Lansing - When the state House met in full session Thursday for the first time since June, some members wore red, white and blue to show their American pride.
With thoughts still focused on the Sept. 11 attacks, Michigan legislators spoke briefly about rescue and retaliation efforts before passing a resolution to support leaders in the nation’s capital.
The state Senate reconvened Wednesday.
At the start of session, Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, asked members to take part in a prayer for the nation and those affected.
“Father, please bless our president and vice president and other leaders in government and the military,” he said. “Grant them your wisdom and guidance.”
The House’s resolution saluted the united efforts of Americans who have come together in the aftermath of the attacks and government agencies working in response.
State Rep. Paul DeWeese, R-Williamston, said it is good to be back and to be able to continue with government work, but the nation faces important issues in approaching days.
“Our national situation is grave a little bit, this is a watershed for our country, but also challenging locally,” he said.
The state House also passed leftover bills from the spring session Thursday, including the approval of the higher education budget.
The budget provides a 1.5 percent budget increase for state colleges and universities, totaling $42.8 million. The budget is expected to be approved by Gov. John Engler, said state Rep. Sandy Caul, R-Mt. Pleasant, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education.
“It took a while to get this budget done because we tried to put the Tuition Tax Credit repeal in the bill,” Caul said.
The Tuition Tax Credit was repealed in the state Senate Wednesday and is headed to the state House. Caul said the House decided to pass the higher education budget now, and if the Tuition Tax Credit is repealed, it will be worked in later.
“I hope that more of my colleagues will approve it,” said state Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
