Senator Kahn offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 172.

            A resolution commemorating April 13-19, 2008, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, With the implementation of the crime victim's rights act in 1985 and the passage of the constitutional amendment in 1988, crime victims in Michigan enjoy some of the most comprehensive, constitutionally-guaranteed rights in the nation. We celebrate the fact that victims in Michigan have been an integral part of the delivery of justice for the past 23 years. Communities throughout the state are unified in their efforts to assist victims in the recovery from the aftermath of crime; and

            Whereas, The support groups that have arisen are many and varied. They range from volunteers coordinated by county sheriff offices to assist victims of crime at the very first moment a crime has occurred, to the motivated and concerned individuals in each county prosecutor’s office who ensure that victims are afforded their rights, to the advocates who ensure continued implementation of victims’ rights throughout the incarceration of the criminal defendant; and

            Whereas, The existence of these groups and the visibility of victims in the criminal justice process can be largely traced to the reforms of 1985 and 1988. Today, every effort is made to treat victims with fairness, respect, dignity, and privacy; and

            Whereas, Crime remains a serious issue facing the state of Michigan. We must continue to address the concerns of victims and be open to additional reforms as they are needed; and

            Whereas, Communities throughout the state are experiencing a growing concern about the increase in gang-related violence, with 60 percent of the homicides in Saginaw alone during 2006 linked to gangs; and

            Whereas, We remember the victims of crime, like young Stacy D. Evans Jr., a 14-month-old who was killed on March 2, 2007, and the tremendous loss his parents still endure after this senseless act of violence that traumatized a family and community; and

            Whereas, The exchange of information and level of public awareness are the focus of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and continue to serve as a driving force for changes in attitude and law in Michigan, as well as the entire country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate April 13-19, 2008, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That we pay our respects to those who have been victimized by violence and crime, as well as salute the many dedicated individuals who work on behalf of Michigan victims, at a candlelight vigil to be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the State Capitol; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the coordinators of the candlelight vigil event as evidence of our respect and best wishes.