Senator Booher offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 86.

            A resolution recognizing September 20, 2013, as National Tradesmen Day.

            Whereas, National Tradesmen Day is recognized each year on the third Friday in September; and

            Whereas, National Tradesmen Day is intended to be a day when the nation pauses to thank skilled workers, such as auto mechanics, roofers, bricklayers, welders, plumbers, woodworkers, electricians, carpenters, and others; and

Whereas, It is a day for people to find ways to show appreciation and gratitude to tradesmen by holding celebrations, recognition events, and activities throughout the country; and

Whereas, By 2030, 79 million tradesmen will retire with only 41 million new workers replacing them; and

Whereas, Most vacated jobs will require training and expertise our young people are lacking. Only 6 percent of high school students consider a career in the trades; and

Whereas, These trends could mean trouble for a rebounding America. Without the appreciation of tradesmen and encouraging young adults to enter the trades, homes will not be built, roofs will not get fixed, and  plumbing will not be repaired; and

Whereas, National Tradesmen Day celebrates the hardworking men and women who help ensure that the necessities of daily life remain operational and serve as an important element in making our economy function efficiently; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize September 20, 2013, as National Tradesmen Day in the state of Michigan. We urge citizens to offer their support to professional tradesmen, and bring more attention to the skilled-labor gap and the employment opportunities for skilled tradesmen.