No. 83 STATE OF MICHIGAN Journal of the Senate 97th Legislature REGULAR SESSION OF 2014 Senate Chamber, Lansing, Wednesday, December 17, 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 Assistant 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—present Richardville—present Brandenburg—present Jansen—present Robertson—present Casperson—present Johnson—excused Rocca—present Caswell—present Jones—present Schuitmaker—present Colbeck—present Kahn—present Smith—present 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 2182 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [December 17, 2014] [No. 83 Father Gerard Bechard of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church of Westland offered the following invocation: Blessed are You, Almighty God. In Your goodness, You have given us Michigan as our home, set as a jewel in the middle of a vast, rich continent. Placed amid Your life-giving waters, You invite us to be a place of joy and delight to all who live here and to all who visit. Your waters sustain our fields and forests. They provide opportunities for recreation which strengthen our bodies and refresh our spirits. You have given us a rich and fertile land which feeds our people and our nation. Your refreshing breezes turn our turbines and fill our sails. Most importantly, You have blessed Michigan with countless people with innumerable talents who have, in turn, blessed the world. Michiganders have entertained us, given us mobility, and when needed, helped us to defend the world from tyranny. You have also blessed our state with challenges so that we rise to greatness. The pain of our economic struggles reminds us that we are all connected. The suffering and struggles of our sisters and brothers affect us all, while the benefits of a good education and talents well used benefit us all. We look with optimism to the time when our human and natural resources will allow our state to be a beacon of hope for all who face adversity. Please grant us wisdom to protect the great gifts with which we have been graced. Strengthen our resolve to use our resources wisely so that they may be a blessing for all generations to come. Help us to never take for granted any of Your precious gifts, least of all Your people. We implore Your guidance in our work so that we may be a blessing to our state and our fellow citizens. We thank You for Your limitless gifts and ask these and all things in all Your holy names. Amen. The President, Lieutenant Governor Calley, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Motions and Communications Senators Pappageorge, Ananich, Young and Brandenburg entered the Senate Chamber. The Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Hansen, assumed the Chair. Senator Hopgood moved that Senator Johnson be excused from today’s session. The motion prevailed. Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.902 be suspended to allow his guests admittance to the Senate floor. The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor. Senator Meekhof moved that rule 2.106 be suspended to allow committees to meet during Senate session. The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor. Senator Pavlov asked and was granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal. The motion prevailed. Senator Pavlov’s first statement is as follows: I think over the next couple days, we are going to be saying good-bye to a lot of special people, whether they be staff or support staff. Today is a very special day for Jacqueline, someone whom if you have not had an opportunity to work with her over the years, it’s your loss. My only regret in working with Jacqueline is that I didn’t start four years ago, because the depth of knowledge and research that was available to me as a legislator has not been matched by anybody. I would like to read a Special Tribute: “LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is with great appreciation that we recognize Jacqueline Langwith for her work with the Legislative Service Bureau as a Science Research Analyst. For fifteen years, Jackie has assisted the Senate and the House of Representatives in applying scientific principles to the problems of our times. As she seeks new challenges, we take this moment to thank her for her significant contributions to the members of this legislative body and our entire state. Jackie Langwith came to the LSB in 2000 with a wealth of technical experience and a desire to put that knowledge at the disposal of Michigan’s leaders. A graduate of Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Jackie would travel north to earn her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Northern Michigan University and then her master’s degree in chemistry from Michigan Technological University. Remaining in the Upper Peninsula, she worked for years as a research scientist with the Plant Biotechnology Research Center at Michigan Tech before traveling back across the bridge to join LSB in Lansing. No. 83] [December 17, 2014] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE 2183 Intelligent, energetic, and dedicated, Jackie placed her unique and valuable knowledge and skills at the disposal of legisla- tors and staff. As an analyst with the Science and Technology Division and Research Services Division, she has answered thousands of research questions over the years and played a vital role in supporting policy development. Legislators, staff, and LSB bill drafters have found her an indispensable resource in understanding and learning about a broad range of issues related to public health, the environment, natural resources, and energy. Whether renewable energy, radioactive waste, oil and gas exploration, controlled substances, or another issue, Jackie has always provided the same level of thorough, professional, and unbiased input to all members and staff. Jackie’s colleagues will miss her cheerful attitude and optimism. Jackie’s time with LSB has coincided with significant landmarks in her life as well. She met her husband, Leo, and formed a new family with his children: Tony, Jessica, and Sam. Her parents, Tony and Mildred Leshkevich, remain an important part of her life, and a mention of her family would not be complete without acknowledging Cash and June, her faithful dogs. IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to thank Jackie Langwith for her service to the Senate and the entire Michigan Legislature. May she find similar success and happiness in her new career and in her life, and may she know that her contributions here have been deeply appreciated.” This tribute is signed by Speaker Bolger, our Majority Leader Richardville, Governor Snyder, and Senator Pavlov. Senator Pavlov’s second statement is as follows: On this tradition of saying good-bye to quality people, I happen to have another one who is leaving my office: John Brooks, who many of you have gotten to know over the last year and a half for his diligence and his organizational skills. I have him here today with a very Special Tribute as we send him on his way back to school: “LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is with deep appreciation for the great dedication, integrity, and service shown by John Fletcher Brooks to the state of Michigan, specifically the Michigan Legislature, its members, and its staff, that we offer this tribute as a heartfelt expression of our thanks and warmest wishes. With the commitment he has given to our state, John has exhibited the highest standards of citizenship. Along with the entire Michigan Senate, we express our sincere gratitude to John for a job well done. A graduate of Hillsdale College, John’s abilities, intelligence, passion, and character are prodigious and apparent and led him to serve admirably for nineteen months as legislative aide to State Senator Phillip J. Pavlov. His genuine care for the people of Michigan’s 25th Senate District is to be commended, as are his impressive sense of discipline and professionalism on par with that of many veteran legislative staff. His good-natured personality, quiet humor, and quirky interests have made John an excellent and enjoyable colleague whose presence and contributions will be missed. Our thanks and admiration now follow John as he returns to his alma mater to pursue graduate studies in politics at the Van Andel School of Statesmanship and as he embarks on the next phase of what will surely be a bright and prosperous career. IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to honor John Fletcher Brooks for his selfless dedication and service and to wish him the best of success in all of his future endeavors.” It is signed by me, Senator Pavlov, and our Governor Rick Snyder. Senator Meekhof moved that rule 3.901 be suspended to allow photographs to be taken from the Gallery. The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor. Recess Senator Meekhof moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed, the time being 10:22 a.m. 11:09 a.m. The Senate was called to order by the Assistant President pro tempore, Senator Hansen. Senator Jansen asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal. The motion prevailed.