Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced a lawsuit challenging the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) order granting health care benefits to unrelated adults and their dependents living with state employees. The order, which takes effect October 1st, permits unmarried state employees to include an unrelated adult “co-habitant” and the co-habitant’s dependents on state health care plans.
Schuette, in taking action parallel with earlier positions of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, is filing the lawsuit based on the CSC’s alleged violation of their authority.
Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) issued statements praising Schuette for his actions. Both Republican legislative leaders had previously and frequently communicated their opposition to the CSC ruling – going as far as attempting to overturn the ruling legislatively. The measure, SCR 9, obtained the necessary 2/3 majority in the State Senate; however, failed to do so in the House – ending the opportunity for legislative reversal.