Rep. Hansen offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 31.

            A concurrent resolution to disapprove Section V, Department of Agriculture, of Executive Order No. 2009-45, setting forth changes in the organization of the executive branch.

            Whereas, Governor Granholm has issued an executive order proposing the reorganization of the executive branch relative to the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; the Department of Environmental Quality; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department Treasury. Executive Order 2009-45 was signed on October 8, 2009; and

            Whereas, Section V, Department of Agriculture, of Executive Order No. 2009-45 would transfer and, in some cases, abolish certain independent agriculture commissions, boards, and authorities. The executive order would transfer the Commission of Agriculture to the Department of Agriculture; transfer to the Department of Agriculture and abolish the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board, Michigan Family Farm Development Authority, and Pesticide Advisory Committee; and transfer the Office of the Racing Commissioner from the Department of Agriculture to the Michigan Gaming Control Board; and

            Whereas, The transfer of the Commission of Agriculture would strip its authority to select the department director and reduce the commission to an advisory role. Functional oversight of the Department of Agriculture, its director, and decisions on vital programs affecting the state's agriculture industry would be lost. This oversight should remain in the hands of the open, bipartisan, citizen-based commission, not a political bureaucracy; and

            Whereas, The transfer of the Office of the Racing Commissioner will further cripple Michigan's already struggling horse racing industry, as horse racing would likely be a low priority of the Gaming Control Board; and

            Whereas, The sum effect of these actions would be to weaken the century-long partnership between the agricultural sector and government. These commissions, boards, and authorities provide critical government transparency and accountability to the public. This system has allowed for continuity and consistency of programs affecting Michigan's $71.3 billion agriculture industry; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we hereby disapprove Section V, Department of Agriculture, of Executive Order No. 2009-45, issued October 8, 2009, and proposing the transfer of certain agriculture commissions, boards, and authorities; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Office of the Governor.