4129: ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE (Date Completed: 5-2-11)

WILLIAM DAVIDSON MEMORIAL HWY H.B. 4129: ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
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House Bill 4129 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Marty Knollenberg
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation

Date Completed: 5-2-11

RATIONALE

Noted businessman and philanthropist Bill Davidson was born in Detroit on December 5, 1922. Mr. Davidson was the president and chairman of Guardian Industries, one of the world's largest glass manufacturers, and he owned several professional sports teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Shock, and Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as Palace Sports and Entertainment. In addition, he donated millions of dollars to a number of charitable causes during his lifetime. Mr. Davidson passed away on March 13, 2009. It has been suggested that a portion of highway near the Palace of Auburn Hills be named in his honor.

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate highway M-24 within the city limits of Auburn Hills in Oakland County as the "William Davidson Memorial Highway".

Proposed MCL 250.1078

ARGUMENTS (Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)

Supporting Argument Bill Davidson's accomplishments in business and sports, as well as his philanthropic endeavors, serve as an inspiration to many. All three of his professional sports teams won championships under his ownership, and in 2004 he became the first owner of concurrent champions in major North American team sports. He was inducted into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Bill Davidson also donated millions of dollars to various charitable and educational causes, including more than $55 million to his alma mater, the University of Michigan. He was recognized by former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir for outstanding philanthropic deeds toward Israel and honored by the Council of Michigan Foundations for his local, national, and international contributions. Naming the portion of highway along which the Palace of Auburn Hills is located would be a fitting tribute to a person whose vision, talent, and generosity benefitted so many Michiganders.

Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb4129/1112