Bill Text: MI SR0143 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to call on the President and Congress of the United States to approve a federal infrastructure investment plan that prioritizes American workers, American materials, and independent American funding, without increasing the tax burden on middle-class families.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-03-14 - Referred To Committee On Transportation [SR0143 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SR0143-Introduced.html
Senators Ananich, Bieda, Conyers, Gregory, Hertel, Hopgood, Knezek, Warren and Young offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 143.
A resolution to call on the President and Congress of the United States to approve a federal infrastructure investment plan that prioritizes American workers, American materials, and independent American funding, without increasing the tax burden on middle-class families.
Whereas, The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) found that the United States needs an investment of approximately $2 trillion over the next decade to improve our national infrastructure, including transportation, water, and energy systems; and
Whereas, Michigan's infrastructure needs are substantial and costly to Michigan's residents and businesses. The 2017 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card noted:
…driving on roads in need of repair in Michigan costs each driver $540 per year, and 11.1% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Michigan are an estimated $13.8 billion, and wastewater needs total $2.07 billion. 88 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential.
Governor Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission reported that Michigan should be spending $4 billion more a year on infrastructure needs; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that significant investment in infrastructure improvement increases productivity and has a positive impact on job growth and increased wages. However, we must ensure that any national infrastructure investment plan protects the interests of our nation and its citizens; and
Whereas, The benefits of infrastructure investments to Americans can be negated if foreign materials and workers are used. Despite the President’s claims about not using foreign steel for projects, it has been reported that some major pipelines will continue to rely on Chinese steel; and
Whereas, Our nation's critical public infrastructure must remain free from corruption and potential foreign influence and control. The President’s recently announced infrastructure proposal reportedly includes a $40 billion investment in U.S. infrastructure from Saudi Arabia and other unidentified investors; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we call upon the President and Congress of the United States to approve a federal infrastructure investment plan no later than March 30, 2018; and be it further
Resolved, That we strongly urge that the plan:
1) Is not primarily funded by increased state and local taxes and fees on middle-class families or through investments by private funders with connections to the President;
2) Includes the strongest possible provisions to prioritize the hiring of American workers and the use of American materials so that any federally-funded infrastructure investment in Michigan will give preference in hiring first to skilled Michigan workers paid a fair wage and will prioritize using products made or grown in Michigan or America;
3) Ensures that any federally-funded infrastructure projects are not owned or primarily funded by a foreign country, unless that country shares a natural border with the United States; and
4) Does not weaken standards regarding public health and safety—like those standards addressing levels of dangerous substances in drinking water; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
