No. 48
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Journal of the Senate
97th Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2014
Senate Chamber, Lansing, Thursday, May 22, 2014.
10:00 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Brian N. Calley.
The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.
Ananich—present Hood—present Pappageorge—present
Anderson—present Hopgood—present Pavlov—present
Bieda—present Hune—present Proos—present
Booher—present Hunter—excused Richardville—present
Brandenburg—present Jansen—present Robertson—present
Casperson—present Johnson—present Rocca—present
Caswell—present Jones—present Schuitmaker—present
Colbeck—present Kahn—present Smith—excused
Emmons—present Kowall—present Walker—present
Green—present Marleau—present Warren—present
Gregory—present Meekhof—present Whitmer—present
Hansen—present Moolenaar—present Young—present
Hildenbrand—present Nofs—present
Reverend Jerrold Jones of First Congregational Church of Greenville offered the following invocation:
Lord God, we greet You in the newness of this day. When this day draws to a close, may our words and all of our works be pleasing to You.
We stand on the front end of Memorial Day weekend. It is a time of remembrance. It is a time to recall the ongoing sacrifices made on our behalf by men and women of every generation. On the anvils of freedom, they hammered out a nation of justice and opportunity. Their courage purchased our liberty and lasting peace. We know that many endured unspeakable suffering. Some returned with scars on their bodies or wounded souls. Some never returned. No words can ever summarize the price paid by these who so valiantly gave of themselves.
For a nation that embraces such freedom, a mere “thank you” is woefully inadequate. We need to do more than say “thank you” one weekend a year. The boldest thanks we can give is to savor and cherish the peace they purchased on our behalf.
Help us, Lord, to truly value peace; to recognize peace as far more than the absence of war. Peace is not the prize for the strongest military. Peace is not the business of nations or international peacekeepers. Peace is the vocation of every citizen. It begins in the heart and the harmony of the home. Only then can it move to the workplace, the community, the state, the nation, and the world. We pray for peace that is as basic to us as breathing. May it be the very essence of our being.
On this new day, may statesmanship prevail in this place. May the needs, the human dignity, and the opportunity of every citizen be this body’s marching order. May justice be tempered with reason, bold visions be based in reality, and compassion for the least of our brothers and sisters be the epicenter of every decision.
Lord God, speak to us and through us that peace prevails in this land—this nation, this state, and every individual life. It’s a tall order indeed, but we know that through You all things are possible. So help us to make our possibilities realities in the name of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motions and Communications
Senator Hopgood moved that Senators Johnson and Young be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hopgood moved that Senators Hunter and Smith be excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Meekhof moved that Senator Caswell be temporarily excused from today’s session.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow the guests of Senator Pappageorge admittance to the Senate floor, including the center aisle.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Senate floor.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The Secretary announced that the following House bills were received in the Senate and filed on Wednesday, May 21:
House Bill Nos. 5193 5194
Recess
Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:06 a.m.
10:43 a.m.
The Senate was called to order by the President, Lieutenant Governor Calley.
During the recess, Senator Pappageorge presented the 20th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony “Lest We Forget” in honor of the military personnel who served during wartime. The ceremony was accompanied by the Michigan Army National Guard Color Guard, Kalamazoo Pipe Band, and Veteran Post Commanders.
Senator Pappageorge introduced Elizabeth Johnson, a 12-year-old Kalamazoo resident, who sang the “National Anthem.”
Senator Pappageorge acknowledged members of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Gold Star family members, and individuals currently and formerly serving in the armed forces.
Senator Pappageorge introduced U.S. Army Captain David Sokol, Bronze Star recipient, who presented a ceremonial toast to fallen comrades.
Senator Gregory recognized Sue Scott, sister of Army First Lieutenant Douglas Ferguson (promoted to Captain in absentia), who was declared missing in action during the Vietnam War for 45 years. Senator Pappageorge acknowledged Captain Ferguson with a memorial flag.
Specialist Ryan Elliott, Michigan National Guard, played “Taps.”
The Kalamazoo Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace.”
Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, Adjutant General of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, made a special presentation to the family of Army Captain Jim Dunn, for his many 1st Infantry Division engagements during the Vietnam War.
During the recess, Senators Caswell, Young and Johnson entered the Senate Chamber.
Senators Whitmer, Pavlov and Casperson asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Whitmer’s statement is as follows:
Before we break up, I think this is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to Senator Pappageorge for putting this on. This is an enormous feat, but it’s extremely important that we not forget what Memorial Day is all about. I just simply wanted to take a moment to introduce my guest I have sitting with me today.
I’m honored to have with me today someone who has become a very good friend of mine. His name is George Olshove. He’s 95 and he’s a veteran of World War II and the 340th U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He also happens to be the father of one of our former Senate colleagues, Dennis Olshove.
George served with distinction in the 340th U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. His unit was activated just months following the attack on Pearl Harbor to construct the Alaskan Military Highway, to aid in defending our great country from possible further attacks. Following the work on the Alaskan Military Highway, the unit was transferred to the South Pacific, working in such locations as Australia, New Guinea, and the Dutch East Indies in the Philippines.
It’s because of the hard work and patriotism from George and the rest of the 340th that we’re truly honored and humbled to have him today with us on the Senate floor. I ask that you join me in honoring George and all of the other veterans who are here today with us. He’s a constituent of my friend Steve Bieda, but I’m claiming him today and every day, because George is a hero of mine and a good friend. I ask you to join me in thanking him for his service.
Senator Pavlov’s statement is as follows:
It’s my pleasure today to also introduce a World War II veteran from my district, Dr. John Deaver. Dr. Deaver was a World War II Air Force navigator on a B-24 Liberator in Europe. The Air Force awarded John the Distinguished Flying Cross, its highest honor, for commanding an order which prevented his plane from crashing into the side of a mountain. Dr. Deaver also earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago, and he worked for Ford Motor Company from 1969 as its chief economist.
This man is the epitome of the term “The Greatest Generation,” and I’m happy to call John a friend. I’m even happier to have him with me today. Senate colleagues, please help me welcome Dr. John Deaver.
Senator Casperson’s statement is as follows:
I want to introduce to my colleagues Richard Morrison from the Upper Peninsula. He’s been a good friend. We thank him for his service. Another special guest with me today is my son-in-law, Chan Wakefield, serving in the United States Navy as we speak. I’m glad to have them both with me.
Committee Reports
The Committee on Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing reported
Senate Bill No. 907, entitled
A bill to amend 1980 PA 300, entitled “The public school employees retirement act of 1979,” by amending section 61 (MCL 38.1361), as amended by 2012 PA 464.
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Mark C. Jansen
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Jansen, Colbeck, Casperson, Kowall, Young and Warren
Nays: None
The bill and the substitute recommended by the committee were referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 8:30 a.m., Rooms 402 and 403, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Jansen (C), Colbeck, Casperson, Kowall, Young and Warren
Excused: Senator Robertson
The Committee on Education reported
Senate Bill No. 945, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” by amending sections 1278, 1279a, 1279c, and 1279g (MCL 380.1278, 380.1279a, 380.1279c, and 380.1279g), sections 1278, 1279a, and 1279c as amended by 2004 PA 596 and section 1279g as amended by 2008 PA 349, and by adding section 1279f; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
The committee further recommends that the bill be given immediate effect.
Phillip J. Pavlov
Chairperson
To Report Out:
Yeas: Senators Pavlov, Emmons and Colbeck
Nays: Senators Hopgood and Young
The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Education submitted the following:
Meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 12:00 noon, Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Pavlov (C), Emmons, Colbeck, Hopgood and Young
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 8:15 a.m., Room 424, Capitol Building
Present: Senators Pappageorge (C), Meekhof and Marleau
Excused: Senators Hunter and Johnson
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE REPORT
The Committee on Agriculture submitted the following:
Meeting held on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 8:30 a.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower
Present: Senators Hune (C), Booher, Emmons and Hansen
Excused: Senator Smith
Scheduled Meetings
Energy and Technology - Tuesday, May 27, 1:00 p.m., Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower (373-5307)
Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate adjourn.
The motion prevailed, the time being 10:48 a.m.
The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, declared the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
CAROL MOREY VIVENTI
Secretary of the Senate
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