80-20 Health Care Benefit Measure Passes Senate

Essentially all public employees will be required to pay 20 percent of their health care premiums beginning January 1, 2012 under legislation passed by the State Senate Wednesday. The legislation would affect employees of the State, cities, counties, townships, school districts, community colleges and charter schools.

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township), passed the upper chamber 25-13, with Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) joining all twelve Senate Democrats in opposition. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives where it has been referred to the Committee on Oversight, Reform and Ethics. The Chairman of the House panel, Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester) has indicated his intention to address the measure soon. Additionally, House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) has expressed his support for the reform.

Democrats were unsuccessful in their attempts at many amendments, including one by Senator Glenn Anderson (D-Westland), seeking to tie-bar the measure to House Bill 4081, legislation sponsored by Representative Dian Slavens (D-Canton) seeking to end the lifetime healthcare benefits for lawmakers.

A separate measure that requires the same of Michigan’s 15 public universities also passed – this time on a straight party-line vote of 26-12. SJR C seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution as the public universities are autonomous under the Constitution. The Senate vote secured the necessary 2/3 approval; however, the proposal has an uncertain future in the House as significant crossover votes by Democrats (11 members) is necessary to obtain a 2/3 majority.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, May 20, 2011 10:04 AM
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