 333.16189), section 2701 as amended by 2016 PA 499, section 2711 as amended by 2014 PA 172, section 2717 as added by 1990 PA 16, and section 16189 as added by 2018 PA 563; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
Senators Ananich and Stamas entered the Senate Chamber.
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10o (MCL 247.660o), as amended by 2000 PA 188.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-1) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-1) and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,
Senator Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,
The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 64 Yeas—37
Alexander Geiss MacDonald Santana
Ananich Hertel McBroom Schmidt
Barrett Hollier McCann Shirkey
Bayer Horn McMorrow Stamas
Bizon Huizenga Moss VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Nesbitt Victory
Bullock Johnson Outman Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Polehanki Wozniak
Chang Lauwers Runestad Zorn
Daley
Nays—1
Theis
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In
The Chair: President
Senator Lauwers moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion prevailed, 2/3 of the members serving voting therefor.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10 (MCL 247.660), as amended by 2020 PA 222.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
Senator Lauwers moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion did not prevail, 2/3 of the members serving not voting therefor.
Senator Lauwers moved that the bill be given immediate effect.
The motion did not prevail, 2/3 of the members serving not voting therefor.
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment printing and presentation to the Governor.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
Senator Lauwers moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following bill:
Senate Bill No. 672
The motion prevailed.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 672, entitled
A bill to amend 2004 PA 452, entitled “Identity theft protection act,” (MCL 445.61 to 445.79d) by amending the title, as amended by 2006 PA 566, and by adding section 12c.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 65 Yeas—20
Barrett Huizenga McBroom Theis
Bizon Johnson Nesbitt VanderWall
Bumstead LaSata Outman Victory
Daley Lauwers Schmidt Wozniak
Horn MacDonald Stamas Zorn
Nays—17
Alexander Chang Irwin Polehanki
Ananich Geiss McCann Runestad
Bayer Hertel McMorrow Santana
Brinks Hollier Moss Wojno
Bullock
Excused—0
Not Voting—1
Shirkey
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 852, entitled
A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” by amending section 14a (MCL 205.104a), as amended by 2022 PA 4.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Runestad offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, following line 23, by inserting:
“Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 853 of the 101st Legislature is enacted into law.”.
The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 66 Yeas—38
Alexander Geiss McBroom Schmidt
Ananich Hertel McCann Shirkey
Barrett Hollier McMorrow Stamas
Bayer Horn Moss Theis
Bizon Huizenga Nesbitt VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Outman Victory
Bullock Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Runestad Wozniak
Chang Lauwers Santana Zorn
Daley MacDonald
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 853, entitled
A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” by amending section 18 (MCL 205.68), as amended by 2022 PA 3.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Chang offered the following amendment:
1. Amend page 4, following line 26, by inserting:
“Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 852 of the 101st Legislature is enacted into law.”.
The amendment was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 67 Yeas—38
Alexander Geiss McBroom Schmidt
Ananich Hertel McCann Shirkey
Barrett Hollier McMorrow Stamas
Bayer Horn Moss Theis
Bizon Huizenga Nesbitt VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Outman Victory
Bullock Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Runestad Wozniak
Chang Lauwers Santana Zorn
Daley MacDonald
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 499, entitled
A bill to provide definitions for the complex needs patient act.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 68 Yeas—38
Alexander Geiss McBroom Schmidt
Ananich Hertel McCann Shirkey
Barrett Hollier McMorrow Stamas
Bayer Horn Moss Theis
Bizon Huizenga Nesbitt VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Outman Victory
Bullock Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Runestad Wozniak
Chang Lauwers Santana Zorn
Daley MacDonald
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the bill.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 500, entitled
A bill to ensure access to quality complex rehabilitation technology in the Medicaid program for people with complex medical needs; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state departments.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 69 Yeas—38
Alexander Geiss McBroom Schmidt
Ananich Hertel McCann Shirkey
Barrett Hollier McMorrow Stamas
Bayer Horn Moss Theis
Bizon Huizenga Nesbitt VanderWall
Brinks Irwin Outman Victory
Bullock Johnson Polehanki Wojno
Bumstead LaSata Runestad Wozniak
Chang Lauwers Santana Zorn
Daley MacDonald
Nays—0
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The Senate agreed to the title of the
bill.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
General Orders
The motion prevailed, and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, designated Senator Huizenga as Chairperson.
After some time spent therein, the Committee arose; and the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, having resumed the Chair, the Committee reported back to the Senate, favorably and without amendment, the following bills:
House Bill No. 5261, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 9145 (MCL 333.9145), as added by 2018 PA 554.
House Bill No. 5263, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406x.
House Bill No. 5264, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” (MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 21535.
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10r (MCL 247.660r), as added by 2020 PA 140.
The bills were placed on the order of Third Reading of Bills.
House Bill No. 5262, entitled
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The
insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406y.
Substitute (S-1).
Senate Bill No. 811, entitled
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 17609 (MCL 333.17609), as amended by 2010 PA 304.
Substitute (S-1).
House Bill No. 4451, entitled
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled “Michigan vehicle code,” by amending section 309 (MCL 257.309), as amended by 2020 PA 304.
Substitute (S-1).
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Messages from the House
Senator Lauwers moved that the enrollment be vacated on the following bill:
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 465, being
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10o (MCL 247.660o), as amended by 2000 PA 188.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that further consideration of the bill be postponed for today.
The motion
prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that the enrollment be vacated on the following bill:
Enrolled Senate Bill No. 466, being
A bill to amend 1951 PA 51, entitled “An act to provide for the classification of all public roads, streets, and highways in this state, and for the revision of that classification and for additions to and deletions from each classification; to set up and establish the Michigan transportation fund; to provide for the deposits in the Michigan transportation fund of specific taxes on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels; to provide for the allocation of funds from the Michigan transportation fund and the use and administration of the fund for transportation purposes; to promote safe and efficient travel for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other legal users of roads, streets, and highways; to set up and establish the truck safety fund; to provide for the allocation of funds from the truck safety fund and administration of the fund for truck safety purposes; to set up and establish the Michigan truck safety commission; to establish certain standards for road contracts for certain businesses; to provide for the continuing review of transportation needs within the state; to authorize the state transportation commission, counties, cities, and villages to borrow money, issue bonds, and make pledges of funds for transportation purposes; to authorize counties to advance funds for the payment of deficiencies necessary for the payment of bonds issued under this act; to provide for the limitations, payment, retirement, and security of the bonds and pledges; to provide for appropriations and tax levies by counties and townships for county roads; to authorize contributions by townships for county roads; to provide for the establishment and administration of the state trunk line fund, local bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds; to provide for the deposits in the state trunk line fund, critical bridge fund, comprehensive transportation fund, and certain other funds of money raised by specific taxes and fees; to provide for definitions of public transportation functions and criteria; to define the purposes for which Michigan transportation funds may be allocated; to provide for Michigan transportation fund grants; to provide for review and approval of transportation programs; to provide for submission of annual legislative requests and reports; to provide for the establishment and functions of certain advisory entities; to provide for conditions for grants; to provide for the issuance of bonds and notes for transportation purposes; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; to provide for the making of loans for transportation purposes by the state transportation department and for the receipt and repayment by local units and agencies of those loans from certain specified sources; to investigate and study the tolling of roads, streets, highways, or bridges; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 10 (MCL 247.660), as amended by 2020 PA 222.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Lauwers moved that further consideration of the bill be postponed for today.
Recess
Senator Lauwers moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:41 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Introduction and Referral of Bills
Senators Huizenga, Lauwers, Victory and VanderWall introduced
A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” (MCL 211.1 to 211.155) by adding section 9h.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Nesbitt, Huizenga, Lauwers, Victory and VanderWall introduced
A bill to amend 1937 PA 94, entitled “Use tax act,” (MCL 205.91 to 205.111) by adding section 4gg.
The bill was read a
first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators VanderWall, Lauwers and Victory introduced
A bill to amend 1933 PA 167, entitled “General sales tax act,” (MCL 205.51 to 205.78) by adding section 4gg.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 1073a.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.
The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Senators Chang and Runestad offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 115.
A resolution to encourage the United States and Taiwan to further strengthen bilateral trade between our countries and continue our strong economic and trade partnership.
Whereas, Michigan and Taiwan have enjoyed strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
Whereas, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the State of Michigan; and
Whereas, The United States ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner and Taiwan is the eighth‑largest trading partner of the United States. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $856 billion in 2021; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the State of Michigan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the prospect of future growth. Taiwan was Michigan’s seventh-largest export market in Asia in 2020, with $225 million worth of Michigan goods exported to Taiwan; and
Whereas, To strengthen the Taiwan-Michigan bilateral economic relationship, it is essential that Michigan businesses enhance their economic engagement with Taiwan based on the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA, Public Law 96-8, 22 USC § 3301). Article 4, Section b of the TRA stipulates that “wherever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan”; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the United States should further strengthen bilateral trade between our countries, thereby increasing Michigan’s exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we encourage the United States and Taiwan to further strengthen bilateral trade between our countries and continue our strong economic and trade partnership; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
Senator Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senators Barrett, Johnson and Theis were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Lauwers moved that the Senate proceed to consideration of the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 114
The motion prevailed.
A resolution to urge the adoption of policies that will lead to energy independence in the United States.
(This resolution was offered on Thursday, March 3 and consideration postponed. See Senate Journal No. 22, p. 254.)
Senator Lauwers moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion
prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
Senator Zorn offered the following substitute (S-2):
A resolution to urge the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States, including ending the state’s efforts to shut down Line 5.
Whereas, Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the government at every level to ensure that energy is available, accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible; and
Whereas, For decades, the United States has too greatly relied on sources of energy produced on the other side of the world. While the United States has enjoyed a higher degree of energy independence in the last decade due to an increase in domestic oil production, we still import tens of millions of barrels of foreign crude oil from overseas each month; and
Whereas, As a direct result of both federal and state policies and foreseeable world events, gas prices in the United States are rising at the fastest pace recorded since 2000. Not only are rising gas prices eating away at recent wage growth and increasing the risk of a recession, they also could have sweeping impacts for U.S. consumers as higher diesel prices raise the cost of shipping goods through already stressed supply chains, disproportionately affecting low-income families and citizens; and
Whereas, Enacting policies that will lead to energy independence is necessary for the safety and prosperity of the American people. Reliance on overseas oil has the potential to maximize the leverage of foreign producers. While the Biden Administration’s efforts to isolate and weaken Vladimir Putin have been welcome and necessary, our reliance on sources of energy originating on other continents creates a potential risk that those sources could be jeopardized by United States’ actions abroad, which limit our ability to preserve and protect American values. Ensuring that the United States’ economy can support itself without relying on supply chains that span the globe and without risk of foreign political disruptions is critical to job growth and competition in the United States; and
Whereas, President Biden, United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Governor Whitmer, Michigan Attorney General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy independence, including the President’s decision to halt the Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor’s and Michigan Attorney General’s attempts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, a crucial source of energy for millions of Michiganders; and
Whereas, Protecting our environment is better accomplished with domestically produced fossil fuels, which are believed to be significantly cleaner than those found in other parts of the world; and
Whereas, The United States must focus on policies that increase the production of energy here at home, such as ensuring the continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, increasing domestic oil and gas drilling, increasing investments in renewable energy, and abandoning policies that limit domestic energy production and raise the capital costs associated with fossil fuel development; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge Governor Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Nessel to immediately cease their efforts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline and instead work proactively to lower energy costs for the residents of this state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the entire Michigan congressional delegation.
Senator Horn requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The substitute (S-2) was adopted, a majority of the members voting therefor, as follows:
Roll Call No. 70 Yeas—22
Barrett Johnson Outman Theis
Bizon LaSata Runestad VanderWall
Bumstead Lauwers Schmidt Victory
Daley MacDonald Shirkey Wozniak
Horn McBroom Stamas Zorn
Huizenga Nesbitt
Nays—16
Alexander Bullock Hollier Moss
Ananich Chang Irwin Polehanki
Bayer Geiss McCann Santana
Brinks Hertel McMorrow Wojno
Excused—0
Not Voting—0
In The Chair: President
The question being on the adoption of the resolution as substituted (S-2),
The President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt, assumed the Chair.
Senator Lauwers requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
Roll Call No. 71 Yeas—22
Barrett Johnson Outman Theis
Bizon LaSata Runestad VanderWall
Bumstead Lauwers Schmidt Victory
Daley MacDonald Shirkey Wozniak
Horn McBroom Stamas Zorn
Huizenga Nesbitt
Nays—14
Alexander Chang McCann Polehanki
Bayer Geiss McMorrow Santana
Brinks Hollier Moss Wojno
Bullock Irwin
Excused—0
Not Voting—2
Ananich Hertel
In The Chair: Nesbitt
Senators Barrett and Johnson were named
co-sponsors of the resolution.
Protests
Senators McMorrow, Bayer, Bullock, Wojno, Chang, Irwin, Geiss, Alexander and Polehanki, under their constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 114.
Senators McMorrow, Irwin and Geiss moved that the statements they made during the discussion of the resolution be printed as their reasons for voting “no.”
The motion prevailed.
One thing that we can all agree on in this room is that we absolutely need energy independence for our residents and our nation. Now imagine how exciting it will be when residents of the state of Michigan do not ever have to go to a gas station, ever—that a solar panel on your roof will charge your car in your garage, that you generate your own energy to charge your own vehicle, vehicles that we make here in the state of Michigan with union labor that we all just voted to support.
The idea that somehow going backwards, that increasing fossil production is the right move in the wake of a report that just came out last week from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that says that the impact of climate change, the rate of climate change is outpacing our ability to adapt. It is no longer an abstract construct because every single person in this room has seen the impacts in their districts—in record flooding, in water in basements, in power outages that last for days, in crops that have failed because we have heat waves and cold snaps—and it is only going to worse and worse and worse. We need energy independence in this state so we should do everything in our power to invest in, support, and remove arbitrary restrictions that this state currently has in place on renewables in favor of fossil fuels. Michigan currently has the strictest-in-the-nation solar energy cap and there was bipartisan support last term in lifting or raising that cap so that more Michiganders can truly become energy independent but this body chose not to take action on that issue.
We need to be clear here, yes costs at the pump are high but going backwards on fossil fuels, on continuing to pump fossil fuels when the IPCC says that the only way to take action now is to eliminate completely fossil fuel emissions by 2050—not slow them down, eliminate—because if we do not and we go backwards now, then we are condemning every single resident of Michigan to insurmountable suffering due to floods, heat waves, power outages, crops—we will no longer be able to produce crops in this state and Michigan, I may remind everybody, is the Great Lakes State. We are home to more than 80 percent of the country’s fresh water and more than 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. So if you want to talk about national security, we should be doing everything in our power to protect that water source because as states around the country and countries around the world have heat waves, this is our most valuable resource. So I encourage a “no” vote on Senate Resolution No. 114 for disingenuously trying to take advantage of the world at war to condemn Michiganders to suffering.
Senator Irwin’s statement is as follows:
America has a problem. America has a dangerous addiction to fossil fuels. I rise to oppose this resolution that proposes to continue our disastrous policy of relying on fossil fuels that we don’t control, fossil fuels that are empowering dictators, fossil fuels that are bankrupting our fellow Americans, fossil fuels that are destroying our planet. Our loyalty in this chamber should be to our people, our consumers, not to the fossil fuels that are changing our climate and the multinational oil companies that sell them. This addiction to fossil fuels is not just hurting future generations, it’s hurting consumers today. Our consumers today are hurting precisely because of the type of philosophy that is bringing this resolution to the floor.
But just like an addict who’s not ready for treatment, this resolution is reaching for a fix to stop the sickness. I get it. People are sick, they want to stop the sickness so they’re reaching for what they’ve always reached for, but the only thing that actually stops the sickness is treatment. We need to end the addiction, not continue the addiction. The only way to stop the damage that is being done to our economy and our planet is by getting clean, but we’re not ready to do that here in this chamber. We’re not investing in clean energy, we’re not supporting the sorts of policies that can unshackle our citizens from fossil fuels. Instead, we’re considering an amendment that doubles down on this disastrous policy that leaves our citizens subject to dangerous dictators like Vladimir Putin.
I just want to say it really clearly—this
resolution is giving power to dangerous dictators like Putin, it’s giving power
to the Saudi royal family, it’s giving power to people who will use that power
to commit violence against others. But this resolution also gives additional
power to those multinational oil companies that are price gouging our consumers
right now. If you want to throw in with Vladimir Putin, if you want to throw in
with the oil oligarchs around the world, if you want to throw in with Shell and
BP and Exxon, then you should vote “yes” for this resolution because this
resolution is kowtowing to the people who are damaging our citizens right now.
This resolution supports price gouging, it supports the oil companies, it
supports polluting our planet and the future of the people who haven’t even yet
gotten the opportunity to live on this one and only planet that we have.
I’m asking you today to vote “no.” Do not shackle Michigan’s people to higher prices; do not leave Michigan’s people subject to dictators like Vladimir Putin and oil executives at Exxon and Shell. Instead let’s work together. Let’s get Michigan clean. Let’s get Michigan off this dangerous addiction to fossil fuels.
Senator Geiss’ statement, in which Senators Alexander and Polehanki concurred. is as follows:
I’m going to clear up some factual information that is incorrect in the resolution. The U.S. does not import tens of millions of barrels of foreign oil. According to the EIA—the Energy Information Administration—it’s actually 7.86 million barrels that we import, not tens of millions. That notwithstanding though, there’s nothing in this resolution that talks about how, were Line 5 shut down, what would happen, or not shut down, as it urges us to do, what would happen. How would that aging infrastructure, that crumbling infrastructure that threatens our Great Lakes, how would that get fixed? There’s no mention of the workers, the people who would have to create the new method of transmission, making sure that they have prevailing wage, making sure they are protected. It’s almost as if we expect these things are just going to happen with a magic wand and fairy dust.
All of us know—every single one of us who drive here—everybody driving right now, feels that pain. We are seeing and have seen the increases at the pump, but it’s not only from taxes. The cost of oil production in 2020—43 percent of that cost came from crude, 25 percent of that cost came from refining costs and profits, 22 percent came from federal and state taxes, and 10 percent came from distribution and marketing profits. A total of 35 percent of that cost comes from costs and profits. Let’s talk about these profits because I’ve mentioned this before in this chamber. Fourth quarter of 2021, Exxon Mobil saw $8.9 billion—with a B—in profits; BP saw $2.3 billion—with a B—in profits; Marathon saw $1.8 billion—with a B—in profits; and Shell saw $6.4 billion—with a B—in profits. One of the simplest, quickest, most economically-just things that could be done right now about the cost of gas at the pump and in this moment in time, the most patriotic and an issue of national security would be for these very oil companies to lower their prices that consumers are paying to get to places they need to go like work and school, doctor’s appointments, pick up groceries, those things that are part of sustaining life.
On top of the environmental concerns and the need for us to get off of fossil fuels and come up with and utilize and develop alternative energy as we’ve heard from both of our previous colleagues who spoke, we really need to be urging these big producers who have enjoyed record profits to reduce their prices and give some relief to our consumers at the pump, especially our most vulnerable residents.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Zorn’s statement is as follows:
My resolution urges the adoption of policies that will lead to energy independence in Michigan and the United States. For decades, the United States has been dependent on overseas sources of crude energy. During the years 2016 to 2020, the United States has enjoyed more energy independence due to the increase in domestic oil production. That production ceased in 2020 and again we import tens of millions of barrels of crude oil from overseas each month, and surprisingly and dangerously from adversarial nations such as Russia, Syria, Venezuela, and Iran that use the proceeds from sales against free nations.
The energy independence of the United States is critical to national and world security. Reliance on overseas oil has affected the United States’ ability to intervene in conflicts around the world, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It limits our ability to respond to worldwide emergencies and conflicts; even worse when adversarial and rogue nations use the proceeds from the sale of energy against free nations or to pay for war or genocide against free nations including the United States. Depending on overseas sources for energy creates a risk that those sources can be jeopardized by the actions of the United States or foreign nations.
Energy independence is also an important driver for a thriving economy. Ensuring the United States economy can support itself without relying on imports from adversarial nations and without risk of foreign political disruption is critical to job growth, competition, and maintaining a workforce that is critical to our nation. In the past couple of weeks, we have experienced gasoline and diesel fuel prices skyrocketing to the point that low-income families need to decide if they go to work or buy food. And if one believes that electric vehicles are the answer, ask your neighbor or your low-income constituent if they can afford a $60,000 car that relies on fossil fuel to charge its batteries because our nation is not yet equipped to supply enough energy from renewable energy sources.
We must focus on policies that protect the
production and delivery of our domestic energy resources, including increasing
domestic oil and natural gas production, increasing investments in renewable
energy, continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline here in Michigan, and
abandoning the policies that limit domestic energy production.
If history repeats itself, inflation caused by soaring prices is a feeder for a recession or, worse, a depression. If history repeats itself, widespread war will destroy the economy and cause the rationing of tires, fuel, oil, automobiles, metal, and so much more. To avoid these travesties, we must without delay become a self-reliant nation capable of taking care of ourselves or suffer like never before.
President Biden, Governor Whitmer, Attorney General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy independence, including the President’s decision to halt the Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor and Attorney General’s attempts to shut down Line 5, a crucial source of energy for Michigan families and millions of people. I appreciate President Biden in his efforts to weaken President Putin’s power by cutting off Russian oil shipments, but it is not enough. The President must reopen our oil and gas production. If our resources are not used, America becomes beholden to dictators wishing to harm America.
It is my sincere hope that we adopt policies that will lead to energy independence in Michigan and the United States, and I ask for your support of Senate Resolution No. 114.
Senator Barrett’s statement is as follows:
I rise today in support of this resolution which is a commonsense and well-reasoned effort to encourage our federal partners to expand the opportunities for the production of oil, natural gas, and energy resources in our own country so that we’re not relying on dictators around the world for our own energy independence. We know that energy independence and energy security is national security—everybody knows that. And yet, my Democratic colleagues today and some of their national partners disagree. I want to quote John Kerry whom all of us are familiar with—in fact he was quoted on the floor here, I think, just last week by one of my Democratic colleagues. We are seeing a massive humanitarian crisis and consequence of devastating results in Ukraine right now. Human lives are being destroyed. Innocent civilians are being killed, but John Kerry wants all of you to remember the real tragedy in Ukraine is, “massive emissions consequences to the war.” You’re going to lose people’s focus, he said, you’re going to lose people’s attention around climate change because it will be diverted and I think that could have a real damaging impact. Kerry was pleading with Vladimir Putin, the instigator of all this, to say, “I hope President Putin will help us to stay on track with respect to what we need to do for the climate.”
We know that we do not need to be beholden to people like Vladimir Putin, dictators in Venezuela, the ayatollah in Iran, or anybody else. We need to focus on our own energy independence, but my Democratic colleagues don’t agree with that. They want you to feel guilty for daring to drive a conventional-fuel vehicle down the road. They want you to have a self-loathing reaction for daring to fill up your own family minivan just to get your kids to school or soccer practice or karate lessons or any of the other things we do in our daily lives. And if you dare drive a pickup truck, you basically are Vladimir Putin today in their eyes.
On our side, we know that energy independence is national security and we need to affirm that with this resolution today. If you really care about the environment and really care about the climate, then you would join us in making sure that pipelines are the way in which we transmit our energy in the safest, most reliable, and least-impact-on-climate mechanism that we have.
Mr. President, I urge a “yes” vote on this resolution.
Senator Horn’s statement is as follows:
I am stunned and outraged by some of the comments that I’ve heard from the other side of the aisle in opposition to Senate Resolution No. 114. Oh my goodness. I cannot for the life of me understand the tone deafness that I’m hearing. Michigan, the United States, the problem that we’re facing is the tone deafness of our leadership, our President, our Governor, and our speakers who are standing up—who drove here on fossil fuel powered cars, who are heating their homes with natural gas—and telling our people that they are sick. The people of the state of Michigan are sick and addicted? That is scary stuff.
We are siding with Putin? When we are asking, after the fact now, after a lot of pressure, to stop buying oil from Russia. And we find out that the President of the United States wants to cut a deal with Venezuela, another dictatorship who forced people to flee from his country, who had starvation and people dying in his streets. He’s going to Iran to renew nuclear deals in order to buy more fuel—fossil fuels—from Iran? We are going to go Saudi Arabia and then try to bribe more oil from Saudi Arabia in return for the twentieth hijacker out of Gitmo? And not once did he offer to go down and talk to the Governor of Texas for more oil, to the Governor of Alaska for more oil. And not once did he come talk to the Governor of the state of Michigan to make sure that Line 5 stay open and clear. It’s a double down and speed up the process of permitting for the tunnel to keep our Great Lakes pristine and safe. Do you realize how much oil comes through Line 5? If you shut it down where will that oil come from for the Marathon station, for the refinery down in Toledo that fuels our cars; that fuels our airports including Metro, that flies us all over the country, flies our people?
But the tone deafness is what amazes me again. We worry about people being sick 30 years from now if we don’t drive enough electric vehicles. We know it’s going to take time, but we have 600,000 people or more heating their homes with propane. They’re cooking their foods with natural gases. They’re heating their kids bathwater with natural gas and propane. You want to take that all away and electrify it, and expect solar energy and wind to power that up now? How long do you expect that to take in Michigan? Good grief.
When this resolution asks for us to be energy independent, we’ve already experienced that and it was only a year and a half ago. The people know that we have this capacity. They know that we have this within us and we lost it, we gave it away. Our leadership, our administration in Washington, and our leadership right here in Michigan—our Governor, our Attorney General—want to take it away from us, and we intend not to let that happen.
Senator Runestad’s statement is as follows:
Yes, I do support Senate Resolution No. 114 and it’s interesting to see and hear the objection, to the Democrats, to this resolution. But the people of the state of Michigan can certainly feel comfortable and confident that the Democrats are looking out for their needs. The Democrats want to close down Line 5 that provides an enormous amount of energy here in the state of Michigan and further explode the energy costs for the people of the state of Michigan, all across the state of Michigan, as well as increasing inflation that they are having to deal with. But don’t worry about that, people of the state of Michigan, because Democrats are going to truck it out to you. When they close down Line 5, they’re going to get these trucks—now I hear that there are no trucks and there’s no drivers but don’t worry, they say they’re going to truck it out, all of this propane—all across the state of Michigan, but if that doesn’t work, don’t worry, they’re going to bring in renewables. Now when Line 5 closes, that’s an instant closing of the gas line providing massive amount of propane and fuel and gas, but don’t worry, they’re going to spread renewables all across the state of Michigan.
Those renewables which are astronomically higher in cost are going to save the day so you won’t have to pay these higher energy costs. Believe me, you are going to be paying higher costs for energy on top of the exploding Biden costs of his trillions upon trillions that are impacting your family budget. But don’t worry about any of that, the important thing here is that the support must be for the Democrats. Virtue signaling, by closing Line 5, you can feel good about the virtue as you suck it up and pay all these enormous new energy costs because the important thing here is that you virtue signal along with the Democrats and their advocacy of closing Line 5 while you, the taxpayer, the individuals of the state of Michigan pay all the costs.
Senator McBroom’s statement is as follows:
Opposition to Senate Resolution No. 114 says that those who are supporting it are utilizing fear, alleging that supporters are seeking to use the crisis in order to hurt consumers and citizens long term. The speaker then goes on to all the things in the future that we have to fear should this resolution be adopted, which is pretty comical when you compare it to the last speaker who had just said that this resolution doesn’t do anything and is just a dumb piece of paper. But we should be afraid of—fear of starvation, and heat waves, and floods, etc. Fear is the default argument for the unknown and the unknowable and despite what the IPCC and others predict, their arguments are far from dependable sure things. They predict that if we ascribe to some of the most strict climate change policies that we’ll alter the world temperature downward by two degrees in 100 years. That’s their prediction. That’s the promise, two degrees in 100 years. And yet anyone who does modeling and statistics recognizes that over time those predictions do not become more dependable but less dependable.
How will we know that what we do at this one moment here, or even on a continual basis, is actually going to cause something out at that distance? It’s not knowable and yet we should be afraid of it, rather than consider the moment we are in and the actual real true fears that people have right now. Legitimate fears based on the facts that they are dealing with on a daily basis of being able to get to work, about being able to fill their tractor this spring so I can plant crops for people to eat. Here we’re worried that I might not be able to grow crops in 100 years from now and I’m talking to farmers right now who don’t know how they’re going to grow food for all of you this year. It is a real problem. Fertilizer costs are through the roof and that’s all directly related to natural gas. That’s where it comes from. Somebody’s got to feed you people. Somehow, all of us supporting this resolution are promoting fear and we’re utilizing a crisis. That’s what we heard? From somebody who is promoting a crisis 100 years from now?
The other day a national comedian went on
television and told everybody how he was willing to pay $15 a gallon because it
will send a message to dictators, because it’s the right and moral thing to do.
Yeah, he also drives a Tesla too so you know, no big deal. Meanwhile people in
each of our hometowns are struggling how to figure out what they’re going to
do. What about their plans this summer? My tourist industry, who’s already booked
in one place 12,000 rounds of golf for this summer. Are those people still
coming? How are they going to come if they can’t afford the gas to get there?
And now we’re getting beat up because making a statement on energy independence is just playing games and doing nothing. Meanwhile the Governor’s out making statements about it, calling on Joe Biden to do something. Where’s the criticism for her? Where’s the criticism for the things she is actually doing? They’re in this resolution, the things she is doing to stop our energy independence in Michigan, to stop Line 5. The other person in the executive branch who’s saying, Don’t worry Yoopers it’s just the cost of a couple of pasties. Probably going to have to upgrade that now, it’s going to be the cost of maybe a dozen pasties. Thanks for the patronizing of the people of the Upper Peninsula again. This is a good statement about the current moment and it’s not capitalizing on the disaster that’s going on in the world to get it done. It’s recognizing a reality we already had and will have and not one that’s 100 years from now, but right now.
By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of
Statements
The motion prevailed.
Senator Chang’s statement is as follows:
Today is a special day in the Michigan Senate, not only for me and my family but for all of us. With my colleague from the 15th Senate District, I’m proud to announce the formation of the Taiwan Friendship Caucus. As many of you know, I’m the daughter—I’m the proud daughter—of Taiwanese parents who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. I’m proud of my heritage, but I’m also proud of the bond that has existed between my home state and my parents’ home country.
Taiwan shares many of the same democratic values that we do—freedom, democracy, human rights, humanitarian aid, peace and prosperity are all important to Taiwan, the Pacific island nation of more than 23 million people. The nation has been a strong economic, educational, and cultural partner for our state. Taiwan was Michigan’s seventh largest export market in Asia in 2020 with $226 million worth of Michigan goods exported to the independent nation.
The work that we will be doing in the Taiwan Friendship Caucus is to continue to build a partnership among Michigan, the United States, and Taiwan which will bring economic, political, and social benefits for all of us. Today we also adopted Senate Resolution No. 115, a resolution that will recognize our bilateral trade relationship. Finally, we wanted to invite all of our colleagues to join us today from noon until 1 p.m. in the Speaker’s Library for lunch as we launch our efforts.
Senator Wojno’s statement is as follows:
Colleagues, in a few minutes we will be honoring many of the staff here in Lansing for their years of service and in my office I’m very privileged to have a very special person who will be recognized here as well today.
She started her career in Lansing where she has worked with Senator Joe Conroy, Senator Art Miller, Senator Dennis Olshove, Senator Steve Bieda; and now she is a member of my staff and I am privileged to have Connie Platte be a member of my staff. I want to reemphasize that—I am privileged. Connie is an exceptional person. She is perseverant, she leaves no stone unturned, and she answers each and every concern thoroughly.
Especially over these past two years she literally helped hundreds and hundreds of individuals. During the early days of the pandemic she contracted COVID and she continued to contact constituents from my district, helping them with their needs and concerns. Connie will be recognized today for 35 years of service at our State Capitol. Please join me in congratulating these 35 years and Connie Platte’s dedication to the people of the state of Michigan. Thank you.
Announcements of Printing and Enrollment
House Bill No. 5720
The Secretary announced that the following bills were printed and filed on Tuesday, March 8, and are available on the Michigan Legislature website:
Senate Bill Nos. 950 951 952 953 954 955
House
Bill Nos. 5878 5879 5880 5881 5882 5883 5884 5885 5886 5887
Committee Reports
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
Senate Bill No. 107, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1170c.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
Nays: Senator Runestad
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
Senate Bill No. 940, entitled
A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 6, 101, 104b, and 104c (MCL 388.1606, 388.1701, 388.1704b, and 388.1704c), sections 6, 101, and 104c as amended by 2021 PA 48 and section 104b as amended by 2018 PA 265.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Runestad, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
Senate Bill No. 941, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 1249, 1249b, 1279g, and 1280g (MCL 380.1249, 380.1249b, 380.1279g, and 380.1280g), section 1249 as amended by 2019 PA 6, section 1249b as amended by 2019 PA 5, section 1279g as amended by 2016 PA 170, and section 1280g as added by 2018 PA 601, and by adding section 1280h.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Runestad, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
House Bill No. 4326, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending section 1278a (MCL 380.1278a), as amended by 2020 PA 158.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Runestad, Daley and Huizenga
Nays: Senator Polehanki
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred
to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
House Bill No. 4953, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1293.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Runestad, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness reported
House Bill No. 5701, entitled
A bill to amend 1937 PA 306, entitled “An act to promote the safety, welfare, and educational interests of the people of this state by regulating the construction, reconstruction, and remodeling of, and the installation of certain security devices at, certain public or private school buildings or additions to those buildings and by regulating the construction, reconstruction, and remodeling of, and the installation of certain security devices at, buildings leased or acquired for school purposes; to define the class of buildings affected by this act; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies and officials; to prescribe penalties for the violation of this act; and to repeal acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 1d (MCL 388.851d), as added by 2020 PA 45.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Lana Theis
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Theis, Horn, Runestad, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
Nays: None
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education and Career Readiness submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 12:00 noon, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Theis (C), Horn, Runestad, Daley, Huizenga, Polehanki and Geiss
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity/MEDC submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Horn (C), Schmidt, Huizenga and Hertel
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Energy and Technology submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Lauwers (C), Horn, LaSata, Nesbitt, Barrett, Bumstead, Bizon, Schmidt, Wozniak, McCann, Brinks, McMorrow and Bullock
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Oversight submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators McBroom (C), Theis, Bizon, Wozniak, Irwin and Chang
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy submitted the following:
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building
Present: Senators Bumstead (C), Bizon, McCann and Bayer
Excused: Senator Victory
Appropriations –
Subcommittees –
Agriculture and Rural Development – Thursday, March 10, 3:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Corrections and Judiciary – Wednesdays, March 16 and March 23, 11:30 a.m., or immediately following session, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
General Government – Wednesdays, March 16 and March 23, 3:00 p.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
K-12 and Michigan Department of Education – Thursday, March 10, 9:00 a.m., Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room, 3rd Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-2768
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Insurance and Financial Services – Thursday, March 10, 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon, Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Military and Veterans Affairs/State Police – Thursday, March 10, 1:00 p.m., Room 1300, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy – Tuesday, March 15, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-2768
Health Policy and Human Services – Thursday, March 10, 1:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5323
Judiciary and Public Safety – Thursday, March 10, 8:30 a.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5312
Senator Lauwers moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 11:50 a.m.
The President pro tempore, Senator Nesbitt, declared the Senate adjourned until Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.
MARGARET O’BRIEN
Secretary of the Senate