Senators Sikkema, Hammerstrom, Sanborn, Patterson, Cropsey, Garcia, Van Woerkom, Allen, Hardiman, Bishop, Stamas, Cassis, Birkholz, Jelinek, Johnson and Kuipers offered the following concurrent resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3.
A concurrent resolution to create the Joint Select Committee on Business Competitiveness.
Whereas, While our state has made substantial progress in economic development, this challenge is becoming increasingly difficult in the current conditions facing the country. Uncertainties with the economy, the increased focus on homeland security, and the impact of the global market create additional pressures on the entire policy area of creating jobs and business growth; and
Whereas, The highly competitive nature of economic development efforts is also accelerated by the rapid changes in technology and market conditions. The responses and approaches that worked in the past may be inadequate now. Any state that does not take an aggressive stance in the effort to create new jobs is not serving its citizens as it should; and
Whereas, A concentrated study of Michigan's business climate is in order. We need to identify any obstacles, including regulatory processes, that may keep Michigan from being as competitive as it needs to be. We also need to determine if new incentives can be developed to attract jobs; and
Whereas, The mission of developing the economy and creating employment opportunities is shared by job providers, small business owners, workers, government leaders, and taxpayers. In this vitally important work, everyone's experience is important and can contribute to building a stronger Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That there be created the Joint Select Committee on Business Competitiveness to study Michigan's business climate and identify any obstacles, including regulatory requirements, that inhibit Michigan's growth. The Joint Select Committee on Business Competitiveness shall consist of five members of the Senate and five members of the House of Representatives appointed in the same manner as standing committees of the Senate and House are appointed. The committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Michigan Legislature by September 1, 2003; and be it further
Resolved, That the committee is hereby authorized to expend a maximum amount of $10,000 in carrying out its duties and such additional expenditures deemed necessary by the chair of the committee and approved by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House. Payments for contractual services may be authorized by the committee chair, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House.