Kuipers sponsors resolution to reject governors executive order removing Commission of Agricultures decision-making ability
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
LANSING – State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today introduced a concurrent resolution to reject the governor’s executive order that would allow her to appoint the director of agriculture rather than the Michigan Commission of Agriculture.
“This is about supporting our agricultural community,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry. It’s a growing industry and a model of success. I fail to understand why the governor wants to change it.”
The concurrent resolution formally disapproves of Executive Order No. 2009-45. The order changes selection of the Department of Agriculture director to a gubernatorial appointment.
“The governor unfortunately decided to strip the commission of its historical power to select the state agriculture director,” said Kuipers. “The commission provides an open and collaborative decision process. We must reject the governor’s EO. Michigan needs an agriculture director with a strong understanding of the agriculture industry. The position is too important to become a political appointment.”
The Legislature has 60 calendar days to reject the governor’s executive order. If approved by the Senate, the resolution would head to the House for consideration. To formally reject the order, the House must also approve the resolution.
“I urge my legislative colleagues to stand up for Michigan agriculture and swiftly approve this resolution,” Kuipers said. “The commission provides Michigan residents with transparency and an opportunity to be directly involved with decisions that will affect the agriculture industry.”
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