Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the Senate on February 18, 2009

The vote was 21 in favor, 16 opposed and 0 not voting

(Senate Roll Call 90 at Senate Journal 0)

Click here to view bill details.

 

Senator Scott’s statement is as follows:

Our state is facing an unprecedented economic situation, and I realize the state must tighten its budget just as Michigan families are being forced to. That is why this budget is so important and why it is important to get it right. This budget provides funds to re-train workers, prevent home foreclosures, and aid the underprivileged and disabled.

I appreciate that funding is maintained for the Michigan Nursing Corps program, fire protection grants, and the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. But over half of the Governor’s recommended General Fund has been cut for the No Workers Left Behind program, which provides vital funds to re-train workers who have lost their jobs.

There is also boilerplate which not only ties the hands of MIOSHA’s ergonomics board, but calls on MIOSHA’s functions to be transferred to the federal government. Consequently, I cannot support this budget as is, but I hope that we will be able to work together to address these issues on the budget process moving forward.

So I ask my colleagues to oppose this budget.

 

Senator Thomas’ statement is as follows:

I voted “no” on the DELEG budget because I believed it contained unnecessary spending in a time of unprecedented economic upheavel for the state of Michigan. We heard an explanation from one proponent that the money for the transfer to the Agriculture Department was going for economic development activities. Another proponent said it was going for dairy inspectors. I think that highlights the point I was making that this is a $500,000 boondoggle to a nebulous state program which is unproven at best and, I think, unnecessary, and certainly not in the public’s best interest given our budget situation.

So for those reasons, I voted “no.”

 

Rep. Young, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted against senate bill 243 for two reasons: First of all, senate bill 243 is unconstitutional because according to section 24 Article 4 a law cannot embrace more than one subject and SB 243 clearly does that. The fact that a provision to prohibit OFIR from stopping insurance companies from using credit scoring to determine the rates of their premiums has no business in the DLEG budget and is a violation of our oath of office.

Finally, SB 243 with this credit scoring provision is a sinister and violent assault on the citizens of the 4th district (Detroit) which I represent. In an area where on average Detroiters pay $5000 a year in auto insurance your rates should be determined on your driving record not your credit score. The only way in which Detroit will travel on the road of renaissance is to break free from the bondage of excessive auto insurance rates and strive forward towards economic splendor and social glory.”