to adopt the meeting minutes from February 2, 2023.
Representative Wozniak moved to adopt the meeting minutes from February 2, 2023. There being no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent. The Chair laid HB 4044 before the committee: HB 4044 (Rep. Koleszar) A bill to amend 1947 PA 336, entitled "An act to prohibit strikes by certain public employees; to provide review from disciplinary action with respect thereto; to provide for the mediation of grievances and the holding of elections; to declare and protect the rights and privileges of public employees; to require certain provisions in collective bargaining agreements; to prescribe means of enforcement and penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act; and to make appropriations," by repealing section 15b (MCL 423.215b). Representative Koleszar testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Zachary Kasprzak, representing the Howell Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Rachel Foreman, representing the Harper Creek Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. David Gott, representing the ASA as a Retired Educator, testified in support of HB 4044. Todd Simon, representing the Waverly Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Rick Meeth, representing the Bay City Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. Christopher DeYonke, representing the Farmington Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. Donna Jackson, representing the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals, testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Natasha Szpaichler, and Dwan McGrady, representing the Detroit Federation of Teachers Local 231, testified in support of HB 4044. Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, representing the Detroit Federation of Teachers, testified in support of HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Chris Glass, representing the Education Advocates of West Michigan, testified in opposition to HB 4044. Questions and discussion followed. Heather Reid, representing the Kalamazoo Education Association, testified in support of HB 4044. The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4044, but did not wish to speak: Todd Tennis, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Michigan State Conference, and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Michigan Legislative Conference. Steven Ruppa, representing the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Ryan Sebolt, representing the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations of Michigan. Yousef Rabhi, representing the Michigan Nurses Association. Jonathan Byrd, representing the Michigan Laborers' International Union of North America. Andy Neumann, representing the Michigan Education Association. The following people submitted a card in opposition to HB 4044, but did not wish to speak: Matt Schueller, representing the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators. Peter Spadafore, representing the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity. David Randels, representing Oakland Schools. Bob Kefgen, representing the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. Jerry Johnson, representing the Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe Intermediate School Districts. Sarah Anderson, representing the Michigan Freedom Fund. Beth DeShone, representing the Great Lakes Education Project Education Fund. Jennifer Smith, representing the Michigan Association of School Boards. The following people submitted a card in support of HB 4044, but due to the time constraints were unable to speak: Mary Bouwense, representing the Michigan Education Association-Retired. Lincoln Stocks, representing the Eastpointe Federation of Educators. Matt Marlow, representing the Grand Rapids Education Association. There being no further business before the committee, Chair Haadsma adjourned the meeting at 10:28 AM. Representative Jim Haadsma, Chair Edward Sleeper Committee Clerk esleeper@house.mi.gov