Reps. Byrnes, Lemmons, Hune, Ward, Corriveau, Byrum, Accavitti, Hopgood, Valentine, Stahl, Gonzales, Donigan, Spade, Proos, Cushingberry, Robert Jones, Meisner, Meadows, Ball, Steil, Green, Bieda, Tobocman, Miller, Constan, LeBlanc, Rocca, Leland, Alma Smith, Condino, Dean, Kathleen Law, Clack, Hammon, Hammel, Shaffer, Pearce, Marleau, Melton, Vagnozzi, Warren, Mayes and Sak offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 167.

A resolution declaring September 2007 as College Savings Month in the state of

Michigan.

Whereas, As the state of Michigan prepares to compete in the global economy of the 21st century, it is imperative that the children of our state have access to the education and skills that will ensure them success in the future; and

Whereas, Through the hard work and dedication of the families and loved ones of the youth of Michigan, students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education and a chance for educational advancement; and

Whereas, It is extremely important that our state maintain access to postsecondary

education and encourage parents, family members, friends and neighbors to save for our young people's education; and

Whereas, Federal and state government must continue to encourage savings for the future and provide parents, grandparents, friends and businesses additional opportunities to support the educational needs and goals of our children; and

Whereas, It is in the interest of the state to ensure that the people of Michigan have the opportunity to obtain a postsecondary education and to encourage parents to save for their children's education; and

Whereas, The Michigan Education Trust, the nation’s first prepaid college tuition plan, was provided by the state of Michigan as a Section 529 Qualified Tuition Plan (QTP), which was passed by our state's legislature through duly enacted laws; and

Whereas, The Michigan Education Savings Program continues to help families save for college expenses and has been named one of the top college savings programs in the nation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2007 as College Savings Month in the state of Michigan.