Reps. Greig, Sarah Roberts, Brinks, Cochran, Plawecki, LaGrand, Hoadley, Brunner, Garrett, Pagan, Chirkun, Yanez, Faris, Lane, Darany, Driskell, Hovey-Wright, Love, Chang, Canfield, Geiss, Heise, Kelly, Lauwers, LaVoy, Phelps, Price and Singh offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 318.

            A resolution to declare June 2016 as Women in Science and Technology Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Science and technology are critical fields for the success of Michigan’s economy as many of the fastest growing occupations in our state require some form of expertise in the areas of science and technology. Careers related to science and technology represent some of the highest-paying positions in any field, thereby providing desirable career opportunities and real pathways out of poverty; and

            Whereas, Preparing students for the science and technology workforce is essential to fulfill the demands of the 21st century’s innovation-focused economy; and

            Whereas, A significant gender gap exists in the participation of science and technology disciplines and workforce. Women earn nearly 60 percent of bachelor’s degrees, but are underrepresented in science and technology-related college degrees, especially in the computer sciences and engineering fields. According to the Census Bureau, while women make up nearly one-half of the working population, they only represent 26 percent of the science and technology workforce. Women represented 35 percent of computer occupations in 1990, but that number declined to 26 percent by 2013; and

            Whereas, Women in science and technology professions earn one-third more than women in non-science and technology-related occupations. In Michigan, the gender disparities among science and technology fields are similar if not more pronounced. Only 22 percent of engineering graduates in Michigan are women and only 20 percent of engineers in the workforce are women; and

            Whereas, Despite underrepresentation in the science and technology fields, there are many Michigan female leaders who represent the science and technology community and serve as role models for young girls preparing for careers in science and technology; and

            Whereas, Increasing the interest of the next generation of students in Michigan, particularly young women and underrepresented minorities, in science and technology-related fields is necessary to maintain the competitiveness of our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2016 as Women in Science and Technology Month in the state of Michigan. We  encourage all citizens and community organizations to support the observance of Michigan Women in Science and Technology Month by encouraging and celebrating women in the science and technology fields.