LANSING –State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) today announced that a plan to end lifelong health care for Michigan's future lawmakers was reported out of the House Government Operations Committee and will now head to the House floor for a vote. The legislation is part of the House Democrats' plan to cut the state House budget by 5 percent.
"Our citizens are bearing the brunt of the sacrifices in these tough economic times, and it's only fair that our lawmakers share in those sacrifices," Valentine said. "This plan will end the special treatment given to our legislators. No other job grants you a lifetime of free health care for only six years of service."
The plan also requires legislators to shoulder more of the cost of their health care. The plan is part of a larger package recently proposed that will:
- Require current lawmakers to pay more for health care coverage and ensure they pay the same amount for health care that all other state employees pay.
- Increase monthly health care co-pays for State Representatives, their staff members and other legislative workers.
- Cut the budget for the House of Representatives by more than 5 percent, or $3 million.
- Ban the use of state funds for out-of-state travel for State Representatives.
- Cut positions within the House of Representatives to eliminate redundancies.
Valentine added that he expects the House to act quickly on this legislation and called on her Republican colleagues to join her in support of the plan.