The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Observe - Committee Hearing and Legislation Session
While I visited Lansing on Feb. 10, 2009, I had the chance to attend a Senate session and several committee hearings. It was exciting to yet again witness the making and passing of new legislation.
After arriving at the Capitol, I was escorted through the back corridors and up the stairs into the Senate gallery. Senator Mark Jansen acknowledged me and Lieutenant Governor John Cherry thanked me for coming. The senator applauded and I sat back down. That introduction was a very neat experience, and I thank the senator for recognizing me in that special way.
A few minutes later, the Senate began its formal business. Lawmakers voted on Senate Bills 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107. Each piece of legislation received a unanimous 37-0 vote and moved on to the House.
This packet of bills "would make numerous changes in the Friend of the Court Act." The package was introduced in 2006 by Senator Jansen in an attempt to improve efficiency for the Friend of the Court. Senator Jansen put much effort into the success of this legislation, so this was an exciting day for him.
Once the voting was finished a few other business procedures followed and then came a somber moment. Senator Ron Jelinek, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, rose to speak. When he began to talk the chamber became quieter. Sensing the importance of the moment, Lieutenant Governor Cherry banged the gavel and demanded that everyone listen intently. Fighting back emotions, Sen. Jelinek honored his wife Diane who died of cancer on January 30, 2009. He thanked those who had shown them comfort and support when she was in the hospital and also for the sympathies given after her death. Jelinek's remarks concluded the legislative session.
Later in the afternoon I attended three committee hearings. These committees included the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services, Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, and the Senate Committee on Families and Human Services.
The Families and Human Services Committee hearing was the most interesting and relevant to me. The goal of the committee was to develop a bill that would reduce issues with the state adoption process and to increase state adoptions. Senator Jansen chaired the committee and Senators Hardiman and Jacobs also attended. Five groups were invited to make presentations on the issue and each spoke on the problems with the current state adoption system.
State adoption has become a lengthy and frustrating process. Paperwork - often an inch thick - is required to be filled out by the potential adopting family. The process takes more than a year to complete. Brad Snavely from Michigan Family Forum said that most people do not understand the problem. By working through the churches, Snavely hopes to dispel myths such as the cost involvement, birth family members taking the child back, and foster care used for children with criminal backgrounds. He explained that if just one family from each church in Michigan would adopt a child, every youngster in Michigan would be off the waiting list and would have a home.
Those testifying indicated support for reform the process of adoptions. The court system recognizes the problem along with private adoption agencies. Senator Jansen has nobly taken up this issue.
The session and committee meetings were both very informative. I had a wonderful time in Lansing experiencing firsthand the procedures of state government.
