The same week that a constitutional amendment was introduced by Representative Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) to abolish the Civil Service Commission (House Joint Resolution N), a Senate panel voted to reject the Commission’s ruling extending state employee benefits to non-married partners. According to the ruling, state employees could include live-in girlfriends or boyfriends and their children on health insurance plans as long as the couples (straight or gay) have lived together for at least a year.
Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 9, sponsored by Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township
The Michigan Attorney General and State Employer have determined the Commission’s ruling to be an increase in rate of compensation, which allows the Legislature 60 days to reject or reduce the increase; however, any action by the legislature requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber.