Whereas, Child support strengthens Michigan families and invests in the future of our children, our communities and our state; and,

Whereas, Children should receive the emotional and financial support they need from both parents, and failure to provide that support results in serious consequences for the children, parents and citizens of Michigan; and,

Whereas, Michigan's child support program has worked with hospitals to increase the paternity establishment percentage to over 90 percent so that both parents can provide emotional and financial support; and,

Whereas, Michigan's child support workers increased collections per worker in 2006 by over $24,000 to a total of $573,356 collected per worker; and,

Whereas, Michigan continues it national leadership role in child support collections distributed, currently ranking sixth highest with $1.4 billion distributed in 2006; and,

Whereas, Michigan consistently ranks among the top states nationally in total caseload, total cases with collections, child support arrearages distributed and total cases paying with arrearages due; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2007, as Child Support Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to recognize the efforts of those working to strengthen our families by ensuring financial and emotional support of Michigan's greatest resource, our children.