By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
The state Senate has approved the elimination of retirement health insurance benefits for future lawmakers and state-elected officials. The measure does not affect current or former legislators.
Many Democrats in the Senate would like to keep the benefits for future lawmakers, but with higher premiums.
Democratic state Senator Mickey Switalski.
"Is it fair that future legislators who serve six years in the House and eight years in the Senate, for a total of 14 years, get no coverage?" he asks. "Should we treat legislators worse than any other state employee or teacher?"
Switalski says if the Legislature gets rid of the benefits for future lawmakers, it should also apply to those currently serving. The House has already approved the elimination of retirement benefits for future lawmakers.