Senators Kuipers, Brown, Jelinek, Van Woerkom, Stamas, Cassis, Sanborn, Allen, Richardville, Pappageorge, Kahn, Gilbert, Jansen, Birkholz, Hardiman, Garcia, McManus, Nofs, Barcia, Gleason and Cropsey offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 129.

            A resolution to urge the Governor to rescind her proclamation making March 20, 2010, Michigan Meatout Day.

            Whereas, Agriculture in Michigan contributes $71.3 billion annually to Michigan's economy, and a large share of this figure comes from the livestock industry, with cattle, poultry, and hogs ranking in the top ten of agricultural commodities in the state; and

            Whereas, Past announcements regarding not eating meat by public officials have proven to have a dramatic and negative effect on markets both locally and nationally; and

            Whereas, As other areas of the state's  economy continue to decline, agriculture has continued to grow and expand here in the state, and such an announcement by the Governor could have a devastating effect on the livestock industry in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Instead of urging citizens not to eat meat, the Governor should instead be stressing the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes, meats, vegetable, fruits, and grains; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Governor to rescind her proclamation declaring March 20, 2010, as Michigan Meatout Day, and focus instead on promoting the importance of a well-balanced diet that includes meats, vegetables, fruits and grains; and be it further

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