The motion prevailed.
Senator Hertel’s statement is as follows:
Today I rise and ask for your support for my legislation to create a tax check-off for the Michigan chapter of the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association.
Congenital heart disease is the No. 1 birth defect and consists of problems with the heart’s structure or the way it works that are present at birth, including related life-long consequences. One in 100 newborns are born with CHD, there is an estimated two to three million people living with CHD, and 25 percent of children born with CHD need heart surgery or other intervention to survive.
On October 23, 2015, Ruby Jane Schupbach, the inspiration for this legislation, was born with CHD. Ruby, the fourth child to David and Gail Schupbach, at one month old, had her first open heart surgery. She is now four and has had three open-heart surgeries and more than ten heart catheterizations. Ruby is more than just a statistic, and will have a long road ahead for her CHD journey; but like many CHD warriors, you wouldn’t know it when you meet her. She is happy, playful, and precocious.
While there is no cure, thanks to advances in medical research, more and more children are surviving. Over 85 percent of babies born with CHD will now live to reach the age of 18. Michigan families have found their support in the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association. They have been connected to research, resources, and comfort. All funds raised through this check-off will go to the Michigan chapter of the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association in support of their efforts to improve the lives of those with CHD and their families through direct support, education, research, and awareness.
Please join me in supporting the millions of individuals living with congenital heart disease by voting in support of this legislation.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 371, entitled
A bill to amend 1967 PA 281, entitled “Income tax act of 1967,” by amending section 435 (MCL 206.435), as amended by 2018 PA 258.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: