Reps. Byrum, Meekhof, Elsenheimer, Hildenbrand, Neumann, Agema, Rick Jones, Spade, Polidori, Roy Schmidt, Calley, Amash, Terry Brown, Haveman, Bennett, Scripps, Valentine, McDowell, Moore, Haines, Lund, Denby, Griffin, Horn, Lori, Huckleberry, Stamas, Wayne Schmidt, Liss, Proos, Pavlov, Pearce, Opsommer, Tyler, Bolger, Sheltrown, Mayes, Ball, Crawford, Daley, Kowall, Marleau, Rogers and Walsh offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 232.  

            A resolution to express disappointment over the Governor's proclamation supporting a "meatout" day and affirming support for all of Michigan's agricultural industries, including dairy and meat producers.

            Whereas, Governor Jennifer Granholm has issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, March 20, 2010, "meatout" day, encouraging Michigan residents to eat a more healthy diet by eliminating meat for the day. The proclamation claims that eliminating meat from one's diet is supposed to provoke healthy eating of fruits and vegetables, while reducing food budget costs; and

            Whereas, Michigan has a great and proud institution of dairy farming, which provides plentiful meats for consumption by state residents. The agriculture cash receipts for Michigan meat animals totaled $640,101,000 in 2008; and

            Whereas, A balanced diet includes foods from all the major food groups including meat. Red meat provides high quality proteins, amino acids, and iron, essential nutrients to the human body. Few plant foods provide protein or iron in necessary quantities. Meat is also a main source of Vitamin B12, needed for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Michigan residents should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to achieve a healthy lifestyle; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express disappointment over the Governor's proclamation supporting a "meatout" day and affirming support for all of Michigan's agricultural industries, including dairy and meat producers; and be it further

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