No. 10

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Journal of the Senate

103rd Legislature

REGULAR SESSION OF 2025

Senate Chamber, Lansing, Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

10:00 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Jeremy Moss.

The roll was called by the Secretary of the Senate, who announced that a quorum was present.

Albert—present Hauck—present Moss—present

Anthony—present Hertel—present Nesbitt—present

Bayer—present Hoitenga—present Outman—present

Bellino—present Huizenga—present Polehanki—present

Brinks—present Irwin—present Runestad—present

Bumstead—present Johnson—excused Santana—present

Camilleri—excused Klinefelt—present Shink—present

Cavanagh—present Lauwers—present Singh—present

Chang—present Lindsey—present Theis—present

Cherry—present McBroom—excused Victory—present

Daley—excused McCann—present Webber—present

Damoose—present McMorrow—present Wojno—present

Geiss—present

Senator Dan Lauwers of the 25th District offered the following invocation:

God our Father, forgive our selfishness. Help us to be more selfless and willing to help one another. Help us to be mindful that our time here on Earth is short, and our time here in the Senate is even shorter. May we use this time, and may You grant us to make our homes, our communities, and our state a better place.

In Your Name we pray. Amen.

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss, led the members of the Senate in recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senators Singh, Anthony and Brinks entered the Senate Chamber.

Motions and Communications

Senator Lauwers moved that Senators Daley, McBroom and Johnson be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Cavanagh entered the Senate Chamber.

Senator Singh moved that Senator Camilleri be excused from today’s session.

The motion prevailed.

By unanimous consent the Senate proceeded to the order of

Messages from the Governor

The following messages from the Governor were received and read:

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 1 of 1966, MCL 125.1355, and MCL 16.735:

Barrier Free Design Board

Jamie Glenn of 1025 West Washington Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, Marquette County, reappointed as a member who is physically limited and a wheelchair user for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring on October 30, 2027.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.16121 and 333.16421:

Michigan Board of Chiropractic

Cecil Forbes of 7322 Sandy Creek Lane, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301, Oakland County, reappointed as a chiropractor for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 223 of 1976, MCL 18.352:

Crime Victim Services Commission

Karen Gray Sheffield of 19445 Gloucester Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48203, Wayne County, reappointed as a community-based victim advocate and Democrat for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring September 27, 2027.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Executive Order No. 2012-17 and MCL 400.1502:

Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board

Megan Widman of 30395 Leemoor Street, Beverly Hills, Michigan 48025, Oakland County, reappointed as a member with experience handling the problems of domestic violence and/or sexual violence for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 4, 2027.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.16121 and 333.17113:

Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery

Celeste Groenenberg of 8000 Werkner Road, Chelsea, Michigan 48118, Washtenaw County, reappointed as a midwife for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

Sarah Andrews of 156 East Division, N.E., Rockford, Michigan 49341, Kent County, succeeding Heather Robinson, whose term has expired, appointed as a midwife for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.17951:

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy

Rebecca Bartholomew of 35 Tipperary Road, Gladstone, Michigan 49837, Delta County, succeeding Jason Bucchus, whose term has expired, appointed as a massage therapist for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.16121 and 333.18305:

Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists

Cristian LaBar of 210 East Washington Street, Howell, Michigan 48843, Livingston County, reappointed as an occupational therapist for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978,
MCL 333.17501:

Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

Ronald Bishop of 2576 Koala Drive, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, Ingham County, reappointed as an osteopathic physician for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.16121 and 333.17821:

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

Benjamin Eggleston of 7667 Kenrob Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, Kent County, succeeding Nora Cascardo, whose term has expired, appointed as a physical therapist for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointments to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.18201 and 333.16121:

Michigan Board of Psychology

Harper West of 155 Arizona Avenue, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309, Oakland County, reappointed as a nondoctoral psychologist for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

Melissa Grey of 4007 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, Washtenaw County, reappointed as a psychologist for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 299 of 1980, MCL 339.2603 and 339.302:

Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Michael Gerendasy of 4235 Carey Lane, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301, Oakland County, succeeding Delbert Dinkins, whose term has expired, appointed as a certified general real estate appraiser for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028.

January 30, 2025

I respectfully submit to the Senate the following appointment to office pursuant to Public Act 368 of 1978, MCL 333.18801:

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine

Gabriel Kleinschmidt of 1422 Parnell Avenue Southeast, Ada, Michigan 49301, Kent County, succeeding Joanna Pennebaker, whose term has expired, appointed as a veterinary technician for a term commencing January 30, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028.

Respectfully,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

The appointments were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Recess

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 10:04 a.m.

10:56 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.

Introduction and Referral of Bills

Senator Webber introduced

Senate Joint Resolution A, entitled

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending section 13 of article IV, to limit the legislative session.

The joint resolution was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga, Lindsey, Runestad, Outman and McBroom introduced

Senate Bill No. 28, entitled

A bill to amend 1988 PA 466, entitled “Animal industry act,” by amending section 46 (MCL 287.746), as amended by 2019 PA 132.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.

Senator Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 29, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2227, 2617, 2617a, and 2618 (MCL 333.2227, 333.2617, 333.2617a, and 333.2618), section 2227 as added by 2006 PA 653 and section 2617a as added by 2016 PA 479, and by adding section 2617b.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senator Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 30, entitled

A bill to create the biased and unjust care reporting act; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Cavanagh and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 31, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 20201 and 21513 (MCL 333.20201 and 333.21513), section 20201 as amended by 2016 PA 499 and section 21513 as amended by 2022 PA 265, and by adding section 21537.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Cavanagh and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 32, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” by amending section 2434 (MCL 500.2434), as added by 1986 PA 173.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Anthony and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 33, entitled

A bill to amend 1998 PA 386, entitled “Estates and protected individuals code,” by amending sections 5507 and 5509 (MCL 700.5507 and 700.5509), section 5507 as amended by 2024 PA 1 and section 5509 as amended by 2004 PA 532.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Chang and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 34, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 453, entitled “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” by amending sections 201 and 301 (MCL 37.2201 and 37.2301), section 201 as amended by 2023 PA 31 and section 301 as amended by 2023 PA 6.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Santana and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 35, entitled

A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” by amending section 3a (MCL 722.623a), as added by 1996 PA 581.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Anthony and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 36, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 2701, 2705, 2709, and 2723 (MCL 333.2701, 333.2705, 333.2709, and 333.2723), section 2701 as amended by 2022 PA 38, section 2705 as amended by 2022 PA 37, section 2709 as added by 1990 PA 16, and section 2723 as amended by 2014 PA 173.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senator Santana introduced

Senate Bill No. 37, entitled

A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled “The insurance code of 1956,” (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 3406cc.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senator Santana introduced

Senate Bill No. 38, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” by amending section 109 (MCL 400.109), as amended by 2022 PA 98.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators Anthony and Geiss introduced

Senate Bill No. 39, entitled

A bill to amend 1939 PA 280, entitled “The social welfare act,” (MCL 400.1 to 400.119b) by adding sections 109q and 109r.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senator Lindsey introduced

Senate Bill No. 40, entitled

A bill to create the developing effective policies on orderly removal and transportation task force and to prescribe its powers and duties; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Damoose, Chang, McCann, Geiss and McBroom introduced

Senate Bill No. 41, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 108.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Senators Albert, Lindsey, Runestad, Daley, Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga and Hauck introduced

Senate Bill No. 42, entitled

A bill to create the immigration and customs enforcement support fund; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Albert, Lindsey, Runestad, Daley, Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga and Hauck introduced

Senate Bill No. 43, entitled

A bill to require certain law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration officer functions under the direction and oversight of certain federal immigration agencies; to create the jail enforcement model and warrant service officer program; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Albert, Lindsey, Runestad, Daley, Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga and Hauck introduced

Senate Bill No. 44, entitled

A bill to prohibit the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by an individual who is an alien; to provide penalties; to prohibit criminal arrests at certain locations; to provide for certain court orders; to grant immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions to certain state and local government officials, employees, and contractors; to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local government officers and entities; to provide for the legal defense of state officials, employees, and contractors; and to provide for reimbursement of certain state and local government officials, employees, and contractors for certain legal expenses.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Albert, Lindsey, Runestad, Daley, Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga and Hauck introduced

Senate Bill No. 45, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 17d of chapter XVII (MCL 777.17d), as amended by 2013 PA 124.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Irwin, Polehanki, Chang, Shink, McMorrow, Geiss, Cherry, Santana, Cavanagh and Bayer introduced

Senate Bill No. 46, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 399, entitled “Safe drinking water act,” by amending sections 2, 3, and 15 (MCL 325.1002, 325.1003, and 325.1015), section 2 as amended by 1998 PA 56 and section 15 as amended by 1993 PA 165.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services.

Senators McBroom, Santana and Damoose introduced

Senate Bill No. 47, entitled

A bill to amend 1943 PA 240, entitled “State employees’ retirement act,” by amending section 55 (MCL 38.55), as amended by 2011 PA 264, and by adding sections 50b and 64a.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Santana, McBroom and Damoose introduced

Senate Bill No. 48, entitled

A bill to amend 1986 PA 182, entitled “State police retirement act of 1986,” by amending sections 3, 4, 14, and 70 (MCL 38.1603, 38.1604, 38.1614, and 38.1670), sections 3, 4, and 14 as amended and section 70 as added by 2018 PA 674, and by adding sections 14b and 24c.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Senators Cherry, Klinefelt, Shink, Geiss, Cavanagh, Bayer and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 49, entitled

A bill to amend 1974 PA 154, entitled “Michigan occupational safety and health act,” by amending the title and sections 4, 13, 14, 14a, 14e, 14f, 14j, 14n, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 41, 45, 46, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 65, and 91 (MCL 408.1004, 408.1013, 408.1014, 408.1014a, 408.1014e, 408.1014f, 408.1014j, 408.1014n, 408.1024, 408.1027, 408.1028, 408.1029, 408.1030, 408.1031, 408.1033, 408.1035, 408.1036, 408.1037, 408.1041, 408.1045, 408.1046, 408.1052, 408.1054, 408.1055, 408.1056, 408.1063, 408.1065, and 408.1091), the title as amended by 1986 PA 147, sections 4, 35, and 36 as amended by 2024 PA 17, section 14 as amended by 2020 PA 143, sections 14a, 14e, 14f, 14j, 24, 31, 54, and 63 as amended by 2012 PA 447, section 14n as amended by 1991 PA 105, section 33 as amended by 1996 PA 87, and section 55 as amended by 1993 PA 197; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Senators Cherry, Klinefelt, Shink, Geiss, Cavanagh, Bayer and Chang introduced

Senate Bill No. 50, entitled

A bill to amend 1927 PA 175, entitled “The code of criminal procedure,” by amending section 14b of chapter XVII (MCL 777.14b), as added by 2002 PA 29.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Senators Geiss, Moss, Bayer, Santana, Cavanagh, Cherry, Polehanki, Wojno, McMorrow, Chang, McCann and Damoose introduced

Senate Bill No. 51, entitled

A bill to declare the powers and duties of the Black leadership advisory council; and to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

Senators Geiss, Cherry, Bayer, Polehanki and Wojno introduced

Senate Bill No. 52, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 639, entitled “Hertel-Law-T. Stopczynski port authority act,” by amending the title and sections 2, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 14a, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, and 25 (MCL 120.102, 120.108, 120.109, 120.110, 120.113, 120.114, 120.114a, 120.116, 120.118, 120.120, 120.123, 120.124, and 120.125), the title as amended and section 14a as added by 1998 PA 188, sections 14 and 18 as amended by 2002 PA 412, and section 23 as amended by 1984 PA 256, and by adding section 19a.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Senator McBroom introduced

Senate Bill No. 53, entitled

A bill to amend 2001 PA 142, entitled “Michigan memorial highway act,” (MCL 250.1001 to 250.2092) by adding section 15b.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Senator Cherry introduced

Senate Bill No. 54, entitled

A bill to amend 2023 PA 10, entitled “An act to require prevailing wages and fringe benefits on state projects; to establish the requirements and responsibilities of contracting agents and bidders; to make appropriations for the implementation of this act; and to prescribe penalties,” by amending section 9 (MCL 408.1109).

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Senator Anthony introduced

Senate Bill No. 55, entitled

A bill to make, supplement, and adjust appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Senator Anthony introduced

Senate Bill No. 56, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 11 and 236 (MCL 388.1611 and 388.1836), section 11 as amended by 2024 PA 148 and section 236 as amended by 2024 PA 120, and by adding section 201i.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Senators Chang, Irwin and Shink introduced

Senate Bill No. 57, entitled

A bill to enact the uniform public expression protection act; and to provide protections and remedies to persons sued for exercising rights to expression and other constitutionally protected rights.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

Senators Bumstead, Outman, Shink, Cherry, Chang, Hoitenga, Hauck and Damoose introduced

Senate Bill No. 58, entitled

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1163a.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Education.

Senator McBroom introduced

Senate Bill No. 59, entitled

A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled “The state school aid act of 1979,” by amending sections 6 and 11 (MCL 388.1606 and 388.1611), section 6 as amended by 2023 PA 320 and section 11 as amended by 2024 PA 148, and by adding section 61e.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Senator Wojno introduced

Senate Bill No. 60, entitled

A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending section 16189 (MCL 333.16189), as amended by 2022 PA 38.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

House Bill No. 4001, entitled

A bill to amend 2014 PA 138, entitled “Workforce opportunity wage act,” by amending sections 4 and 4b (MCL 408.414 and 408.414b); and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.

House Bill No. 4002, entitled

A bill to amend 2018 PA 338, entitled “Earned sick time act,” by amending sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 (MCL 408.962, 408.963, 408.964, 408.965, 408.966, 408.967, 408.968, 408.970, 408.971, and 408.972).

The House of Representatives has passed the bill and ordered that it be given immediate effect.

The bill was read a first and second time by title and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Affairs.

Recess

Senator Singh moved that the Senate recess subject to the call of the Chair.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:05 a.m.

11:24 a.m.

The Senate was called to order by the President pro tempore, Senator Moss.

By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of

Motions and Communications

The following communication was received and read:

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

February 4, 2025

Pursuant to Senate Rule 1.105, I hereby announce the appointments of Senators to standing committees for this the 103rd Legislature.

Joint Capital Outlay - Senator Sean McCann, Chair

Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS - Senator John Cherry, Majority Vice Chair

Appropriations Subcommittee on DHHS - Senator Veronica Klinefelt

Appropriations Subcommittee on LEO/MEDC - Senator Sean McCann, Majority Vice Chair

Appropriations Subcommittee on LEO/MEDC - Senator John Cherry

Appropriations Subcommittee on PreK12 - Senator Rosemary Bayer

Appropriations Subcommittee on MiLEAP - Senator Rosemary Bayer, Chair, Senator Veronica Klinefelt, Senator Thomas Albert

Regulatory Affairs - Senator Sam Singh

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Winnie Brinks

Senate Majority Leader

The appointments were approved, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Joseph N. Bellino, Jr.

January 29, 2025

I write to respectfully request that my name be added as a co-sponsor to Senator Jonathan Lindsey’s Senate Bill No. 40.

Thank you,

Joseph Bellino

State Senator - District 16

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

The following communication was received:

Office of Senator Michele Hoitenga

January 29, 2025

I am writing to request that I be added as a co-sponsor of Senator Lindsey’s bill, SB 40.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

Michele Hoitenga

State Senator of the 36th District

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

The following communication was received:

Department of State Police

January 31, 2025

Pursuant to MCL 500.6110 please see the attached annual report from the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority.

Thank you,

Sgt. Travis R. Fletcher

Government Relations Section

Office of the Director

The communication was referred to the Secretary for record.

Statements

Senators Polehanki and Damoose asked and were granted unanimous consent to make statements and moved that the statements be printed in the Journal.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Polehanki’s statement is as follows:

Mr. President, I’m concerned and frankly, I’m disgusted that new Republican House Speaker Matt Hall is unconstitutionally holding hostage a bill that protects Michigan teachers, police officers, and firefighters from unmanageable surges in their health care costs. In December, during our 29-hour long marathon session, Michigan legislative Democrats passed House Bill No. 6058, which would provide much-needed relief from skyrocketing healthcare premiums. But instead of moving the bill to the Governor for her signature into law, Speaker Hall is unconstitutionally holding it hostage.

Mr. President, a bipartisan coalition came together last year to put partisanship aside and give these teachers and our first responders urgently-needed relief. They’re already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, and because of the way our laws are written, thousands of them are set to see huge increases in the cost of their health care if this bill isn’t signed by Governor Whitmer.

In the case of teachers, by holding up this legislation, Republicans in the House are effectively sending them a huge health care bill at the same time that many of them are considering leaving the field because they still are struggling to make ends meet. For example, in my district, Garden City Public School teachers are estimated to have out-of-pocket costs for health care between $2,500 and $3,500. My old school district, where I taught for a very long time, has teachers’ estimated out-of-pocket costs for healthcare at $3,120. These teachers are telling me that the increased pay that Democrats gave them over the past two years is being eaten up and in some cases erased by their rising health care costs.

My Republican colleagues might be able to afford to play politics right now—and that’s what it is—by withholding this bill from the Governor, but public school teachers and our first responders can’t. This is the worst example of political gamesmanship that I have seen in my six years in state government.

It’s unfortunate that the Michigan Senate Democrats have to sue Speaker Hall in order to get him to do the right thing. Speaker Hall, on behalf of the thousands of Michigan teachers, firefighters, and police officers who are counting on you, release House Bill No. 6058 from wherever you’re holding it hostage and present it to the Governor.

Senator Damoose’s statement is as follows:

Friends—and I say that word intentionally, friends—because I view many of you as friends and I value these relationships we’ve developed as we work from different perspectives to hopefully find common ground that leads to the best outcomes for the highest number of our residents, but we’re not off to a good start this term. I would appeal to our better angels and our higher ideals as we move forward over the next two years. We’ve seen impassioned speeches on both sides of the aisle about inflammatory national issues that have absolutely nothing to do with state government. We’ve seen resolutions and amendments designed to set each other up and get each other on record to embarrass each other, to shame each other, and score political points.

We must resolve at this very moment to stop, to insist that we will not indulge in the temptation to just yell and scream and fight because it feels good or because it will appeal to a certain part of our base. We must resolve to take the harder role and exercise self-control to be slow to anger, to give one another the benefit of the doubt which, make no mistake, is much more difficult and takes much more strength than giving into our anger. If we cannot do these things, we will do nothing but waste everybody’s time and resources over the next two years.

Again, some think that hostility and anger is a sign of toughness, a sign of really being in there fighting. That’s a mark of our debased culture that has come to look at politics not as an arena for responsible government and organization of society but as sport, akin to boxing or a cage fight, that appeals to our basest instincts. What really requires toughness is that ability to rise above, to exhibit mastery over our emotions, to swallow our basic instincts, and work together with everything we have to address the very real challenges facing our state. The people of our state deserve the best of our thinking.

A prominent journalist just last week wrote a powerful opinion piece calling for maturity amongst the members of this body. We should be ashamed to have exhibited behavior that such a call is even conceivable. We’re Senators for the state of Michigan, what should be a dignified position. People are counting on us.

Let’s forget about the last couple of weeks. Let’s agree to forgive what needs to be forgiven, overlook bad behavior on both sides of the aisle, and start over. I think we can indeed be productive in this divided government and we can indeed still do our duty in a way where, as we close out this session at the end of next year, we can be proud that we left the state in a better condition than we found it.

Scheduled Meetings

Appropriations and House Appropriations, Joint – Wednesday, February 5, 11:00 a.m., State Room, Heritage Hall, Capitol Building (517) 373‑5307

Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety – Wednesday, February 5, 3:30 p.m., Room 1200, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373‑5312

Economic and Community Development – Thursday, February 6, 12:00 noon, Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-1721 (CANCELLED)

Health Policy – Wednesday, February 5, 3:00 p.m., Room 1100, Binsfeld Office Building (517) 373-5323

Regulatory Affairs – Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 p.m., and Tuesday, February 11, 8:30 a.m., Room 403, 4th Floor, Capitol Building (517) 373-1721

Senator Singh moved that the Senate adjourn.

The motion prevailed, the time being 11:32 a.m.

The President pro tempore, Senator Moss declared the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

DANIEL OBERLIN

Secretary of the Senate